Sunday, May 31, 2009

Conservatism dead? I think not


It's come to my attention that "conservatism" is dead. The Liberal Media, also known as "The Media minus Fox News", has led the charge to buy a nice casket, set visitation and funeral times and put the GOP away. Headlining the obituary: "The GOP has died because they are too conservative and unable to change with the times. The GOP also suffered from lack of leadership." According to just about everything you and I will read or hear on a daily basis will cover either the dominance of the democrats or the death of conservatism. 

Ironically, it is the MEDIA that proves to me that conservatism not only has a pulse, but is running around all over the place and gearing up for a battle in 2012. According to the recent Nielsen Ratings, Fox News flexes its muscles. For Sunday, May 24th, Fox News cleaned up house by taking 719 total viewers compared to CNN at 389 and MSNBC at 344. During prime-time it was more of the same with Fox News at 1019, CNN at 515 and MSNBC at 427. 

This means, of course (for all who've had elementary school math), that not only did Fox News destroy the other stations, but beat the other major 2 COMBINED. Yet conservatism is dead? But there's even better news. Huckabee was by far the most popular show on, and joined Fox News Sunday and Geraldo as the only ones reaching 1,000 viewers. Here's a little chart for you: 

Total Viewers: (L +SD)

Total day: FNC: 719 | CNN: 389 | MSNBC: 344 | HLN: 259 

Prime: FNC: 1019 | CNN: 515 | MSNBC: 427 | HLN: 376
 5p:6p:7p:8p:9p:10p:11p:
FNCNewsHQ:FNSunday:Report:Huckabee:Madoff:Geraldo:Huckabee:
 760103497210359301091619
CNNZakaria:Newsroom:Newsroom:StateOf:King:Newsroom:News/State:
 286344383305694546503/327
MSNBCMTP:Special:Special:Special:Special:Special:Special:
 237195300464446372440
HLNHLN:Prime:Issues:Grace:Issues:Grace:Showbiz:
 276225362445355364277


That's not just in the South folks--that's all over America. Oddly enough, the media itself is showing us that the media is wrong in saying conservatism is dead. (I know...almost as confusing as Joe Biden) 

Next, do we lack leadership? Honestly, yes, we probably do. There is no glaring leader for the GOP, as Steele is the only one in that position and he's not grasping that role. The leader of the 2012 Republican polls right now, Mike Huckabee, is more in a position of movie star than GOP leader. 

That being said, would I change the fact that we don't have a clear cut leader? No. Though we don't have one big guy at the top, the GOP has plenty of able politicians all over the place willing to stand up and fight for conservative values. As long as a leader emerges by 2012, there's really no rush. Until that time, I will continue to back the Party and not just one particular person. 

The Republicans have some very strong candidates for 2012, including Mike Huckabee, who is becoming extremely popular through his Fox News TV Show and his Radio Program. 

Don't look now, but I think the GOP is rising from the grave. 

Thursday, May 28, 2009

What can we expect under a Mike Huckabee Presidency?


It's a cool January day in our nations capitol. Snow had fallen earlier, leaving just a dusting for the throng of people gathered. There's not the record amount of people we saw last go around, but they are still out in high numbers and showing their support. Most have been waiting for this day for a long time. This day marks hope and a future for the republican party. The date is January 20th, 2012, and Mike Huckabee is ready for the biggest day of his life. Chief Justice John Roberts isn't worried about his last go at this thing and executes flawlessly. Mike Huckabee has just been sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America. 

