Happy Birthday, Thomas Jefferson!

     One of our nation's most famous Founding Fathers, the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, was born on 13 April 1743.  If modern science could catch up, he would be celebrating his 274th birthday this year alive and well with our nation; but I, like many, do hope he is resting in peace. 
    A representative of my home state of Virginia, Jefferson was a man whom I am certain many would agree was monumental in giving Britain the finger while nurturing the rebellious spirit that would give birth to America.  Jefferson pushed for religious freedom, sparking the then radical idea of "separation of church and state".  While it is true he owned slaves, he was an opponent of the transatlantic slave trade and proposed a gradual plan of emancipation.  
     Jefferson's work and service to the dream of American democracy is timeless and applies to our current nation and the problems we face.  You don't believe me, do you?  How can a man who would be celebrating his 274th birthday be in touch with the issues today?!  Let me show you.

1.  "The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers." 
Is it possible that Thomas Jefferson was referring to the "Fake News" of his time?  While I cannot vouch for Jefferson's views of "Fake News" accounts while he was alive, we now face a crisis with our news media.  Journalism is a dying art. Truth is now a subjective idea where ideological agendas are prevailing, leading to a population who is uninformed while believing themselves "in the know".  As someone who values information, sometimes it IS better to not know anything than to only know the slanted version of what someone else THINKS you should know.  Believing in a bed of lies is worse than ignorance.   

2.  "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." 
This one hits home.  This is at the heart of every one of our societal issues we are dealing with right now.  Let's be honest, government doesn't REALLY know what they are doing; much to their dismay that I point that out.  These elected officials are not god like entities, they have flaws.  These flaws get in the way of our government running efficiently resulting in numerous government funded programs funded on the backs of taxpayers.  And what do we have to show for this?  An entitlement epidemic where people stay in government subsidized housing from the time they are born to the time they die, living off food stamps, with no drive to contribute to society all because elected officials tell us that if they stop funding these programs, people will be homeless, hungry, and illiterate.  Lump in the disastrous health care fiasco, crumbling infrastructure, and politicians tugging at American's heartstrings and I think we can all see what our nation's third President was talking about.

3.  "Never spend your money before you have earned it."
Do I dare remind you of our national debt? 

4.  "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
This is a mindset that many of our fellow countrymen and countrywomen seem to be lacking.  Being an American isn't a free ride, nor is it a hand-out to anyone in our country illegally.  When we stopped teaching our children that their work output is a direct indicator to the kind of life they will live later down the road, that their actions can have negative consequences should they choose the wrong course, we fostered and harvested a people who have the wrong idea about what it means to work towards their goals.  Even if your goal may be the same as your neighbor, the one who reaches that goal is the one who puts the work in, knowing that their reward is coming.  No amount of government funding can yield  positive growth of any man, woman, or child.  Bottom line, you have to work, and work hard, for your dreams!


      Thomas Jefferson's name is synonymous with liberty and democracy.  It's no wonder that his legacy is reverential.  While I could list more memorable quotes from him, let me leave you with one forever known as the foundation of America:

"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."

Ready, Aim, Syria

     This is bad...this is bad, this is bad, this is BAD.  That was the mantra on repeat in my brain when the word of the airstrike in Syria was announced.   This has to be the beginning of WWIII, right?!  How could President Trump do something so overly risky?  An understandable thought, right?  This is scary stuff.  This is a monumental event that has just taken place for the world, not just President Trump's administration.  There are some serious repercussions to this event.... but let's think about this for a moment.  This might not be the worst thing to happen.
      Reports began in 2012, while President Obama was in office, indicating that the Assad regime was behind the murder of his own people.  Who can forget Obama's famous "Red Line"?  A warning to Assad after reports of the attacks went viral on the international stage... a line that Obama realistically had no intention of holding Assad's feet to the fire.   It was empty an empty threat by Obama, and Assad knew it.  Assad was given a golden ticket by Obama, Assad saw this, and the world knew it, but no one put up a fight.  This lead to the great refugee crisis we're witnessing now.   Syria is in shambles now because Assad and his regime knew they could get away with anything.  Enter Trump.
     Like many of us, President Trump does not want a war.  What we are seeing from Trump is a bold action to something that SHOULD have been taken care of years ago.  The target was Shayrat air base; to help stop future possibilities of a chemical weapons attack.  Russians were warned about the strike, even though they continue to turn their heads to the deplorable attack on innocent people.
     This strategic strike is a wake up call to the people across the world that America will not stand by while innocent people are murdered by their government.  Hopefully Americans, and others around the world, who have had their heads buried in the sand in regards to the atrocities committed by Assad will see that this was a vital steps to stabilize Syria.  Perhaps some see it as an "act of aggression", but what else would a mass murderer will understand if not strength?  

