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The Republican Road to Self-Destruction

If the Tea Party stays the course and maintains any traction, they’ll help loose the next race.

More Tea, please!

Mr. and Mrs. Republican Party Advocate—don’t change a thing. Stay your ground. Keep your conservative, extremist, all-white, anti-feminist, fundamentalist, non-regulatory, pro-Wall Street, immutable tax policy, big military, anti-city, right-leaning, hillbilly sensibilities right where they are: firmly planted in very expensive cement! And, don’t forget, no-matter-what, say “No” to anything those lefty socialist free-lunch liberals try to get past you in Congress, in your state legislature, in your city government, or in your country club by-laws! No, No, No! Never say Die . . .

Mr. and Mrs. Forward Voting Democrat, including you few and fabulous Independents – if they hold firm to their core beliefs, it shouldn't take long, just two years or so, for the Republican Party to completely self-destruct.

Oh, we of little faith, how frightened we were. Pledging $6 or more each time we received an Obama e-mail request for funds, we secretly feared those PACs of anonymous and not-so-anonymous billionaires who tried to buy the election and condemn us all to political hell. We doubted our friends, people like ourselves who work for a living, patriots who send their sons and daughters to war, union members who seldom have a say, would-be pensioners who can't afford to retire, students with school loans they won't repay for decades, families whose homes are underwater—literally and figuratively. Add us all up – there are more of us than there are of them. And, surprise, surprise—we won!

Already there are mumblings, threats, and warnings, and promises of retribution. Very few words of conciliation, none of congratulation, or suggestions of “how can we all get along.” Citizens of twenty states, so far, have petitioned our government to let their states secede from the union! Once upon a time, I would have welcomed and supported such a petition. Yesterday, my next-door neighbor suggested that Darrel Issa was looking to impeach the President—he didn't say why or how, or if he believed such lunacy. Months ago, the same next-door neighbor bet me dinner at my favorite restaurant that Romney would win the election. He’s a fanciful fellow—hasn’t paid up, either.

If the Tea Party stays the course and maintains any traction, they’ll help loose the next race. They may magically disappear the Republican Party. Thankfully, hopefully, there are a few moderate, centrist Republicans willing to work with moderate, centrist Democrats in order to preserve the union as we’ve come to know it.

Jac Flanders is the author of “What I Learned On The Way Down.”

