the design conservative

UPDATED with statement from FOX40 News Courtesy of The Right...

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 22:48:00 -0600

**UPDATED with statement from FOX40 News**

Another shining example of the disrespect that is heaped upon conservatives, in general, and Governor Sarah Palin, specifically…

After giving a speech at California State University, Stanislaus, the governor was mocked by cameramen from Sacramento’s FOX40 station who were covering the event live. The best quote (may not be exact due to audio quality):

Now we know the dumbness doesn’t just come from soundbytes…

The video didn’t capture all of their commentary, but you get the idea. We’ll just wait here for the FOX40 apology to Governor Palin and the unsuspecting public who wanted to tune in and hear what she had to say.

Stay classy, “objective” media.

- tdc

FOX40 Contact Info:

Phone Number - Main: (916) 454-4422
FOX40 Live - Leigh Anne Keys, FOX40 Live Exec. Producer - leighanne.keys@fox40.com

*UPDATE:

FOX40 News issues a statement in response to the controversy surrounding the post-speech commentary. It reads, in part:

The comments overheard were made by reporters assembled from other newspaper and television outlets, and at no time was the voice of our photographer or our reporter heard on the stream. It’s very likely that those reporters and photographers were unaware, or simply forgot, that there was one television station with an open microphone broadcasting to the world.

spontaneous alaska in a nutshell

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:05:00 -0600

PLANNING IS OVERRATED

As many/some/one of you may know, I recently took a spontaneous and all-too-brief trip to the great state of Alaska. My original plan was to travel up north for a late-summer vacation, however, I tend to fold like a wet nappie when peer pressure is combined with travel incentives. Thus, a couple of weeks ago, when I was repeatedly told that I should just “come on up”, it seemed silly to do anything other than blindly obey. So, in the end, I justified my quick, unplanned trip with the following reasoning:

I had to help my friend, Eddie Burke, with his campaign for lieutenant governor.
It was only polite that I travel to meet some of my peeps and tweeps that I had heretofore only known online.
I planned to go up anyway…why not go twice?

In my head, these reasons were sufficient enough to push the “Purchase Ticket Now” button on the Travelocity website, and pack up the oversized backpack that had previously seen its way through a couple of European jaunts. What was done, was done. No time for guilt or regrets. So, before I knew it…away I went!

THE BEST OF INTENTIONS

In the airport, I had grandiose dreams of using the Tumblr mobile blogging app to regale my (six?) readers with fascinating yarns about my Alaskan adventures - the sites, the sounds, the wildlife, the folks….But, after an initial test post to make sure the app worked, I quickly realized there would be no mobile blogging after I landed.

You see, Alaska is just too darn gorgeous…

…the four-wheelin’ too darn fun…

…and the moose too funny lookin’…

…I couldn’t tear myself away from the reality of it all long enough to write it up! So, I apologize for not logging every moment of every day to share here on tdc. But, let me assure you: you don’t need my words to understand what a wonderful experience it was.

WITH AN ALASKAN HEART

You can probably imagine the stunning beauty of the natural environment in Alaska. The mountains are huge, the skies vast, and the rivers cool and crisp and glacier-blue. Indeed, these are the things I thought of first when I stepped off the plane in Anchorage and took in my first glimpse of our nation’s Last Frontier.

Over the course of my six days in the MatSu Valley, however, I soon found that the most appealing aspect of this larger-than-life arctic state lies in the kindness of her people.

Alaskans are nothing less than the most universally generous people I have ever met. Not some of them…all of them. And the people I came to know are the reasons I am eager to return for another trip. Certainly, there are other towns to visit and fishing to do; but, most importantly, I now have friends I miss and can’t wait to see again:

the story-telling collector
the camera-wielding tour guide
the hatchet-wielding four-year-old
the spunky entrepreneur in pink
the gun-loader
the peas and strawberries kid
her whipped cream brother
the matriarch who remembers everyone’s name
the Rainbow Coalition family
the snarky-yet-kind diagnostic mom-to-all
the bluegrass couple
the funny quiet man in the corner
the teacher who didn’t know anyone
the kids who play outside
the man who owns the coffee shop where you have to ask for sugar and then wait ‘til he goes back into the pantry to look for it and bring out a big tub(!)…

For six days, this was my Alaska. I arrived expecting to be mesmerized by the scenery, but I left having been blessed with new friends. Many thanks to all of you - you know who you are - who filled my spontaneous Alaskan experience with your uniquely Alaskan spirit. See you again soon…

-tdc

*All photos by tdc (except the one OF tdc…that was taken by K.F.)