His Fiscal Policy

Some ultra-conservatives are worried the Mike Huckabee isn't who he says he is as far as taxes go. He's been labeled by some as a "fiscal-moderate" and only a true conservative on the social issues. He did cut taxes 90+ times as Governor of Arkansas, but, as his critics say "most were very small" and can't outweigh the 21 times when he added significant tax hikes. I won't be the first to say this, but this doesn't even begin to tell the story of what actually happened. As any knowledgeable person knows: taxes are necessary. It is unfortunate, yes, but we simply must help the government pay for certain things. Overall, Mike did a great job of cutting taxes. There were some situations that were out of his control. For starters: he entered his tenure with a 200 million dollar deficit. Some taxes were also out of his control, as Arkansas Health Care Association President Jim Cooper put it: "the private nursing home tax was necessary in order to avert future huge tax increases as a result of years of mismanagement." Mike Huckabee was dubbed a "friend of the taxpayer" by the Americans for Tax Reform for his cut in statewide spending. Mike also signed the first broad based tax cut in Arkansas history. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette gives Mike credit for the biggest tax cut in Arkansas History. No doubt about it-- he's a tax-cuttin' republican from head to toe. 

If you're not familiar with the Fair Tax, get used to it. I strongly encourage you to read Mike's book "Do the Right Thing." If you don't have time for the whole thing, at least read Chapter 10, "The Fairness and Force of the Fair tax". Here's a small taste of what you can expect, from FairTax.org: 


What is the FairTax plan?

The FairTax plan is a comprehensive proposal that replaces all federal income and payroll based taxes with an integrated approach including a progressive national retail sales tax, a prebate to ensure no American pays federal taxes on spending up to the poverty level, dollar-for-dollar federal revenue neutrality, and, through companion legislation, the repeal of the 16th Amendment.

The FairTax Act (HR 25, S 296) is nonpartisan legislation. It abolishes all federal personal and corporate income taxes, gift, estate, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare, and self-employment taxes and replaces them with one simple, visible, federal retail sales tax  administered primarily by existing state sales tax authorities.

The FairTax taxes us only on what we choose to spend on new goods or services, not on what we earn. The FairTax is a fair, efficient, transparent, and intelligent solution to the frustration and inequity of our current tax system.

The FairTax:

  • Enables workers to keep their entire paychecks
  • Enables retirees to keep their entire pensions
  • Refunds in advance the tax on purchases of basic necessities
  • Allows American products to compete fairly
  • Brings transparency and accountability to tax policy
  • Ensures Social Security and Medicare funding
  • Closes all loopholes and brings fairness to taxation
  • Abolishes the IRS
 
That's just a small summary. The plan was created when a group of economic scholars from Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Boston College, among others, came together to try and create a new tax code, but weren't planning on it being quite so radical. There are no doubt many critics of the FairTax. In fact, in a 2008 Republican Primary debate, Mitt Romney took a shot at Huckabee by downplaying the FairTax, saying he's not sure it's as good as it sounds. Mike responded, "Actually, it's even better and more effective than I had time to describe." I could throw out statistic after statistic of positive consequences from the FairTax, but I don't have the time myself to do so. If you haven't already, I encourage you (after you are through reading of course!) to check out fairtax.org and familiarize yourself with the FairTax. 

Mike has a successful tenure as Governor of Arkansas to boast as  his resume. Remember the 200 million dollar deficit I alluded to earlier? When Mike left office, that had turned into an 850 million dollar surplus. During his tenure as Governor, welfare enrollment decline by nearly half. During his last year in office, the states economy grew 4.4%, easily beating the national average. Mike knows how to manage the economy, and knows that excessive spending isn't the answer. 


Social Policy 

Mike, as far as social issues go, is about as conservative as it gets. Being a former Baptist Minister, Mike feels very strongly about Social Issues, as I'm sure you know by now. His push for the "Sanctity of Life" is one of his bigger platforms. One of his more famous responses during debate came after Wolf Blitzer asked Mike if he believed in Evolution. Mike responded:

"I believe there is a God who was active in the creation process. Now, how did he do it, and when did he do it, and how long did he take? I don't honestly know, and I don't think knowing that would make me a better or a worse president ... if anybody wants to believe that they are the descendants of a primate, they are certainly welcome to do it – I don't know how far they will march that back...And in the words of Martin Luther "Here I stand, I can do no other. And I will not take that back."