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Jac Flanders November 23, 2012 at 04:33 pm
Gregory, perhaps you haven't noticed, we are not a theocracy. Nor do we all believe it is impossible to properly govern a nation without gods and bibles. We do believe it is every American's right to believe in a supernatural governor-in-chief; some of us would have greater confidence in leaders who rely more on facts than fictions.
MFriedrich November 23, 2012 at 05:25 pm
I don't have a problem with it.
The Christians Bible's pages are soaked with blood and destruction, including murder, genocide, rape, slavery, the mutilation of children, and the subjugation of women. With few exceptions (Proverbs perhaps), the Christian Bible is not where we draw our sense of morality. That's actually something we are ALL thankful for. Christians don't get it because most of them haven't even read the Bible.
MFriedrich November 23, 2012 at 05:37 pm
"For 50+ years the Left has undermined religion".
I disagree. Religion has undermined itself - from the sale of indulgences, to the theory of evolution, to the Ku Klux Klan, to Adolf Hitler (Gott mit Uns) and Stalin (playing off the cult-like Tsar/Emperor following) , to Jim Jones, suicide bombers and assassins, to "Creationism" and it's train wreck cousin "Intelligent Design", and more recently pedophile priests. No Gregory, You are giving Leftist bleeding heart liberals way too much competence and credit, I'm afraid.
Bret D. Rijke November 23, 2012 at 09:24 pm
@ Mr. Flanders "Rights versus Responsibilities"
Page 1: My take on Rights and Responsibilities would probably heavily lean on my (limited) understanding of what our Founding Fathers initiated with the advent of our own struggle. They of course gleaned their understanding (far more encompassing than mine) from their own examples; Locke, Bacon, etc. But first I think that the most important aspect of this would be to come to a common understanding of what a “Right” is as opposed to a “Responsibility”.
Bret D. Rijke November 23, 2012 at 09:25 pm
@ Mr. Flanders "Rights versus Responsibilities"
Page 2: Well then, what is a “Right”? Is it some magical prize that you win? Is it an earned laurel of accomplishment? Is it a set of privileges granted by government? My answer is no. Rights are what nature endows you with upon your birth. When I use the word nature I also infer a “higher being”, but not necessarily in the Christian concept. But, and we will come back to this later, I think it is paramount to ascribe that Nature equals a higher being as a safeguard to your rights. Now, the Constitution with the accompanying Bill Of Rights specified with the first Ten Amendments what Rights our Founding Fathers considered that nature has bestowed upon every man. Of all men ironically, Thomas Paine’s following captures well what I grasped when he wrote, “Natural rights are those which appertain to man in right of his existence. Of this kind are all the intellectual rights, or rights of the mind, and also all those rights of acting as an individual for his own comfort and happiness, which are not injurious to the natural rights of others." And what then is government’s role in the application of providing for your rights? My view is overly simplistic, but I think essential. My phrase would be to “get the hell out of our way.” Jefferson, immeasurably more succinct, stated that “It is to secure our rights that we resort to government at all.”
Bret D. Rijke November 23, 2012 at 09:25 pm
@ Mr. Flanders "Rights versus Responsibilities"
Page 3: Now this ties into my alluding to the imperative of maintaining that Natures equals a higher being, but this certainly casts into a whole different light how we view the evaluation and regulation of the peoples abilities to exercise their liberties as defined in the Bill Of Rights! But how this equates to my understanding is that the only function for any governmental agency in the US in relation to our ‘Rights” is to defend and protect them from any infringement, no matter how well intentioned. This would borrow heavily from Montesquieu who wrote, “In the state of nature, indeed, all men are born equal; but they cannot continue in this equality. Society makes them lose it, and they recover it only by the protection of the laws.” I suppose an ending take on this would be to say that “Rights” exist free from any government.
Bret D. Rijke November 23, 2012 at 09:26 pm
@ Mr. Flanders "Rights versus Responsibilities"