The Alaskan adventure begins! The first step is testing out the...

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:01:12 -0600

The Alaskan adventure begins! The first step is testing out the mobile blogging app…of course.

Stay tuned for updates from the road as tdc heads north!

-tdc

Joe "Creepy McG" McGinniss Stalks the Palin Backyard

Tue, 25 May 2010 13:07:00 -0600

Last night, Governor Sarah Palin sent out a nice update about the glories of summer in Wasilla, Alaska: Gardening, lawn mowing, children playing, and a creepy Massachusetts writer with no talent and a wild imagination who has decided to vacation next door to the Palin family home for the next five months.

What was that last part, you ask? Yes. That’s right…we speak of Joe McGinnis. The author of a hit-piece in the now-defunct Portfolio magazine has decided that in order to research his new book (a longer-winded hit piece on the governor?) he needs to be up close and personal with his subject.

Somehow, both Joe and his publisher (Random House) decided that next door to the Palins would be an appropriate place to set up shop. For the rest of the world, however, this new living arrangement is decidedly inappropriate and shockingly invasive. It is truly appalling to see how far some people will go in their obsession with Governor Palin and her family and this situation reeks of harassment!

Creepy McG. has stepped way out of bounds on this one and, despite the Governor’s humorous write-up, the Palins must certainly be ill-at-ease knowing this guy is just a few feet away from their family home. Creepy’s vacation plans may be technically legal, but they are anything but decent. The Palins are average citizens who have a right to some semblance of privacy. Now, it seems, they’ll have to alter yet another aspect of their daily lives to take the time and resources to build a fence between their home and their unwelcome observer.

This whole situation is absurd and Creepy McG. is clearly disturbed. Random House Publishing should be ashamed to have any association with this man and should act immediately to get his backside out of the Palin’s backyard.

- tdc

*Photo by Governor Palin (via Facebook)

happy mother's day and betty white is awesome!

Sun, 09 May 2010 12:17:55 -0600

Happy Mother’s Day to all the fab maternals out there! You practice your craft with all the grace, expertise, and humor that Betty White illustrated on last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live - Thank you mamas and thank you, Ms. White!!

- tdc

an outsider's view: sarah palin endorses carly fiorina

Thu, 06 May 2010 15:36:15 -0600

Today, via Facebook, Governor Sarah Palin endorsed Carly Fiorina in the race for California’s senate seat currently occupied by Barbara “You Better Call Me ‘Senator’” Boxer. Needless to say, the online universe (especially Twitter) is in quite a tizzy because many conservatives support the other strong Republican candidate, Chuck Devore, and do not agree with Governor Palin’s decision.

Frankly, I don’t know a whole lot about Ms. Fiorina versus Mr. Devore, other than what I see go by in the social media-sphere. But, in reading Governor Palin’s note about her endorsement of Fiorina, I have a couple of observations.

In part, the Governor’s note reads:

Carly is the Commonsense Conservative that California needs and our country could sure use in these trying times. Most importantly, she’s running for the right reasons. She has an understanding that is sorely lacking in D.C. She’s not a career politician. She’s a businesswoman who has run a major corporation. She knows how to really incentivize job creation. Her fiscal conservatism is rooted in real life experience. She knows that when government grows, the private sector shrinks under the burden of debt and deficits. We can trust Carly to do the right thing for America’s economy and to make the principled decisions she has throughout her professional career.

The focus on fiscal conservatism, business experience, and life experience are indications that Governor Palin:

Weighted fiscal concerns and real-world knowledge quite heavily in making her decision to endorse Fiorina.

Is making an effort to support a talented team of individuals to take on Washington, D.C. Each of the people she has publicly supported has his or her own strong skillset that will add value to the political discourse that shapes our policies. While in office, Governor Palin demonstrated the fact she evaluates people based on the expertise they have to offer to the task on hand. As governor, she didn’t require that everyone in her administration with agree her on every issue. That philosophy got a lot done in Alaska.

