By Michelle Malkin (1/22/10)

Responsible Political Leadership Lesson From Thomas Jefferson:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.     Declaration of Independence (1776)

Responsible political leadership is, among other things, making sure that these unalienable Rights – Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness – are secured.

Theodore Roosevelt (26th President of the United States) believed that in a democracy, where the people are sovereign, the leaders necessarily reflect the character of the people. If our leaders are not doing what they are elected to do, then maybe we the People of the United States should ask ourselves: How is our character?

Are we following the things that are destroying America, e.g., prosperity-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.

If we expect our leaders to have high character, then let’s start with ourselves. Let us first become people of high character. Let’s set an example for our leaders.

For us to have responsible leaderships in our government we must first be responsible citizens.

Andrew Jackson (7th President of the US) valued two things in life above all others: his country and his family. He saw little distinction between the two, and his instinct to fight and to defend both drove him from obscure birth in the Carolinas to the pinnacle of power.

A person of high character can achieve greatness. A person of high character can become a responsible leader.

“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.”  John F. Kennedy (35th President of the US) 

It is up to us the citizens of the United States to make our country great once again.

God bless the USA!

Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin Campaign Visit to Colorado Springs

A great deal of excitement, team effort and hope in the concept for Country First, went into preparing for Governor Sarah Palin’s visit to Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The day before the event volunteers, parents, workers, Constituents, and local campaign Leaders assembled to help with the final touches in getting the grand Security Service Field (Skysox) family park ready for the event today October 20^th2008.Most were looking forward to hear of Sarah’s plans for America and the contributions from her skills to the McCain Republican ticket. Children were allowed to help paint signs while the sun shined on with excellent music playing in the background. Neighbor volunteers had a chance to see each other while telling a joke or two, and enjoying a great afternoon optimistic about the future and the electoral process. Workers at the Stadium finished the platform and the set-up for the Colorado and American Flag emanating high up from a separate section of the seating areas. Volunteers added an extra day by showing up at 5:00 am the next morning to help out in teams with the event. It really was very motivating to see so many members of the community coming together to help set tables, help with the lines, parking and just enjoy a great day.

Thousands of people were in attendance with lines forming from the break of dawn till 9:00 am at which time Sarah’s speech and music presentation were scheduled to get started. So, what was the main message today given to us by Sarah Palin? One that resonated most was the one of bringing the government closer to the People. She received great cheer and applause from the audience as she discussed plan improvements with McCain for small business and the American family. From start to finish Sarah had a great message, presence, style and a genuine interest in family.

So who is Sarah Palin? Sarah Palin is the 11^th governor of Alaska, elected December 4, 2006.  Prior to serving as governor she served two terms on the Wasilla Alaska City Council and two terms as mayor of Wasilla during which she was elected president of the Alaska conference of mayors. Also, she was a former chair of the Alaska oil and Gas Conservation Commission and current vice chair of the National Governors Association Natural Resources Committee. In a speech given on August 2, 2008 Palin said that no one can love and care for Alaska more than Alaskans.  That Alaska has a strong history in which responsible development and wildlife can and do coexist.  Sarah points out that as we learn to wean off from fossil fuels and continue to progress with alternative energies, a part or sliver of ANWR 1/10,000^th   the size approximately to the Los Angeles Airport should be lifted for drilling. This area could produce 1 million barrels of oil per day and slowly but steadily get us off our dependence from Middle East foreign oil.  The city of Juneau receives 80 % of its electricity from hydroelectric energy and it created funds for renewable/alternative energy that will grow over a five-year period.  These efforts are great however, we need to lift the ban now for it takes time to implement perhaps even a few years and combine both our oil needs as we continue to progress with the alternative energies.  This will help greatly American families.

There is no doubt that Sarah Palin has a great deal to offer especially since Alaska will always be a key business and strategic part of the United States. She has great experience here for America and for the love and care of family that will be paramount for us to maintain our inner strength as a Nation for it is the fabric that keeps us all together. Sarah Palin is a great leader and will continue to be even after the end of our 2008 elections.

Reclaiming America’s Founders Leadership Principles

In order for us to better understand our current social and economic affairs it is essential that Americans review our Nation’s Founding Fathers leadership principles left to us in their writings. Many documents, including the US Constitution, were written from their personal experience with past history events and created for future generations to serve as a guide in which to define or frame the roles of man, government and society. The founders knew that man is not perfect or always noble, and that humanity would have a natural tendency towards greed, violence and sin.  As a new form of government was being established, unlike no other in history, it was important to help set a balanced social order that would be just and that placed restraints on the accumulation of power in any single authority, governing body or bureaucracy. The colonies and later States of the Union would have checks and balances between the three branches of government ruling over the people, the executive, judicial and legislative.  In history government had proven to be the chief instrument used for thwarting man’s liberty over time.  The legitimate functions of government were set to preserve freedom while maintaining internal order, administer justice, keep foreign foes at bay, etc., and help remove excessive obstacles to the free interchange of goods or innovative ideas.

    America made its greatest progress when our conservative sound leadership principles were honored and preserved.  For example, the ability to operate in a free-market (mutual consent between buyer and seller), to care for family, to worship freely, are all part of what has made America great.  Since man is not always noble or considerate towards the well-being of others, our country’s framers gave us the guide and instrument for limiting the power of government and it should be embraced for its value today as when it was written.  The guide or map left to us in essence says that man has rights that are fundamental to all humans and not ones created by outside laws or government.  Man has spiritual needs besides economic ones and both are intertwined. Political power should not interfere with man’s natural creation process and fundamental right to pursue his dreams, to be secured in his property, his life, liberty and happiness.

    It may not be fashionable today to lead conservatively in the midst of new attitudes, institutions, or new laws emerging, however, the proven social order principles left to us should still be part of our Leadership solutions.  In review let’s summarize some of these principles:

· Fiscal Responsibility

· Limited Government

· Freedom of Religion

· Respect for the family unit — power from the grass roots up not top down

· Sound economic policy — not one of economic leveling

· Strong and just National Defense

· Sound Public Education — one that prepares citizens for freedom (economic and political) and wisdom not one shackled by government, hidden agendas, or union power

· Sound Trade and Banking — not one inimical to the interests and well-being of the citizens of the United States

· Sound Foreign Policy — One of respect and not inimical to the interests and well-being of the citizens of the United States

· Just and balanced Political power-not one of political leveling

· Sound investments, care of infrastructure and entrepreneurship — not excess taxes and regulations that strangle growth

· Faith in Prescription — Providence and prudence with those who emerge wishing to reconstruct our society for future special interests out of convention or our custom.

· Sound policy for Entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare for our elders.

     Great segments of our population today still embrace and value the sound leadership principles that propelled forward our Nation. Citizens prefer ideas that value individual responsibility, fair competition, family, peace through strength not compromise, optimism, and rewards for hard work.  Positive responsible leadership helps uplift and exalt a nation, the individual, life and all segments of our society.

Please send us your ideas or suggestions in how our Nation could improve in its energy, health care, economy, education, or other policies for we will later have volunteers participate in study groups to discuss these issues and later publish our research results. Contact e-mail: info.rplc2010@gmail.com

In prosperity, wellness, and health we strive to provide responsible political leadership in Colorado.