Mike's response became one of the more famous responses of any debate and has millions of hits on YouTube. Mike, though very capable of being President, is not at all shy of his Christian beliefs. Even liberal democrats respect him for that, and respected that answer. Mike noted in his book that other candidates on stage leaned over and said, "I believe exactly the same thing." 

Mike is, of course, opposed to abortion and stem cell research. Both of these highlight Mike's push for the "Sanctity of Life." As a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, he is also opposed to Gun Control. Mike is also strongly opposed to Homosexual Marriage. He believes that marriage is an institution and not to be mettled with. If you allow homosexual marriage, why not polygamy? After he is elected President, Mike immediately begins to push for legislation in favor of his own views and strongly supports the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Mike is the social conservative's dream come true and probably is in line with over 90% of the evangelical Christians in this country. 


Other Issues 

If you've been a Huckabee follower for a long time, you probably know about his past history with health issues. He used to be extremely overweight and had many health problems. As it stands now, he might be one of the most in shape politicians on the planet. Oh, Barack Obama plays basketball? Mike Huckabee runs marathons. He even penned a book called "Quit Digging your grave with a knife and fork" geared toward healthy eating. Barack Obama might advocate a government overhaul, which would include paying for morbidly obese people when they become ill and help with heart disease. You might say Mike's system is a tad more effective, as he wants to end heart disease and stop people from becoming morbidly obese. Hard to beat that from a health or an economic standpoint. AARP acknowledged Mike as a "Health Crusader." He also signed a law which mandates annual Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements for all public school children. The results were reported to parents and information was passed out, as well as encouraged in the schools, on how to eat right and be active. You could say Mike has the best healthcare system in the world-- prevent the sickness. 

Immigration is an issue that has got "lost in translation" during this time of our bad economy, but still an issue that needs addressing.(Quick side note: this is another positive attribute of the FairTax. No underground economy. Illegals could not evade taxes because they would be forced to purchase items.) Although he does not support an end to birthright citizenship, he does advocate building a 700 mile border fence and policing, but not militarize, the border. He supports increases in visas for highly skilled and highly educated applicants. This would be a highly effective form of immigration control. 



Mike did an excellent job as Governor of Arkansas. I would expect no less as President of the United States. In 2005, Time Magazine name Mike as one of the 5 Best Governors in the Nation and noted: "Huckabee has approached his states' troubles with energy and innovation." Mike Huckabee can bring that to the office of the President. He can be that shining light in dark times. He can roll up his sleeves and get things done. He can re-unite a party...and a nation. That's why on that cold, January day, I will have hope and joy for the future of this nation. I believe in this nation. It doesn't matter if you're democrat or republican. So you and Mike disagree on abortion? Or gay marriage? Who cares? Heck, even I disagree with some of Mike's policies. But I'm voting for him because I believe in him. I believe in what he's done, what he's doing and what he will do. 





Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Get Excited Huckabee Fans


In addition to my electoral predictor from an earlier post, this is more of why I truly believe Huck's got a great shot in 2012. 

The GOP

Lately, the GOP has been in a flux. With seemingly no leadership and the democrats taking over Washington, the GOP is in as big a hole as it's ever been in. The field for 2012 is wide open. Names have ranged from Romney, to Gingrich, to Pawlenty, to Palin and even General Patraeus. The list of possible candidates ranges to over 20 names (and yes, that includes Ron Paul). Yet one has begun to rise above the pack. After a 2008 campaign that started with him being completely unknown and having very little money (compared to the other candidates, that is), he ended it in second place, with his own TV show and radio program, a NY Times bestseller and a on the front of Time Magazine. I'm talking, of course, about Mike Huckabee. 

Even since his win in Iowa, he's had enthusiastic supporters everywhere he goes. Lines at book-signings for his new book "Do the Right Thing" extended into the parking lot. His show has landed a spot on prime time TV and seen excellent ratings. Yes, Mike Huckabee is becoming popular. It probably happened to all of us at some point. Maybe it's when we finally hit puberty, or we hit that home run in baseball or when we aced the test no one else did- at some point, most of us had that moment when we became popular seemingly overnight. Except, none of us are running for President of the United States. 