Is as courageous as ever. She had to have known the backlash that would come from the Fiorina endorsement, and she did it anyway. Agree with her decision or not; but, once again, Governor Palin put her political capital at risk to do what she thinks is right. How many politicians ever do that, let alone with the frequency that Governor Palin is willing to?

It will be interesting to see how this endorsement, and those to come, play out during the election cycle. On the one hand, Governor Palin inspires cheers and kudos for endorsing veterans in their respective races for congress (including conservative rock star, Allen West); and on the other hand, she stirs up controversy with her support of Fiorina and Rand Paul (R-KY). What are we to make of this?

Well, this outsider can only draw conclusions from the evidence presented, and that evidence indicates that Governor Palin continues to prove that she is perhaps the most unconventional politician to hit the U.S. stage in generations. A fact that drives those on the Left and (per today’s chatter) the Right absolutely batty.

While we all continue to discuss the merits of Governor Palin’s endorsement strategies, let’s remember to thoroughly research the candidates we are arguing about, and then make a donation or volunteer for those who represent our values.

Most importantly, though, let’s all remember to get out the vote. Ultimately, those are the only endorsements that will really count.

- tdc

the TIME 100 gala: todd, sarah, piper, and bristol palin

Tue, 04 May 2010 22:34:29 -0600

The Palins hit the red carpet to celebrate the former governor’s inclusion on TIME Magazine’s annual TIME 100 list of the most influential people in the world.

There were many celebrities in attendance at tonight’s gala (Ben Stiller, Betty White, Taylor Swift…), but if the number of photos snapped is indication of who was most popular for the night…the Palins seem to have that title hands down! It looks like a great time was had by all, and Piper did her usual thing and worked the room like a pro!

Congratulations to Governor Palin and cheers to one of America’s loveliest families taking Manhattan by storm!

- tdc

*Photo credit: Getty Images (via Daylife)

america's finest: happy birthday track palin!

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:31:00 -0600

Dear Track,

First, I hope you don’t mind that tdc is a few hours late in sending you birthday greetings. As you know, your little bro’, Trig, just celebrated the big “oh-two” a couple of days ago, and I was a bit unprepared to offer more witticisms and whatnots again so soon. Those two things don’t always come easily to tdc. In fact, some might say they don’t come at all. Hm. Anyway…

I was going to write a long, drawn-out post, as is my wont on these occasions. I was planning to extol your virtues, praise you for your service to our country (thank you, by the way), and tell you that, from afar anyway, you seem like a great 21 year-old guy that any of us would be proud to know.

But, all of that seems unnecessary.

You appear to do just fine hanging out in the background, deftly avoiding all the fanfare and excessive attention. Your parents speak of you fondly (and humorously), and it’s pretty clear that your siblings love and appreciate their big brother. What more does a guy need, really?

With that in mind, I’ll cut to the chase with this one and simply say: Thank you for proving to be one of America’s finest, Track Palin - Happy 21st Birthday!

- tdc

happy birthday to trig palin! (our favorite little man) video

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 06:59:00 -0600

Dear Little Man (aka Trig Palin) -

Congratulations!! Today, you’ve reached a milestone…it’s your first even-numbered birthday!

Yeah, I realize it may not seem like much now, but as you get older and older…and older, you’ll start looking for something (anything) to celebrate when your big day comes. Trust me. You might as well start practicing now…

That said, you’re still young so you have plenty of things to celebrate. I took the liberty of preparing a list, should you need a reminder:

You have a great older sister in Piper (though, once you hit high school, you may want to tell her “ixnay on the ickinglay of my airhay”)
Your hip mom has practically redefined Facebook! (though, even cool parents make things “uncool” when they start using them…)
You’ve visited so many places, you’ll totally win that game, “How many states have you been to?”, next time you and the other toddlers hit the playground.
You’re pretty much guaranteed to rock at basketball. It’s genetic or somethin’.
At just two years old, you’re already kind of a big deal.

As if all that weren’t enough, you’ve got literally millions of total strangers looking out for you, praying for you, and generally wishing you well each and every day. The best part is, it’s all about you - not your parents, or your siblings, or your last name. Nope, it’s about what you, one toddler in the ‘silla, have done for all of us.