Debunking Millenial Sterotypes: An Interview with Brady Kenyon

     Social media has turned into a force that even its creators couldn't have imagined.  It is, without a doubt, one of the most influential driving forces connecting us as a population.  Social media gives us a chance to stay in the know with information we can easily access with our smart phones, without needing to wait for the evening news.  What social media has done has been nothing short of amazing; regardless if some of us question whether or not it's a blessing or a curse.  No matter on what side of the fence you stand on regarding the advantages or disadvantages of social media, it has forever changed the way political campaigns are run. 
     President Trump, and many of your hometown political campaigns, have and are now turning to social media in hopes of gaining votes from their constituents.  It goes deeper than just wanting to win support from a boisterous millennial crowd, it is a cheaper and a more direct link to voters from all ages, political affiliations, and creeds.  Social media reaches a majority of the population, and political campaigns have to find a way to be savvy in order to stand out and win.  A very crucial role in campaigns now stand by that of a social media director.  These are the people who monitor posts from campaign staff and who spend a large amount of time on social media networks reaching out to respective users regarding their candidate's campaign and the work they are doing.  Social media directors have to be savvy in order to be effective in reaching as many potential voters daily, and that in itself is an art.  
   Now imagine yourself as an idealistic 19 year old college student.  Life is laying out its path for you at your feet, and your approached through Twitter to be a social media director for a blossoming governor's race in Minnesota.  In between classes and tennis, Brady Kenyon finds himself in the race supporting Chris Chamberlin for Governor of Minnesota.  I was honored to be able to interview him for this week's blog.

Interview With Brady Kenyon Q & A:

P.W.   You're 19 years old.  Being a Social Media director for a governors race is a daunting task no matter anyone's age.  How were you able to prepare for this role?
B.K.  "I think regarding qualifications for heading social media age is just a number. I’ve spent the last year building up my Twitter reputation along with reaching out to conservative leaders through Twitter. I’ve reached almost 12k followers in under a year, I think people have made a connection with my message and it’s starting to show. I think we can all learn from Mr. Trump, he was absolutely brilliant throughout his campaign using Twitter to get his message across."

P.W. Social Media is nothing new for millennials but there is some resistance with the senior community to have a Facebook account or to be active on Twitter.  How do you find a way to engage that demographic or do you not? 
B.K.  "Well, it does pose a challenge. However, I’m starting to see more and more senior citizens becoming involved with at least one social media platform. Ranging from Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or political chat rooms. Currently, when I connect with a user from the senior demographic, I have a conversation with that individual encouraging them to spread the importance of being more active on social media in regards to politics."

P.W.  Do Facebook Likes or Twitter followers give you or your competition a way to gauge a candidate's support?
B.K.  " I think this is a great question. Depending on who you ask, it will drastically change the response you get. However, I strongly believe in strength through numbers, especially within the social media community. Let’s use Twitter for an example. I’ve had numerous conversations with people from all over the United States, who have taken interest in the campaign here in Minnesota, all simply because they came across the campaign page on Twitter. Social media has become the easiest and most effective way to gain national attention for a campaign and to gain much-needed name recognition."

P.W.  What type of posts do you find to be the most engaging and yield a high reach?
B.K. " The time of day does make a big difference. I’ve learned 12,3 get the most impressions while 5 pm gets the most retweets. I’ve seen more interaction with tweets that have sub quoted another tweet or tweets that include some form of media."

P.W. How do you see social media changing political strategy in future elections?
B.K.   "Social  Media is already changing campaign strategies. Take a look at the 2016 election. Donald Trump had tremendous strength through social media yet the analysts dismissed this is as irrelevant. It’s clear to everyone now that a strong social media following does make a difference. I assume from here on out, campaigns will look to connect with voters through social media."