Mike has channeled his popularity from the entertainment industry to polls for the 2012 Presidential Election. He's leads every poll I've seen of GOP candidates, and most aren't inside the margin of error. He is the only on who is considered "popular" with a favorability rating of 44/36 (being 44% like him, 36% don't). And, with the margin of error, he could be the only candidate within a single digit deficit of the President. With his TV show's rising popularity and his book still performing well, along with his dedicated followers left over from 2008, it's hard to see how Mike Huckabee won't win the Republican Nomination in 2012. 

The Media Darling Obama 

So that leaves Obama. His fluent speaking style and charming personality would make any GOP candidate cringe. However, President Obama is currently in an unique situation. His spending bills in the poor economic time are considered risky, and its put him in a odd situation. If this economic package is a full blown success and turns the economy around (I believe, highly unlikely), then he wins re-election. If it completely fails, he loses (he probably wouldn't even win the Democratic Nomination). However, what is most likely is that his stimulus package does have some positive effect, but doesn't "stimulate" like it was supposed to. Come the time of the Iowa caucus, the economy is still in poor shape, even if a little better than it was when he was elected. Even if it's significantly better, but still below average, I think he's still in bad shape. Because now we have a average-at-best economy and and now the national debts as high as it's ever been. Americans are going to blame him, and will not re-elect him. 

Enter, Mike Huckabee. Who, after gaining momentum with early wins in Iowa and South Carolina, becomes near impossible to stop. He cleans up shop in the South and performs extremely well with moderates. He wins the republican nomination then sneaks out an electoral victory on election day. 

It's an exciting thought for Huckabee fans, that a man like him can get elected President. They always say, "A Good Man can't be elected President." 

I don't believe that. 


Sunday, May 24, 2009

Happy Memorial Day!!!

As we conservatives continue to show our displeasure at how this country is being run at the moment, I want to ask one simple thing for today. Just for today, throw politics out the window. Whether you are a democrat, republican, libertarian or the Ralph Nader party, there's one thing we can all celebrate and respect--together. 

Just today, don't hurl an insult or joke President Obama's way.

Just today, forget trying to beat the "bad guys" and let's come together and remember this: we are all the good guys. We are all Americans. Walking through Arlington National Cemetery, it's hard not to get emotional. I can't help thinking to myself, "These guys didn't die for republicans. They didn't die for the democrats. They died for all of us." 

This post is dedicated to every soldier that has ever died in battle. No matter his religion, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, size or skin color, this is to them. I hope today isn't just another day. There are 365 days on the calender, and this is one of the more special of them. There aren't many more that are more important to me or this country, and you can no doubt count them on one hand. Soldiers, especially the ones who gave it all, don't get near the credit they deserve. Freedom isn't free, folks. 

Make today special. There are always little things you can do. Pick specific times out of today to just sit for a moment and count your blessings and think about how lucky you are. Maybe it's a little prayer, or a thought, or action. Whatever it is, make today count. It only comes once a year. (thanking a veteran never hurts either!) 

Today, at 3 PM, local time, there will be a National Moment of Remembrance. I urge all of you, ALL of you, to observe this moment with respect. On this day, for me at least, there will be no room in my brain for political affiliations, or even general hate for that matter. Today, my thoughts are with victims, and the families of those victims. Today, my prayers are with President Obama, as he is confronted every day to make difficult decisions, such as sending our troops into harms way, that could forever change memorial day for some families. Today, I hope to remember just how lucky I am. Since other soldiers have given their lives for me, I'm going to live mine to be the best person I can be, and to make a difference. My only question: will you join me?