Page 4: So this leads us to “Responsibilities”. A responsibility would be some action we authorize the government to embark on which provides a welcome or just result for the betterment of our living condition. I do not ascribe the normal definition of responsibility to government as this infers a relationship where we put ourselves into an unending cycle of subservience and dependence. For example, my three daughters are my fiscal and moral responsibility. Should they commit, while all are under the age of 18, some mischief which causes a substantial monetary damage, well then I am “responsible”. Obviously, the same cannot be said in regards to me with government. If I commit a similar act I alone bear the consequences. Or if I fail to provide adequate food for my children, then I am held responsible for neglect. But of course, no such footing exists where you can hold Riverside County accountable for me living in paucity under a bridge. So think it agreeable to forgo the standard definition of responsibility in regards to the individual and government.
Bret D. Rijke November 23, 2012 at 09:27 pm
@ Mr. Flanders "Rights and Responsibilities"
Page 5: With that in mind then we enable local, federal (though I argue federal has no place in the following!), or state government to provide a service which affords a benefit to the people, after having thoroughly weighed the consequences. This would include Police, Fire, or infrastructure. Even schools would fall under the patronage of this sentiment. But no man has a “right” to police protection. Even the Courts have decided thus. No man has a right to firefighters. No man has a right to higher education, or even paved roads. These are responsibilities which we have delegated to government to provide in exchange for the tax revenues they withhold (or take) from our incomes or by usage fees.
Bret D. Rijke November 23, 2012 at 09:27 pm
@ Mr. Flanders "Rights versus Responsibilities"
Page 6: But it is imperative that no government responsibility, regardless its esteem or clamoring for by the majority, can ever infringe upon the innate rights of the citizens. So in my view, if we apply that understanding to what is government’s proper role, the questions pertaining to what should be done about healthcare, welfare, subsidized housing, or any other domestic issue become abundantly comprehensible. At the Federal level, only acts which protect the Rights of its citizens are to be enjoined. Whereas all other issues, so long as they do not infringe upon the “Bill Of Rights” (or the intent) are for the relevant States to treaty with. So, if California wished to engage in healthcare insurance, it remains for the people of California to embark upon. If on the other hand Texas wishes to refrain from any facet of Insurance mandate, then it is for Texans to wrestle with. Clear as mud, no? I leave you with this thought, which I feel describes well my ultimate understanding of the roles and responsibilities of government. “Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.” – Daniel Webster
Bret D. Rijke November 23, 2012 at 09:36 pm
@ Gregory;
I would agree with you in a political sense only so far as we acknowledge the absolute imperative of a "Higher Being". That we equate Nature equaling a higher Creator. For if we remove any semblance of a higher power, or creator, then from whence do our natural Rights derive from? They default then to government. And whatever we give to government, they always take away.
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Jac Flanders November 24, 2012 at 02:46 am
Exactly.
Gregory Brittain November 24, 2012 at 02:31 pm
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, #10
Here Comes the Regulatory Flood Costly rules held up for the election are about to roll over the economy. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324439804578115001809986588.html?mod=djemEditorialPage_h “Having come close to losing re-election because of a weak economy, Mr. Obama now keeps saying ‘our top priority has to be jobs and growth.’ This new regulatory flood will increase costs and uncertainty and make that priority that much harder to achieve.” Side note. The article points out the Obama admin has not published a list of regulations under consideration, required by Federal law every 6 months, since the Fall of 2011. This is yet another example of how Obama and his administration disregard the law whenever they please. Given the immense power of the Federal government, this is a threat to liberty itself.
Marylin Richmond November 24, 2012 at 10:02 pm
I know you and I did not vote for Obama. I also know that anything he does will have major damage to the US and our liberty. The 47% just hopes that they keep getting their Obama-Clause hand-out. I am not talking to the retired people that put their money from their paycheck to pay for SS benefits....Carma is amazing....it does come, just seems to take a long time.
TVOR November 24, 2012 at 11:20 pm
mfriedrich, why should children not be taught about the theory of intelligemnt design?
Gregory Brittain November 25, 2012 at 04:13 pm
Obama said: "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our nation’s promise."
Well, that explains why Obama wants to raise taxes on small business, increase the regulatory burden on small business, “spread the wealth around,” increase the cost of health insurance, and make everyone including small business pay more for “alternative energy.” I am glad Obama cleared that up. In addition, does anyone, including Obama supporters, believe that is what Obama really thinks?