You’ve reminded us all of the beautiful gift that is the life of a child, and the joy you bring to your family has been contagious. We giggle with you when we hear your funny laugh. And we instinctively act like little old ladies when we see a cute picture of you (“Aaaawwwwwww….”). In you, Little Man, we see the faces of our own siblings, cousins, daughters and sons, and that means you hold a special place in a lot of hearts.

So, on your 2nd birthday today, we offer up our prayers for you - prayers of protection and well-being, and, also, of gratitude. Thank you for being our shining light in the Mat Su (to paraphrase one of Mom’s favorite quotes). We’re all a little better for having you in our lives.

Now, off you go to practice yelling, “NO!” to everything your family says to you.

- tdc

*Photo courtesy Sarah’s Web Brigade
*Video courtesy Gretawire (video removed from tdc, but visible at the link)

governor sarah palin "shoots" and scores at srlc

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:11:48 -0600

You can find this speech all over the internet by now, but it needed to be posted here - added to the tdc collection and such.

As I tweeted earlier, Governor Palin gave a heckuva speech today at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference. She was relaxed, passionate, and clearly enjoyed every word of what she was saying. And this designer predicts that a couple those one-liners are destined for bumper stickers (or will at least be the quotes of choice for people who are trying to tell their political friends about the speech).

So, sit back and enjoy this one, my friends - it’s a doozy. And if you didn’t catch all the jokes (or her fantastic policy points) the first time through, have another look!

- tdc

*Video courtesy of The Right Scoop (one of the best!)

TUNE IN! the people's post on blogtalk radio thursday night!

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:47:00 -0600

What are you doing with your Thursday night (April 8th)?!

I don’t want to be presumptuous, but I would suggest you turn your proverbial online dial to The People’s Post *LIVE* on Blog Talk Radio! Yours truly, along with the always-energetic Conservative Girl With A Voice, Rachelle Friberg, will be hosting another packed hour and a half with a great lineup of guests you won’t want to miss!

First, we are honored to be joined by Ilario Pantano (R-NC), candidate for the United States House of Representatives. We will chat about his background in politics, and his views on current events and the important issues impacting his state. We will also be joined by Eddie Burke, former talk radio host and a recently-announced candidate for Lieutenant Governor in Alaska. Eddie will give us an update on the first weeks of his campaign and what he has planned for the campaign ahead. And, rounding out our visit with candidates, we welcome back our friend, Jason Cline, another strong Alaskan candidate looking to be elected in the State House of Representatives.

Finally, The People’s Post will welcome first-time guest and entrepreneur, Jessica Steele, owner of the Beehive Beauty Shop in Wasilla, Alaska. As you will hear, Jessica is a wonderful example of the success that can be achieved through hard work, a determined spirit…and some serious talent! We’ll spend time talking with her about how she got to where she is today and her plans for the future, and she’ll tell us about her new invention. All I’ll say is that there is velcro involved…

Needless to say, you really should tune in Thursday night! If all of these inspiring guests aren’t enough to spur you into action, you should know that you’ll have to wait another whole month to hear tdc and Rachelle back on the radio, so…miss this show at your own peril!

**THE SHOW AIRS AT: 5 pm AKST / 6pm PST / 7pm MTN / 9pm EST**

See you on the radio!

- tdc

eddie burke wants to be alaska's next lieutenant governor!

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:20:00 -0600

For such a moderately populated state, Alaska certainly seems to have more than its share of pioneering men and women who willingly - and enthusiastically - offer themselves up to serve others.

Today, The Last Frontier offered up its newest shining example of the pioneering spirit as Eddie Burke - conservative talk radio host, and someone whom many of us have come to know as a friend - officially announced his entry into the race to become Alaska’s next Lieutenant Governor!

Once again, the state of Alaska has proven to inspire great love and devotion from all those who call it home, and Eddie Burke is no exception. The text of Mr. Burke’s press release (issued today) is below - take a look and see what he’s all about!

