My life has had an absolutely amazing pace recently. It has gotten so busy that I am left to wonder how to balance between my projects and my family. It has been no small task. Even this blog which is visited by some random 15 people a day has been tossed to the side for a time. There is more important things afoot.
912Candidates.org is alive and growing, but it is also taking quite a bit of time to do so. I have been swallowed by it, and am only now coming to find some balance again in life. The project has turned from something written on the back of scrap paper at Matt & Haley Hargrave’s house to something that is branching off to the various states. Now, North Carolina and Washington State each have their own folks working on finding 9/12 Candidates. For Florida and Texas, I’m currently looking for folks to recruit in that state and may be in the final stages of finding someone for each state. We’ll let time tell.
So yeah. I’ve gone from chicken scratching an idea, to leading a national movement. It’s not a big one, but it looks like it will be. So, if I’ve neglected my faithful readers, I’d like to apologize. It’s not that you’re not important, it’s just that I’ve discovered that “We the People” are the only solution to our government, and right now our government needs us to be a part of the solution. I’ll ask you to participate.
The last time this happened in our nation’s history, citizens went to the Lexington green with their muskets. Luckily today we don’t have to grab our rifles and defend ourselves. But we are at a stage where our generation MUST stand up, gather, organize, and influence our political processes to re-establish natural law and freedom.
Eliza owes $33,000 to the government. Go get a $33,000 loan. Don’t pay on it for 11 years and tell me how much money you owe at the end of it. It’ll be a lot more than $33K. Freedom includes financial freedom. I may incur my own debt, but what right does my government have to force a debt upon me or my children.
We shouldn’t be scared that this is happening though. Every generation has to have some need to stand up. This is ours. Let’s get working.
When I was Eliza’s age I was taught to respect and honor the President of the United States. It was easy. I shall have to ask my daughter if it is harder for her generation.
I cannot nor will criticize the man in power who holds the weight of the free world on his shoulders. It’s an enormous weight to bear, and I don’t believe if my prayers alone are enough to help him carry it.
Still, it is speeches like this that I will share with my children, to teach them about America, Democracy, and their Freedom.
Every generation of Americans has had to struggle to provide freedom for their children. This generation’s challenges are no different.
Ok, so this is a bit more than “slightly over the top,” but I think there are some appropriate parallels.
Glenn Beck isn’t a prophet, neither was Moroni–It was only after he had been dead for hundreds of years that Mormon said satan wouldn’t have any power if more people were like Moroni.
Both got really peeved at what citizens were doing to the government (yeah, that whole title of liberty thing)
Both issued dichotomous rhetoric (for us or against us)
Both placed their hope in their fellow citizens, and their freedom
This whole situation with our government is possibly one of the coolest things ever. More people are learning about how this republic works than at any other time in recent history. It’s doing a lot of good.
Dad gave me a book a while ago called “Empires of Trust.” It’s a good luck at the commonalitites between the Roman Empire and the American Empire. It’s very interesting and discusses how durable this country’s government really is. Part of that durability are the freedoms that allow citizen to organize their “tax day tea parties,” speak their mind publicly, and demand their officials to represent them, not just their agenda.
Yeah this country will survive its current leadership, and because of its current leadership it will probably thrive. Glenn Beck and those who listen to him are a part of the solution. They’re the folks that start of as citizens, and work their tails off to ensure their government represents the citizens who give it power.
We’re in good hands–even if you disagree with me. Even if you disagree with Glenn Beck on most everything–you’ve got to admit his 9/12 project’s principles and values are what’s needed in our homes, in our cities, and in our governments.
I’m working to bring these values to our government, and would encourage others to help. If you’re intersested in helping please visit http://912candidates.org
For those of you who miss me posting things up here, I’m afraid it might be a while. I’ve got a lot of things going on to get ready for April 15th. Below is an excerpt from http://912candidates.org Visit the site to find out more!