I'll leave you with this quote, from Toby Keith's (I don't even like country music!) American Soldier. Although I've never much been a fan of country, I've always loved the patriotic songs it churns out. I truly hope you enjoy and show some decency and kindness out of respect for all of those who fought, and died, in the line of battle. HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

Toby Keith's American Soldier

I'm just trying to be a father,
Raise a daughter and a son,
Be a lover to their mother,
Everything to everyone.
Up and at 'em bright and early,
I'm all business in my suit,
Yeah, I'm dressed up for success from my head down to my boots,

I don't do it for the money, there's bills that I can't pay,
I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway,
Providing for our future's my responsibility,
Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be,
And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekend's been too strong,
I just work straight through the holidays,
And sometimes all night long.

You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door,
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core,
And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price,
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice,
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,
But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free.

I'm an American soldier, an American,
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand,
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right,
I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight.
American soldier, I'm an American,

An American,

An American Soldier

Friday, May 22, 2009

Electoral Predictor- and a bit of good news!

Barring the end of the world on December 21st, 2012, we need to begin worrying about the election a month and a half before that. At the rate he's going, President Obama is going to have to mortgage the White House and Auction off a couple of National Monuments to pay for some spending (this, of course, is after he has squeezed us and our children's pockets dry). I don't believe President Obama is doing a horrible job as President, but I honestly believe his erroneous spending will be very costly in the long term. 

We, the people, need need to utilize our "check" on President Obama and show our displeasure by not re-electing him. Although I like President Obama the man, we simply cannot afford "4 more years", as will no doubt be chanted by mobs of Barack Obama kool-aid drinkers. Here's the scenario by which I believe this can, and will, happen. This, of course, is assuming Obama's approval rating drops quite a bit more. It's not uncommon for a Presidential approval rating to be so high in his first few months, in fact you might even say his his lower than usual. My current prediction is that his approval rating will be relatively high all year. However, at the end of 2009 and into 2010, that will slowly start to change. The "new and exciting" Barack Obama's administration becomes politics as usual and disappoints the millions of moderates and moderate-conservatives that voted for him. "Change" does, in fact, come-- in the form of the largest increase to our national debt ever in 1 year. 

According to a recent poll, Obama is currently winning the 2012 Presidential race by double digits, the closest competitor being Mike Huckabee, who is losing 52-39. Before campaigning rolls around in 2010/'11, that number will be virtually tied, and that's optimistic for Obama. If his economic plan completely bombs, I'd be surprised if he even wins the Democratic Nomination. But let's assume he does--that still leaves the republican field wide open. Here's what will happen: 

A rundown of the candidates: Mike Huckabee, who had little money and was unknown in 2008, is now the frontrunner. His FoxNews show and NY Times Best Seller make him a "fan favorite". Mitt Romney is gearing up to be the "Champion of the Moderate" to take McCain's place. Sarah Palin is hoping her charm and Alaskan "spunk" can carry her to the White House, while Bobby Jindal is hoping to be the republican version of Obama. Others like Tim Pawlenty and Mitch Daniels may float their name, but will quickly see they lack the support. Newt Gringrich will also join the race, but American's want a new face for the republicans- and Newt isn't that. 

Now take a breath....here comes the state-by-state rundown.

This time, Iowans don't pick a little known candidate, they select Mike Huckabee, who now has momentum, along with a lead in the polls. Mitt Romney comes away with a victory in New Hampshire, with Sarah Palin finishing a surprising second. Wyoming stays with Mitt, as Bobby Jindal pulls the upset in Michigan. This throws the race into a frenzy, with 4 legit candidates heading to South Carolina. Mitt wins Nevada, but South Carolina isn't the race we thought it would be. Governor Huckabee carries South Carolina with 41% of the vote, with Jindal falling to second with 23%. Sarah Palin wins her first state with Hawaii. Maine, of course, falls to Romney, while Polls show a "too close to call in Florida" (shocker!) but eventually falls to Sarah Palin, coming away with a shocking victory, making it even more of a dog fight heading to Super Tuesday. However, Super Tuesday changes things. Mike Huckabee is the Big Winner on Super Tuesday, taking Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota,  Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia. Sarah Palin carries Alaska, Connecticut, Montana, New York and North Dakota. Bobby Jindal comes away with much needed delegates from California, and delegates from Arizona and Delaware. Romney sweeps up the rest, with Massachusetts, Colorado and Utah. Romney can do the math, and drops out of the race. 