Ethan Edwards November 25, 2012 at 08:34 pm
Hey Greg....conservatism LOST......you have no say in anything for the next four years.......FOUR LONG YEARS. Anything that possibly could get through the Senate, that Progressives don't like will get vetoed by our great President......isn't that a great feeling!!!! And now we can work on immigration reform, AMNESTY.....because Obama doesn't have to worry about being re-elected, he doesn't have to give into Extremists like you. Next you got Hilary and Bill for EIGHT more years.....LOL LOL LOL LOL!!! Who you going to run against them??? 7-11 Jindahl??? 400 lb, 5 foot loudmouth from New Jersey??? Another Bush??? How about the Hispanic guy from Florida......maybe old cultist Mitt can run again....LOL LOL LOL!!!
Ethan Edwards November 25, 2012 at 08:37 pm
It's spelled Karma ,Marylin.....you keep telling me I'm getting a surprise package but I didn't get mine yet......but I just love laughing at you. I did get my Obama phone.....its free for the next 4 long years, on your dime....thanks.
Gregory Brittain November 29, 2012 at 08:07 pm
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, #11
After the UK raised the top tax rate to 50%, 2/3 of British millionaires disappeared from the tax rolls. With Obama’s tax increases and CA’s tax increase, CA millionaires will have a >50% tax rate. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9707029/Two-thirds-of-millionaires-left-Britain-to-avoid-50p-tax-rate.html Who could have imagined that people would alter their behavior in response to changes in tax rates?
Gregory Brittain November 29, 2012 at 08:08 pm
"7-11 Jindal" shows again the real racists are on the left.
Marylin Richmond November 29, 2012 at 08:40 pm
Greg; The "Obama Clause" people just don't get it. They will !!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Gregory Brittain November 29, 2012 at 08:49 pm
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, #12
And More Great Moments in Socialized Medicine UK Doctor’s Horrifying Admission Reveals How Sick & Disabled Babies Are Put On ‘Death Pathways’, Deprived Of Food & Fluid For 10 Days http://www.theblaze.com/stories/uk-doctors-horrifying-admission-reveals-how-sick-disabled-babies-are-put-on-death-pathways-deprived-of-food-fluid-for-10-days/ Coming soon to a country near you.
popeye November 29, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Ha ha ha. What a joke!!!!!!! You would be better off warning the world will end in December 2012.. I don't know how many more strike outs you need before you realize that ever copy word you pasted has been incorrect. Poor Loser!
Gregory Brittain November 29, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Thank you sister Marylin, and same to you.
Marylin Richmond November 30, 2012 at 11:48 am
Suck up the spinach popeye - some call it koolaid.
popeye November 30, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Marytard still drinking the side if the racist kool aid. I will keep calling you a loser. Ha ha ha
Gregory Brittain December 3, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, #14
CA businesses are leaving, and the other states are actively recruiting them. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2012/12/other-states-convince-ca-businesses-to-leave-state/
Gregory Brittain December 3, 2012 at 10:57 pm
Let’s all watch and learn from the effect of CA having the by far the highest state income taxes in America in additional to numerous other anti business policies.
Gregory Brittain December 3, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, #15
Manufacturing shrinks to a three year low. http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/12/03/US-manufacturing-shrinks-in-November-to-3-year-low
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Dr. Michele Drake June 19, 2013 at 11:50 am
The benefit garage and bake sale is this Saturday, June 22 from 7 a.m. to noon at 1463 Golden SunsetRead More Drive in San Marcos (San Elijo Hills). Here's the link to the event: http://encinitas.patch.com/groups/events/p/drake-center-garage-sale-to-benefit-autism-therapy-dog_3a2145e8
Dr. Michele Drake June 19, 2013 at 11:50 am
All donated items can be dropped off at The Drake Center, located at 195 N. El Camino Real inRead More Encinitas.
Mary E June 19, 2013 at 04:01 pm
do you get a donation receipt for tax purposes?
Vicki Campbell June 17, 2013 at 04:42 pm
Prop A will help residents and stop greedy developers from buying city council. Vote YES
Rick Moore June 18, 2013 at 09:27 am