- tdc

*Photo courtesy kfqd.com

*************** OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - APRIL 1, 2010 ***************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eddie Burke Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

CONSERVATIVE MEDIA PERSONALITY BEGINS REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN TO CHAMPION RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT IN ALASKA

—ANCHORAGE - April 2, 2010 – Former Anchorage radio talk show host and small business owner Eddie Burke has entered the race as a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Though Alaska has financially benefited from its abundant natural resources, particularly the success of the oil and gas industry, Eddie understands that current state budgets are unsustainable over the long term. Therefore, he will encourage and support the Governor and State Legislature to be fiscally responsible in the governance of Alaska. Eddie knows that thoughtful actions taken today will help secure the future for Alaska’s children.

The issues important to Eddie Burke are those that are important to the livelihood of all Alaskans. As a well-known and outspoken media personality on local radio, Eddie has been a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, the rights of the unborn and the concerns of Alaska’s veterans. As he campaigns for Lieutenant Governor, he will continue to be a passionate proponent of these important issues, while also stressing the importance of the responsible stewardship of the State’s financial resources.

Eddie Burke has been an active member of the Alaskan community since he arrived 38 years ago. In addition to his media career, he has been a small business owner and active on the boards of Special Olympics, Crimestoppers, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Committee and President of Alaska State Snowmobile Association. Furthermore, Eddie gained valuable legislative experience as a Chief-of-Staff in the Alaska State Legislature.

Eddie Burke resides in Anchorage, Alaska with Linda, his wife of 28 years. They are the parents of four children, and the proud grandparents of three young Alaskans. Eddie Burke is seeking the office of Lieutenant Governor in order to secure a bright future for his family and all Alaskans.

the mutual respect of senator john mccain and governor sarah palin

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 05:59:50 -0600

The 2010 election cycle has illuminated the contrasts between so-called RINOs and “true” conservatives. Thankfully, the beauty of our country’s electoral tradition enables and encourages competitive primaries within parties, allowing voters to determine who wins their trust.

Along these lines, there is a healthy contest happening in Arizona between Senator John McCain and his challenger, JD Hayworth. There are those within the Republican party who feel that Senator McCain is the less conservative of the two candidates, and he is, therefore, not their preferred choice to speak on their behalf in Washington, DC. Alternatively, there are McCain supporters who believe that his experience and high-profile opposition to the current administration’s policies will continue to serve his constituents well. Regardless of one’s views, it should be evident that these types of debates are healthy for our country and our political discourse. And indeed it would seem that Governor Sarah Palin feels the same way.

The good Governor campaigned for her friend and former running mate in Arizona today, delivering her usual barnstormer of a speech. She was energized, she was passionate, and she was clearly happy to be there on the Senator’s behalf.

To be sure, Governor Palin and Senator McCain do not agree on the means and methods of addressing every issue facing our nation. However, the fact is that they both agree that we are moving in the wrong direction, and the only way to correct our course is to move back towards the philosophical center (certainly, how far each would go can be debated). Ultimately, though, these two political giants share a mutual respect and friendship that unites them beyond any disagreements they might have. And in the harsh political environment in which we find ourselves these days, it was wonderful to hear Senator McCain and Governor Palin today speak so warmly of one another.

Neither had to say as much as they did, but as is evident from the video clip below, there is a special bond between these two politicians that allows them to be uninhibited in expressing the appreciation that they so clearly share for one another.

- tdc

*See Part I and Part III (Palin solo) of Greta Van Susteran’s interview

tdc and governor sarah palin go running

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0600

Ok. Not really.

BUT, as a bit of lighthearted fare in the midst of the health care hootenanny and the upcoming cap ‘n tax crap, I thought I would share some amusement from my morning jog. And by “amusement” I mean “wow, it’s so sad how my life is totally wrapped up in politics that I should really keep this story to myself.” Anyway…

This morning I did a short 30-minute jaunt through the sunny (blinding) warm (40s) streets of my neighborhood so that I could feel less like a sloth as I settled in work on the laptop all day. I haven’t been running as much the last few weeks, so even on this short trip, I could feel my legs getting heavier as I made my way down the winding sidewalk back towards my house - about 200 yards away. I started doing “that thing” where you mentally tell yourself that you’ll just run to that next crack in the sidewalk, or that tree, or that pile of dog poop that the owner really should have picked up...