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Let me give you all a quick look at what’s on the plate for this site (912Candidates.org):
Working with a co-author to produce a second version of the letter (something with a bit softer tone)
Working to fix the youtube video to conform with standard commercial lengths and generally better editing
Working with newspapers to publish articles about this part of the movement that’s afoot
Working to find someone to create a press-release for *free*
Working with various websites to coordinate and promote this site
Working with tea party organizers to have them pass out flyers at their Tax Day Tea Parties.
There’s still just me, and there’s a lot going on. I’m not complaining. I just wanted to give readers some sense of direction with where things are headed. But now it’s time for the good news.
How does 40 sound? In this case, it’s a good number. I’ve contact nearly every Tea Party organizer across the country and over 40 of them have responded and said “yes” to passing out flyers at their events. Some of the responses have been great!
Matthew wrote: I think what you are doing is great!
Hampton Roads Tea Party wrote: I’m sorry your senator is Mr.Dodd,but you are not alone,most of us around the country are not happy with ours either. The Capital has become a country club/retirement community. And its up to all of us to clean it up.
Amy wrote: I would love to help you. I am more than happy to distribute flyers at the event. Let me know when you have them ready.
Susan wrote: What a terrific idea. Let me coordinate with some people on this and get back to you….
Spencer wrote: I appreciate your efforts. Keep up the good work!
Jeanie wrote: You are an awsome soul and yes you are right on. Please send me all the information and instructions on exactly how to implement this new contract deal. I am very busy but I plan to follow suit in the same direction. I totally agree, 912 candidates would at least give us real choices that we could count on. Please send me your information and requests as soon as possible. I would like to share it with the other coordinators in New Mexico before the rally on the 15th. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!! God Bless You and God Bless America!
Ross wrote: I will read over your site and do what I can to support you. My wife and I homeschool our five small children (the oldest is 9) and are very active in our church and extended family. What you are doing sounds like the first step that NEEDS to be taken. We need to find good candidates and help get them elected through means other than money.
That’s not all the responses I’ve received, but it is a good sampling. There are other organizers who are so swamped they politely said they didn’t have the time–That’s OK. There’s really no requirement for the organizer to pass out flyers–anyone attending can do that!
If you plan on attending a tea-party print off a few of these flyers and pass them around. I’m sure none of the organizers will mind. There’s NO advertising on this site. I’m not asking for money. I’m not doing this for political or financial gain. Email your friends the flyer and everyone bring 12 of them to the tea party. This will not only bring printing costs down, but will be a great way to get involved. The flyer is set up to print double sided and get cut in half.
During my corrspondence with folks to try and get attention for this site I’ve used some of the following words, which may be of interest. If you’re composing an email to someone, writing a newspaper article, or preparing a blog post, please feel free to cut and paste below.
We now have the cruelest and most perverse form of representation. We have elected officials legally bound to represent their constituents without recognizing the values of their constituents. They believe they were elected based upon their agenda to serve the people, and while they have been pushing their agenda, we have seen the seeds of great harm in that agenda. Just like the Boston Tea Party money isn’t the problem, it’s an indication of the problem. These values don’t make a stand for or against “progressive government” but those in power now seem to treat our future earnings as their “petty cash fund.” I mean really, who’s ever heard of printing 1.2 trillion dollars in the middle of the week–just cus? Although it’s a gi-normous number it’s NOT necessarily the problem. It’s a symptom. It illustrates how far we’ve come from the basic values and principles that have helped make this country something worth dieing for.
The tea parties are great. They will get the media’s attention in a big way, but those memories will soon fade from the public unless they are followed by a movement. I think I’ve got a part of that movement in this project.
This is beyond political parties. This isn’t about bashing an administration. This project doesn’t stand against something… It stands FOR something. This is an invitation to commitment, to the people, and their representatives.
I’ve come to the sad conclusion that unless I get involved (though I may have sweated in far-off deserts) I may not be able to give my children the country I want them to have. Fighting for what’s right isn’t easy, but you can’t buy a clean conscience. You can only earn it..