I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation that folks read the initiative. When you readRead More sections 6 and 9, you will see that Prop A sets a 30-foot or 2-story ceiling across the entire city, overriding lower height limits in many areas. The Downtown Specific Plan limits residences to 22-26 feet, as detailed on the DEMA website, so Prop A would actually allow the building of taller homes. It makes no exemptions or allowances for historic buildings like La Paloma, church towers or other structures over 30 feet high; the only exceptions are medical complexes and public high schools (see clause 6.2). Rebuilding or renovating (more than 50%) would require expensive public votes. Should the SRF be required to pay for an election to rebuild the Lotus Tower? Such contingencies are allowed for in our Historic Overlay Zone, which would clearly be overridden by Prop A. So is the Encinitas Preservation Association's plan to convert one of the boathouses to a museum. Again, Prop A would require an election (see section 4.1, clause e), which the EPA cannot afford. Prop A would thus favor large developers who have the money, time, lawyers and other resources to campaign for their project. How many nonprofits and small businessmen can afford to spend a minimum $30,000 just to get their project on a general election ballot (upwards of $300,000 for a special election like this one)? Yes, folks, please read the initiative, especially Section 9, which lays waste to anything that conflicts with it. That's why this has been dubbed Propzilla. I trust that most Encinitas citizens are smart enough to see that this meausre is deeply flawed, problematic and counter-productive. We can find much better ways to limit growth and preserve community character.
BlueAngel2 June 18, 2013 at 10:20 am
SAVE ENCINITAS FROM RANCID DEVELOPERS. VOTE YES ON PROP A!
BlueAngel2 June 15, 2013 at 09:47 pm
It would NOT surprise me. I thought we dumped Stocks. Why is he still around?
Encinitas YES on A June 16, 2013 at 02:44 pm
My YES on Prop. A sign was stolen yesterday. Other YES on Prop. A signs are disappearing. YetRead More another deceptive and untruthful mailer from the opponents of Prop. A was in my mail box. There's a shrillness and desperation in their opposition. They can't rely on facts and fair play. Polling data not looking good?
BlueAngel2 June 16, 2013 at 03:17 pm
YES ON PROP A will be victorious!
BlueAngel2 June 8, 2013 at 11:20 am
It just goes to show if Stocks or any of his puppets are involved, you will not hear the truth aboutRead More this proposition. They continue to confuse the issue. Please do not throw your vote away to ruin our city and enhance the developer's pockets who do not care what they do to our beautiful Encinitas. Vote YES on PROP A!
Status Quo June 19, 2013 at 11:53 am
Looks very much like your Prop A will pass, though 'BA2's tactic seems to be part of the problemRead More also.
TB-ENC June 7, 2013 at 02:01 pm
How is this not a racist group with Hispanics in California at 14 million second behind whites atRead More 14.8 million. We only need one chamber to represent all Californians.
BlueAngel2 June 8, 2013 at 02:09 pm
So any group other than white is a racist group?
Miranda Klassen June 5, 2013 at 10:39 am
Congrats to all on the groundbreaking. Reesey has done an incredible job with making Lux what it isRead More today!
BlueAngel2 June 4, 2013 at 10:40 am
Vote YES on PROP A! The City Council is not experienced in real estate, zoning, construction orRead More development to make decisions for us.
CardiffCreature June 4, 2013 at 10:44 am
Prop A will not control growth. It will make sure that BOTH the council and the public get toRead More directly weigh in on the deals being brokered between big developers and the city. This won't end the indirect developer subsidies, but it sure will help.
Lynn Marr June 6, 2013 at 02:26 am
Yes, it will help to slow growth, by making sure that the public approves raising height limits orRead More upzoning, for developments over the parameters of a MAXIMUM of 30 ft. and two stories. Lower set height limits will not be repealed, because they are not in conflict with the initiative or the General Plan. David Ahlgren's fear and speculation is not backed up by one single fact. He just raises the usual building industry "mantra" of alleged risks created by unnamed "unintended consequences." Council's attempt at a preemptive ordinance does NOT guarantee that will be placed on the ballot in 2014, and does NOT eliminate other loopholes such as the "less-than-5-acre" exception, the "categorization of intensity of use" exception, and the height limit exception. The only loophole that Council's drafted ordinance affects is Council's ability to vote by a 4/5 supermajority on upzoing if it is done with respect to a "significant public benefit." Not only is Council's recently drafted ordinance NOT guaranteed, in that a future Council could reverse it, if it is not enacted through a public vote, but also Council's attempt at preempting the "right to vote on upzoning and raising height limits initiative" DOESN"T eliminate the other loopholes that still exist in our General Plan, Policy 3.12., which exceptions I've spelled out, here.