Apparently, though, I should have set my sights on something a bit closer. Like, whatever was under my feet. Unbeknownst to me, a renegade patch of dirt (filled with lovely foliage later in the season) was about to interrupt the concrete on which I traveled and, sure enough, as soon as the terrain changed…yep - I bit it!

And, I even heard myself grunt…

Luckily, there were no dog-walkers on the path at that moment to point and laugh. And luckily, it was still cool enough that I had on tights and light gloves so when I hit the dirt, there was no danger of permanent scarring. Ego aside.

Anyway, the reason I am telling you this on my politics-related blog and not sharing it with my friends on my non-political Facebook wall is because as soon as I got up, I started laughing thinking about this quote from the good Governor:

…My favorite thing in the world is to run on hot, dusty roads. I don’t get enough of that in Alaska, so I was in heaven. And there were plenty of hills, so I knew my thighs were going to just throb and my lungs were going to burn, and that’s what I crave.

I like running alone, and having the Secret Service with me added a little bit of pressure. I’m thinking I gotta have good form and can’t be hyperventilating and can’t be showing too much pain, and that adds a little more pressure on you as you’re trying to be out there enjoying your run. Then I fell coming down a hill and was so stinkin’ embarrassed that a golf cart full of Secret Service guys had to pull up beside me. My hands just got torn up and I was dripping blood. In the debate you could see a big fat ugly Band-Aid on my right hand. I have a nice war wound now as a reminder of that fall in the palm of my right hand. For much of the campaign, shaking hands was a little bit painful…I made those guys swear to secrecy. And I probably should have gotten a couple stitches…

So, you see? Cool people fall when they run. And the REALLY cool people get up all bloody and then refuse medical attention!

the design conservative has not yet reached such esteem, but sincerely hopes that today was the first step to achieving this lofty goal of “really cool-ness”. In the meantime, I can only hope that the dog days of summer and the subsequent shedding of tights and gloves will lead to my own running wounds that, someday, will be compared to those of our first Madame President.

But until that day comes: seriously, people - watch where you’re going…

- tdc

*Read Governor Palin’s Runner’s World interview - via Runnersworld.com

First, she scribes a Facebook note regarding the health care...

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:59:52 -0600

First, she scribes a Facebook note regarding the health care debacle, then she tops of the day with a spirited chat with Sean Hannity. Governor Palin appears ready to rumble. All you wishy-washy politicos…consider yourselves put on notice!

- tdc

governor sarah palin: faith, hope and love of country

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:07:00 -0600

Yesterday, the United States House of Representatives voted to approve the Senate health care bill that has been winding its way through the legislature for months. As a result, our country has been cast down an uncertain path that leaves many of us apprehensive about the future stability of our nation.

The health care debate has been personal for all of us, albeit in different ways, because health care is personal. Every citizen is at the mercy of the system in which he finds himself. It can takes months or years to find a health care provider with whom one is comfortable, and the idea that the government might somehow impede this relationship is daunting to say the least. Thus, the intricacies of the health care bill(s) have been the subject of passionate debate on both sides.

The difference between those two sides, of course, is that the opposition of (primarily) Republican and Independent representatives was based upon sound economic and practical reasoning, while those in favor of the health care overhaul almost uniformly resorted to tales of “a woman in my district” or “a man who wrote me a letter” to make their arguments. All of these individuals were said to be at death’s door with an ill-intentioned, scalpel-wielding doctor on one side of the hospital bed, and an Armani-suit clad insurance agent on the other.

Needless to say, many of us found ourselves frustrated with the superficial nature of the debate and, now that the bill has passed, we have awakened the morning after, wondering where to go from here.

A New Day and Renewed Faith

Thankfully, Governor Sarah Palin has, once again, stepped in to offer guidance, inspiration, and optimism - characteristic traits that have endeared her to millions of people across the country. Today, on her Facebook page, Governor Palin described the current state of things, writing:

We’ve been reminded many times that elections have consequences. Yesterday we saw the consequence of voting for those who believe in “fundamentally transforming” America whether we want it or not. Yesterday they voted. In November, we get to vote. We won’t forget what we saw yesterday. Congress passed a bill while Americans said “no,” and thousands of everyday citizens even surrounded the Capitol Building to beg them not to do it. Has there ever been a more obvious exhibition of a detached and imperious government?