We’re still at a stage where we need to let people know what’s going on. I still have to say things like “Spread the Word.” “Email your friends.” “Write your letters!” Post about this site in a forums like Glenn Beck’s The 9/12 project or The FOX Nation, as a comment to a newspaper article, or on any internet forum. I’ll do my best to work through my list of things to do, so it’ll make it easier for me to help you do these things. We’re off to a good start.
Value #12 is Gratitude: Thank you for visiting. I would like to offer this **digital bow of humility and kindness** for your reading this far.
Sincerely,
Jacob
Citizen, Patriot, Veteran
http://912candidates.org
Although I was never a big fan of the Beatles’ song Revolution #9, I’ve got to tell you that I’ll gladly take “Revolution 2009!” This guy’s awesome!
And the British aren’t the only ones!
Now it’s your turn. Write your representatives today. They’re elected to represent you (whether you voted for them or not–Don’t get confused, even if you didn’t vote for them, they still work for YOU). It’s not their choice–it’s their obligation. Demand it!
I hope I’m not the only one thinking that Michelle Bachmann ought to be a 9/12 Candidate.
I seem to be having a few conversations on Facebook these days that are worth sharing elsewhere. I haven’t made a blog post for it yet, but I’ve started http://912candidates.org to serve as a list of reps who are willing to commit to basic values. I mentioned this on my facebook and the following conversation ensued:
I’m not sure 9/12 is where we need to be. If you hear of a 1776 program let me know. Like I told the other friend though, this may be a step in the right direction, just not the desired end state. We need to get back to the desires of the founding father’s. A lot went into the documents prepared that we have as a framework today. Research into what works and doesn’t, but we have strayed so far from that path.… Read More
We now have a socialist leader in the White House. If you deny it, I’ll call you a socialist to.
Socialism is not the direction to head. It has broken every country it has been instituted in.
*steps off his soap box*
Not yelling at you Jake, this is just a bit of a sore point for me, and it’s refreshing to see others are also sick of it. Keep up the good work.
Jake: I’m fine with a 1776 program or a 1775 program, but I don’t think it’s going to work. I mean I was like -202 years old then. The U.S. consisted of primarily agrarian businesses. At least a third of the population was still loyal to the crown and America’s most celebrated general (Benedict Arnold) thought the cause was so hopeless he committed treason.
On top of that even though there was enough courage to declare independence there wasn’t enough of a government to provide food to the Army. If you’ve read Joseph Plumb Martin’s book you’ll realize that the Army was in Mutiny on at least two occasions. That’s why we have a famous painting of George Washington praying at Valley Forge. It’s the values we need to get back to, not the time period.
We can’t go back 200 years. We can hardly go back a few years. People have already forgotten 9/11. They’ve become desensitized. … Read More
9/12 is the best we can do for now. It’s not an end. It’s a starting line.
Where it goes from there will be up to us. We’ve seen what the “Patriot Generation” did with their ideals. We’ve seen what “The Greatest Generation” did with their values… Let’s see if we can create a “9/12 Generation.” Once we know if there is one and we can identify, codify, live, and support our values, then we’ll know if the “9/12 … Read MoreGeneration” will earn a positive place in history.
Sure, give me the ideals of 1776 for the Patriot Generation. Give me the ideals of Pearl Harbor, for the Greatest Generation.
SGT Alvin York, Joseph Plumb Martin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Hancock, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Joshua Chamberlain, Joseph Smith, and Thomas S. Monson all held values that survive the test of time. Whether they’re used by one dispensation or another, one generation or another, it matters not. They all seem to be catalysts for a miracle. They take hard work and turn it into joy and prosperity.
Matt:“Looks like you understand exactly what I mean. Count me in.”
Ok, I’m working on another political commentary blog that is causing my wordpress site some issues. Until I work them out I’d like to share a bit of humor about a post-apocalyptic future.