P.W.  What is it about the Chamberlin campaign that motivated you to work on his campaign to help him become elected? 
B.K. " I have family in Minnesota. A goal of mine since entering the political field has been to help get another Republican Governor elected in Minnesota. As I saw the way Donald Trump nearly pulled off a remarkable upset and came within a point of winning Minnesota, an idea hit me. We have an opportunity to turn Minnesota red. I joined the Chamberlin campaign because we need to elect a leader that represents the common man. I believe in Chris Chamberlin’s message for the people of Minnesota, and I wanted to join the campaign in hopes of getting him elected. It’s inspiring to see a figure such as Mr. Chamberlin working so hard to better his state and I really wanted to be a part of that."


P.W.  Who continues to be your inspiration to serve our nation by being involved our country's political process? 
B.K.  " President Trump continues to be a motivation for me. After seeing his election, and the way he connected with his base inspires me to continue in politics every day, and for years to come."


     As many of you, I am in awe of the drive that Brady Kenyon has and the stereotypes he is tearing down every single day of the down trodden view many have of millennials.  God speed to you Brady in helping improve our nation by Draining the Swamp! 

(Brady can be found on Twitter @BradyKenyon)

The Lack of Tact

  Dear Anti-Trump Rioters/Protesters/Demonstrators,
 
     There is so much unrest in our nation, worldwide even, that it goes beyond imagination.  This unrest, this unease, is palpable.  Like many of you I am beginning to believe that this is a tangible being, as if one day we will wake up to news of it leaving a slime trail of darkness on the city streets.  Yet I, like many others, believe this unrest has grown way beyond what it should. 
     Which has me wonder of you Anti-Trump protesters, how can any of you legitimately justify your destructive actions and the vile tone you have adopted?   You want to stand up for your beliefs which is one of the pillars of freedoms this nation is all about; and as an American I encourage you to voice your dissent as it is your right.  Yet those of you in the Anti-Trump crowd forget that it is through this dissent that we learn from those with different view points, and that your point is more effective when it is delivered with tact, and this is something you do not have.  It is this lack of tact that is your downfall.
     Tact comes when you can deliver your point without violence, destruction, or assault, but with words that are so well articulated and a point so thoughtfully prepared that those who stand in opposition from your views are persuaded of their own free will to listen.  It is here where you lose everything that you are trying accomplish and it is here that your "movement" dies a painful death.  You Anti-Trump protesters are not convincing Americans who voted for Trump to listen to you and to unite on common ground; you're pushing them away with your foolish protests that quickly turn into destructive riots and assaults on your fellow Americans.   In simple terms, your demonstrations are leading no where. 
     Which makes many wonder, what are your next steps with this Anti-Trump movement?  Are you planning to go to your local elected officials office and see how you can work with them to share and accomplish your goals of "securing America" from what you perceive to be a threat in the Oval Office?  Or is the whole movement about causing chaos, destruction, hate, and fear? 
     If you want to be successful your movement, you would stop this nonsense and reevaluate what it is you want to accomplish.  If  you are truly dedicated to this cause and really believed in what you were doing, you would not hide your faces.  If you truly want people to listen to you and take you seriously, you would not destroy buildings nor would you physically attack others with opposing view points.  You would find someone who could channel that energy and tactfully articulate your mission.  You would stop with the cliché comparison of liking President Trump to Hitler because all you are doing is lessening the severity of the genocide Hitler put defenseless human beings through. 
     If you cannot stop with this destructive behavior, then I ask that you stop protesting and focus on your self and your family.  Act in a manner to keep them safe, and soon I think you will see that God, the Universe, whatever you may believe in, has a way of settling the hearts of mankind. 