As usual, she succinctly spoke for millions of like-minded citizens who continually feel as if they have no voice in the halls of Congress or the White House. Having eloquently underlined the issue at hand, though, Governor Palin also demonstrated the grit and perseverance that have served her so well in her life and career [emphasis mine]:

Though they’d like us to forget, we will remember the corrupt deals, the corrupt process, the lack of transparency, the deceptive gimmicks to game the CBO score, and the utter disregard for the will of the American people. Elections have consequences, and we won’t forget those who promised to hold firm against government funding of abortion, but caved at the last minute in exchange for a non-binding executive order promised by the most pro-abortion president to ever occupy the White House.

All along we’ve said that we want real health care reform, but this isn’t it. We mustn’t be discouraged now. We must look to November when our goal will be to rebuke big government’s power grab, reject this unwanted “transformation” of America, and repeal dangerous portions of Obamacare that will bury us under more Big Government control.

This is just the beginning of our efforts to take back our country. Consider yesterday’s vote a clarion call and a spur to action. We will not let America sink into further debt without a fight. We will not abandon the American dream to government dependency, fewer freedoms and less opportunity. Change is made at the ballot box. If we work together, we can renew our optimistic pioneering spirit, revive our economy, and restore constitutional limits.

Stand tall, America. November is coming!

It is difficult to say whether Governor Palin is truly aware of the comfort and encouragement her voice - and pen - offer to disenchanted citizens across this country. Perhaps she does know. Or, as many of us believe, perhaps she simply says what is on her heart and happens to speak for all of us…because she is one of us.

On a day like today, when despair, exasperation, and anger could prevail, Governor Palin’s words are a welcome call to remember from wherest we came. The United States was built upon the fortitude and love of country that is so simply expressed by this woman whom many would like to call “Madame President” one day.

Let us heed her challenge and utilize the power of our collective voices and the privilege of our vote to restore the promise of our country. November is, indeed, coming…let’s be sure to be ready.

- tdc

*Photo courtesy www.floppingaces.com

arctic cool: a very happy birthday to piper palin!

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:11:00 -0600

Dear Piper,

I hope you don’t mind that millions of perfect strangers have adopted you as one of our own. We really can’t help it. You’re a cool kid.

You’ve had some great adventures across the entire country (trick-or-treating in Pennsylvania?). You’ve met really interesting people (hellloooo Oprah!…and Joe Biden…), and you’ve exhibited poise and grace in national television interviews (Barbara Walters was out of her league). All of this before you’ve hit junior high!

Needless to say, the design conservative doesn’t have anything to give you that would rival the experiences I just mentioned. But, I do offer my sincere best wishes that you have a fantastic birthday! I hope your day is filled with lots of hugs, an obscene amount of doting and, of course, a ginormous cake!

Most of all, I want to say: Don’t go changin’, Piper Palin…stay cool, sister!

- tdc

*Photo taken in Loveland, CO during the 2008 campaign. Sorry, Piper…you blinked!

UPDATED Join us on the radio Thursday night!

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:23:00 -0600

It’s almost Thursday and that must mean it’s time for another radio broadcast from the design conservative and Conservative Girl With A Voice (aka Rachelle Friberg)!

Join us for more great conversation with several Join Team Sarah friends, and our special guest, Ilana Angel (of the Keeping the Faith blog). We will also be unveiling the new show name!

We hope to see you on the radio!

- tdc

**SHOW DETAILS**

WHAT: Join Team Sarah radio

WHERE: Blog Talk Radio

WHEN: Thursday March 18th - 5pm AKST / 6pm PST / 9pm EST

TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Call (347) 215-6125

*UPDATED GUEST LIST*

Martha Cano - Join Team Sarah radio founder
Mark - organizer of the youth group Grand New Party
Brad - citizen-blogger who recently met Governor Palin in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jason Cline - candidate for State House in Alaska, joining us to discuss his views on the healthcare debate
Ilana Angel - writer at the Jewish Journal who authors the Keeping the Faith blog

mind your manners for governor sarah palin

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0600

First, please pardon the long delay since my last post. I hope you didn’t take it personally - it’s me, not you.