No, this isn’t a political blog. This is an attempt at satire… Read more and let me know how I’m doing.
The world’s soccer mom’s may pride themselves on individuality, but I’ve noticed that a lot of them are off driving minivans these days. Recently our friends the Fishers purchased a very nice van that they are über proud to own. It’s one of those things where the family scrimped and saved to be able to avoid as much debt as possible, and now they’re reaping the rewards of their frugality. *digital bow of sincerity*
So back in the day when you got a new car you were instantly transformed into the envy of the neighbourhood. Now our excitement spills over to the online audience of grandmas, friends, and obscure relatives with facial hair (you know who I’m talking about–every family has one). So they posted photos on their blog. I managed to snag one of them I’d like to share with you tonight.
Now I’ve grown up with remote controls my whole life. Call me dated, but our first remote was corded to our Beta VCR (now I realize that some of you might not know what I’m talking about so I’ve linked to the article to help you). Back then remotes used to have their own separate section of the instruction booklet. In the early 80’s you literally had to teach people that pressing a button caused something to do something. Like “Play” meant the VCR would “Play” the movie. “Fast-forward” and “Re-wind” were new terms justifying at least a paragraph each in the user’s manual.
Now look at this remote. No instruction manual is needed. Press the lock and it locks. The open lock unlocks it. The “trunk x2″ button probably means you press it twice to open the trunk–or that you press it and get twice as much space in the trunk. There’s a button to make the left door and right doors bigger or open depending on how futuristic the car actually is.
Then there’s the red button. It contains the word “Panic.” Now what exactly do they intend this button to be used for? Ok, so it makes the horn honk and lights flash. It’s a good attention getter. If “panic” were something you’d look for in a date I’m sure more single guys would be driving minivans cruising the boulevard for chicks and pressing the “Panic” button. Sure, it get’s folks to notice you, but probably not in a good way.
Yeah maybe it’s to help work you up into a “Panic.” Ok this might have some merit. Blaring horn and blinking lights are annoying. Press the button and in a couple of minutes you may wish you had installed the optional “gun rack” and nuture your desire to start shooting something. Yeah, there’s a good chance the buton is there to help inspire panic.
One second thought, I’m pretty sure I know what’s it’s not used for… It’s not used to actually tell people you’re panicked. After all, you’re driving a minivan. The back seats probably have the sweet innocent children you’ve brout into the world who suddenly turn on you when you get them in the car. Sure, you swear you’re never going to give them food–not in your new car. Then you fudge the rules–just once–and trust them to be good. Eventually you’ll have gummi-bears stuck in the seats, milk splattered across the side windows, and remember that time you thought your husband was being sweet and took the kids out so you could have a nap? French fries and milkshakes. French fries and milkshakes….. It’s coming.
Yeah, you don’t need to tell the world you’re in a panic. They already know…. you’re driving a minivan.
There is one last possibility… One last reason for this innocent looking red button…
It’s there so the kids can practice pressing buttons. Yup, that’s right. If they get a hold of your keys that’ll be the first one they press. When you hit the unlock button your range is probably a few feet. When you hit the panic button the remote’s range magically increases. Suddenly it’ll reach from the inside of your church building, through the cinderblock walls, and out into the parking lot. Yeah, it’ll happen. Be prepared to hear your license plate from the pulpit.
It’s a good thing my wise readers are well aware that life is full of unaswered questions like: “Why are people sending our current president bags of tea to be delivered on April 1st?” Can’t figure that one out.
Can’t figure out what the usefulness of that panic button is either…. Got an idea? Let me know.
What to write about? What part of my cognizance is worth sharing? I’m not really sure, so this may amount to no more than random thoughts.
I’ve got ideas. I’ve been comparing Alma 53 to Jihadist documents, especially the one released this week by the 9/11 conspirators in GITMO. The Book of Mormon has some magnificent parallels. These are best saved for later.