A Day Without Immigrants... You Mean Illegals

     Stay home illegal aliens and those of you who have no idea the burden illegal immigrants pose on our nation, that's just fine.  For those of us who understand what this is all about, this silly call to action as nothing but pure nonsense, go about your day as usual.  For those who stay in our nation undocumented feeding off of our system, you should be humbled and grateful, yet here you are flamboyantly flaunting your illegal status because you think someone like me will be moved to tears and want you to continue staying here as an illegal immigrant?  That's not going to happen.  All of you taking today off are full of yourselves and appreciate nothing you have here, and you miss the point entirely on what it means to be American.
     Let me specifically address a growing concern many of us have for all of you calling for open borders and reject any nationalistic identity:  How can one demand that the US take in all of the worlds sick, the poor, those seeking social justice and yet use the same tongue to bash the US for being overreaching as a leader in our world?  Let me inform all of you who deeply believe in this liberal ideology that takes more and more of hardworking Americans money to support people who flee a repressive government: continuing on this path is just , and will continue to be, a temporary Band-Aid.  Why?  The problem facing these immigrants fleeing from their home land is not being fixed.  The source of the problem will continue on its path of repression and fear, and people worldwide will still live in poverty and face social injustice daily because we don't call on other countries to fix their nonsense.  No what we do is continue on the easy route of ignoring these injustices and continue on accepting people afflicted by crisis. 
     This issue goes way deeper than a drug and crime ridden Mexico, war torn Syria, China, Russia, South America, Cuba, North Korea, India, basically anywhere and wherever people face injustice.  Americans are being lead to the slaughter because we're being labeled as evil if we do not bend to the will of other repressive governments.  Instead of towing their line, why don't we start demanding that instead of being the world's doormat that we stand up and demand that all of these nations that are oppressive and fail to offer their citizens basic human rights fix their governments so their people can live a life of harmony and peace?  We need to stand united and tell these other nation's to fix what is ripping their nation apart so their people can stay home.  That's the issue that liberals REFUSE to address each and every day, and the simple reason as to WHY is because it all comes down to politics.  How easy it is for Americans to forget that refugees and illegals are nothing but pawns in American politics.  Illegals and refugees are used so one side can appear more compassionate than another to win over the low information crowd.   If our nation's leaders took social injustice as seriously as you believe they do, then we would not have the likes of Castro nor al-Assad murdering their people for power.  No, if anything our elected officials are happy with the status-quo and seeing how to tug at our heartstrings while our homeless veterans are forgotten, our debt keeps rising, our GDP turns to dust, and our children are so under educated that they cannot compete with the world market.  All of this is about politics, not compassion.
     Immigrants will still try to flee to America because, whether your liberal education will allow you to agree, we are the best country on the planet.  That's why people want to come to America.  Who wouldn't want to pursue the "American Dream"?  Of course any of us not in support of this call to action of open borders are openly labeled as racists or worse yet, nationalists, who  do not care about the plight of those suffering around the world .... WRONG.  Those of us opposed to open borders and illegal immigration do care, we just want the same rules applying to us as to others living in our nation.  We ask those who come into our nation do so legally, that they learn our customs, language, and traditions, that they have pride in being an American.  That we take care of our own and persuade others around the world to follow in our country's footsteps. 
     Yes, many of our family members came to America, mine being one.  The difference that millenials and liberals don't realize is that they did so legally, and that they embraced everything that America had to offer while still paying homage to their roots.  That's not being done today, and that's why there is an uproar.  Come to America, but do so by following our laws.