Anyway, to the topic at hand: my thoughts on the past/recent/continuous/predictable treatment of Governor Palin in the media. I actually started writing this post weeks ago but, as you may know, Governor Palin is always treated like crappola by most of the media, so these words are eternally relevant.

I’ve been thinking that it’s a good thing Sarah Palin grew up in a place where a person could be unceremoniously chased by a moose or growled at by a large bear while out for a neighborhood walk. It’s made her tough. She remains resolute in any situation, and her steel spine not only serves her well, it’s a good example for us.

As I am routinely reminded, being a Sarah Palin supporter can be exhausting. One minute, you’re having a conversation about sports or the weather; the next minute, you hear the not-so-innocent question, “So whadya think of Sarah Palin on Fox News now?” Heheheh…

We’re all familiar with that, are we not? The smirk. Perhaps an audible snort.

The speaker waits gleefully for you to make a snarky comment and offer a snort of your own as you echo the thoughts in his head: Sarah Palin is SO extreme…of course she’s going to Fox News - they’re all nuts like her!…John Stewart was so hilarious when he made fun of her, calling her a “genius”!…I wonder if the free-range toothpaste is on sale at Whole Foods…hmmm…

It’s disheartening to witness, in friends and colleagues, the type of group-think that is perpetuated by the political disourse in our country. The issues fall by the wayside as conversations turn to which politician is dumber and/or more sinister than the other. And, for some in the media (and plenty of folks who don’t have that occupation) it’s apparently acceptable to pile on the insults to one God-fearing, joyful mother-of-five because, well, everyone else is doing it so why not?

The thing is, our collective treatment of Sarah Palin is not just about her. Rather, it speaks to the moral relativism espoused by so many in our society - from political leaders to Hollywood starlets - and all of it is incredibly far removed from what typically passes as acceptable behavior in polite company. Instead of exercising common decency in all instances, too many of us pick and choose who is worthy of respect, seemingly based on little more than the prevailing winds of public opinion.

To be frank, it’s kind of pathetic and I am hopeful for the day when our politics reflect the lessons (not the immaturity) of our childhood:

Use kind words.
Treat every person as you would like to be treated.
Tell the truth.
Do your homework, then go play.
Stop being a moronic media tool and act you’ve got some sense

I may have paraphrased that last one, but you get the idea. As we move into the 2010 election season, we are certain to see a great deal of Governor Palin as she stumps for candidates, headlines fundraisers, and taps away on Facebook notes. More Palin, of course, means more rude comments and truth-stretching from the media. So, it will fall upon all of us pro-Palin bloggers to stay above the fray.

The ill-mannered of the LSM and their trolling shills will try to draw you into their lair of muck and imbecility, to be sure. But you, my friends, are your mothers’ well-behaved darlings who know better. You may still hate tomatoes (yes, I’m projecting), but you’ve learned to control your childish impulses to name-call.

We, like Governor Palin herself, will kill “the haters” with kindness and a smile…or at least make them nauseous until we get our way in January 2013.

- tdc

BONUS:
*For a how-to of blogging with manners, read this to see how it’s done. Then tune in to Join Team Sarah Radio Thursday, March 18th, at 6pm PST/9pm EST to hear the author, Ilana Angel, share her story live.

*Photo credit - msn.com.nz

listen now! debut show on blog talk radio

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:21:57 -0700

listen now! debut show on blog talk radio:

From the “in case you missed it” file, last night the design conservative had the honor of co-hosting a radio show with Rachelle Friberg, founder of the popular blog Conservative Girl With a Voice!

As the newly-appointed steward of the online radio show started by Join Team Sarah, Rachelle graciously invited tdc to join her in the virtual studio as a co-host. Last night’s debut show proved to be very enjoyable and we have only our guests to thank. Their collective enthusiasm, passion, and humor made for a fast hour-and-a-half!

Our guests included:

Sheya - founder of PalinTV.com
Robert Stacy McCain - blogger at The Other McCain
Eddie Burke - Alaska’s #1 Talk Radio host at KBYR in Anchorage
Jason Cline - candidate for Alaska’s State House District 22

Listen to the entire show at Blog Talk Radio!

- tdc

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