At times like this when my head is swimming for a direction, I’ve often found myself bearing my testimony. So tonight, if you’re reading, I’d love to share some small part of things with you.
Sunday night is the “big toe” of the week. Here’s what my Sunday Night looks like. Right now I’m staring at the computer, but I haven’t been doing so much of that lately. The weather’s gotten warmer and the kids and I have been spending time together doing things. It’s just “stuff” but it’s time together. A month ago I went to an LT’s luncheon where we sit down with our Battalion Commander, a LTC who has worked before with my dad (years ago). He’s a good man. Each month the LT’s take turns preparing the topic of discussion.
I volunteered last month to lead this month’s class. I asked if I could discuss Islamic Jihad. Considering the open declarations of war justified by various believers in Islam resulting in the WTC bombings on 9/11 numerous attacks on soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan all of which culminate to over 12,000 attacks since 9/11.
Yeah, so I thought I was good with this topic. It’s relivant to those of us in uniform and it’s something I’ve done a lot of reading about. A week before I was going to present what I’d found the topic got nixed. I was told it wasn’t the right setting to present this material. It’s true. It’s not my LT session, it’s the LTCs. So I had to switch gears. I was really stuck, and couldn’t think of anything.
About last weekend I chose to talk about communicaiton using Fisher and Ury’s “Getting to Yes.” I’ve been walking on some thin ice at work. They’re getting used to me. I’m getting used to this new environment. It’s the usual growing pains in a new place. I didn’t want to screw up this training. Wednesday night I didn’t have any idea how to apply the material. I was at the church with Chrissy. It was YM/YW night. I asked the bishop for a priesthood blessing.
Friday morning I had scheduled time to prep the class. I knew the book’s points, but I didn’t know how to make them work in the military. Somehow Friday morning it clicked. The class was at noon. It didn’t go exactly the way I’d planned, but I’d say it turned out better than planned. I didn’t try to be the guy with all the answers. Instead I ended up learning more than probably anyone else in the group. Priesthood blessings really do work. God really does hear his children.
So there’s still the threat of Islamic Jihad. There’s still immorality abounding. I still feel betrayed. Then the scriptures come into play. Perfect love casts out all fear–if you make room for it. I’ve been making more and more room for the things of God in my life. At first there’s a void, then it gets filled, then you move on.
I don’t know if you can tell how really concerned I’ve been feeling for these things in the news, and the things that aren’t in the news. I mean really we’ve got a President who’s birth certificate is being contested in court! These things matter, but they’ve happened before. They’ll happen again. This is the time for my generation to address these issues. Let’s see how we do. I’ve got good reason to hope for tomorrow being better than today. Let me list a few:
The Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are in full operation around the world.
The Book of Mormon is True
The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored upon the earth
A friend of mine from Simsbury High School wrote on her facebook wall that one of her kids was sick. This started a whole lot of folks praying, and now her son’s doing much much better. God answers prayers irregardless of what church we go to! That’s huge.
Miracles are everywhere
“Our Mr Sun” a documentary about the science of the sun that includes religious references is able to be downloaded and watched. Previous generations left us lots of good things to use today.
The list contiues… but not here–just not enough room.
When you want to blow your nose you reach for a kleenex. When you want to keep something cold you put it in the fridge. In Canada they call their couches “Chesterfields.” Brand names have somehow made their way into being common household names. Irregardless of politics or persuasions my children will bear my name. It may not be as well known as “kleenex” but where it is known it should be known for good. I’ve been, and need to continue, placing effort into securing that the name I give them is a good one.
If you’ve got a media player like VLC installd and would like to download the videos to watch on your computer with out the internet click on the links below.
Comments 
life has had an absolutely amazing pace recently. It has gotten so busy that I am left to wonder how to balance between my projects and my family. It has been no small task. Even this blog which is visited by some random 15 people a day has been tossed to the side for a time. There is more important things afoot.