Waking Up Conservative

     President Trump issued an executive order in regards to the safety and security of our nation and snowflakes and liberals who did not take a moment to actually READ the policy protested and or rioted.  Snowflakes and liberals who do not think there are any repercussions for their actions set fires, physically assaulted human beings, and smashed windows and glass doors when Milo was scheduled to speak at UC Berkeley.  We have legitimate citizens of the United States who care more about the welfare and right of illegal immigrants receive than they do about the suffering of our nations Vets.  There are students being taught that America is the most oppressive nation in human history and the only way to fix it is to adopt a socialist style of government. America's Supreme Court found in favor of forcing Obamacare on its citizens without enforcing it on our leadership or themselves.  Our national debt is $19 TRILLON dollars and growing, yet American citizens are told that gender identity is a more pressing matter.   American women are demanding free birth control pills and on demand abortion access in the name of equality while millions of girls are sold as child brides, undergo female genital mutilation, and are still considered property of men.  The list goes on and on of complaints conservatives have against liberals, but let's address something that's going to make liberals cry; whether you, liberals, like it or not, the children being raised now are being raised with conservative values.   
     Surprised?  I bet most of you are. Look at what is happening to the children who have been lead astray thanks in part by our educational system and mainstream liberal policies.  You are witnessing a generation of lazy cry babies who are completely unprepared for life thanks to policies and teachings they grew up under.  No one in their right frame of mind can say the riots occurring on college campuses followed by a latte at the college "safe space" is a good thing.  Most of these kids are doomed before their life even begins because they were fed lies throughout their childhood, and that lie is liberalism. 
     You cannot expect parents, especially new parents, to accept these situations as normal.  Parents aren't taking a back a seat.  They are evaluating what is best for their child while reading the news on their smart phone.  Turns out parents of children just entering elementary school or younger ARE paying attention, and they are not buying into the liberal propaganda.  It's this generation of children that every liberal should be scared of... and perhaps THIS is the reason why they advocate and praise abortions. 
     The world is about to see a new generation of children raised by parents who are faithfully paying attention to the policies of school boards and politicians.  Parents are paying more attention now to the policies made because not only does it affect what their child is taught in school, but it also affects their financial bottom line.  To which I urge everyone, not just parents, to READ policies set forth and be active in your local and federal government.  The office of the President is not the only office that affects you, your local officials more closely directly impact your daily life more than you even begin to realize.
     Liberals, you've been warned.  The conservative ideology is fixing to make a huge come back, and it'll leave your head spinning.

Promiscuous Passé

     Since the announcement of Trump's nomination of Judge Gorsuch the fake eruptions of outrage from the Left have been predictable, but one claim is wearing thin on my patience.  That irritating claim is that this SCOTUS nominee, and future Supreme Court Judge, will overturn Roe v. Wade.  It really did not matter who the nominee would have been, this talking point would bloom regardless, yet I am afraid that if I were to roll my eyes anymore that they would get stuck that way.
    This repeated tired claim regarding Roe v. Wade is offensive in its root that women are citizen's solely concerned about access to abortion in the eyes of the Left.  The Left does not think women concern themselves with the matters of national security, care of our Veteran's, the economy nor anything more pressing than the outcome of their sexual activity.  Essentially the Leftist's concern with women worldwide ends and begins at their vagina.  If you are in doubt just look at how much funding Planned Parenthood gets and how much Planned Parenthood "donates" to certain candidates.  It's not a coincidence, it's by design for the need for power, and it's entrapment of the minds of millions of women nationwide.
       This debate regarding Roe v. Wade and it's continued protection regarding a conservative Judge is ridiculous.  Ladies, the Left truly believes that abortion access is your number one hot button issue.  Women essentially don't have any thoughts or cares about our economy, crime, the education system, or national security; all women care about is their vagina and whether or not they can have an abortion.  That is it, that's all women are for Leftists.  If the Left can scare a women enough into believing a conservative wants to drag women back to their caves and be ruled over by a man, they have job security come any election cycle.
     With this mentality of unfettered abortion access to all, we have witnessed and continue to watch our youth become sexually active at a younger age.  How is it that we have children in middle school engaging in these activities?  It's because we have thrown morality out the window in compromise to be accepting of our PC culture. For all of you younger generations out there, let me offer this: Sex is not a recreational sport.  It is not cool to go around sleeping with as many people as possible.  Being promiscuous is not something to be applauded nor something to aspire to.  While it is no one's business but yours what you do behind closed doors, there will come a day where you meet the person you are supposed to spend the rest of your life with and you will wish those other partners away. 
     Aspiring to be the prized sexual object as commonly portrayed in movies, TV, and music is not women's liberation.  It goes against everything that feminism was founded upon!  Find a role model that knows how to cleverly use their appearance in connection with their mind.  The saying that life is about balance applies to everything including your sexual lifestyle.  Whether you want to admit it or not, sex is significant and it matters.
     If we can spread that message across our nation, wouldn't it be interesting to see how the moral fabric of our nation is repaired?  The issue of Roe v. Wade goes deeper than just abortion.  It gets down to the heart of how Leftists view women.... And I have to ask myself, why does the Left want to place women back in their caves?