And then there were 3....

Bobby Jindal, after his exciting California win, sweeps up Louisiana after Super Tuesday. But Mike Huckabee reels in Kansas and then Washington, who, along with Minnesota, becomes Mike's second "northern" state. Sarah Palin is still making strong shows in the polls, but is finding it difficult to win any states. Washington DC and Maryland fall into Jindal's lap, while Virginia goes to Huckabee. Sarah Palin breaks her slump with a big win in Wisconsin. Jindal's campaign takes a critical hit when it finds 2 states they were hinging on, Ohio and Texas, both go to Governor Huckabee. Although she wins Rhode Island, Palin can no longer play with the big boys, and respectfully bows out of the race, and throws her support behind the leader, Huckabee, hoping to capture a another run at the second most powerful person in the world. Huckabee, with plenty of Southern States left, is looking like the presumed nominee. Jindal does take Vermont, but Huckabee delivers a huge blow when he reels of 6 straight states with Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, Nebraska and Kentucky. Jindal's campaign ends as he is mathematically eliminated. Huckabee is primed for a battle with Obama. 

In the general, it looks like another difficult race for Huck. Huckabee names Newt Gingrich for the lower part of the ticket, because he was the smartest man available.  Obama starts off election day strong, winning most of the North East, reeling in Maine, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. He also takes New Jersey,  Maryland and North Carolina. But Huckabee comes roaring back with Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. Huck's strong showing in Ohio and Pennsylvania give him some momentum. Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas fall in line for Huckabee, along with another flipped state from 2008, Iowa, which joins Virginia, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania in that category. Obama takes Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and his home state of Illinois. Missouri and Florida are too close to call. Huck gets another surge with Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado (flipped) and Wyoming while Obama wins New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and flips Arizona the opposite way. Huck then takes Montana and Idaho, while Obama sweeps up the West Coast with California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, as Huck benefits from Sarah Palin's support by taking Alaska. 

That leaves the race at: Huckabee- 235 and Obama- 265, with Florida and Missouri too close to call. Huckabee has to win them both. It won't come down to Florida this time, as they decide just after the West Coast is done that they're following Huckabee. That now puts the Electoral Votes at Huckabbe- 262 and Obama- 265. Missouri will decide the race. 

Around 6 in the morning, CNN is first to report that Mike Huckabee will carry Missouri and is the next President of the United States. There'll be a legal battle, but to no avail. 

There's my prediction and I'm sticking to it. 



Thursday, May 21, 2009

Getting Involved

Mike Huckabee was one of the little known candidates of the 2008 election with no money-- I'm determined not to let that happen again. I know the election is still 3 years away, but we've got to get started now! Winning a Presidential election isn't easy, and can be decided with grassroots efforts. I encourage you all to involve yourselves in these efforts. Here's ways to get involved right now and tremendously help Mike for 2012!!!

Huck's Army- Join up now on the website or the facebook group and network with other Huckabee fans and get constant updates. 

Huck Fan Club- Kind of a "Huckabee Facebook" where you connect with other Huckabee fans.

HucPac- Join Mike's political action committee to support other conservative candidates. Also another great place to meet Huck followers in your state. 

Twitter- Follow Mike's updates and Huck's Army updates.

Facebook- Join the Huckabee for President for 2012 Group and Mike's page, with close to 100,000 followers. 

All of these things can get you plugged in. How does this advance Huckabee's cause, you ask? Become knowledgeable about Mike, then tell your friends about him. Spreading him around as a serious republican candidate is important right now. Invite ALL of your friends to ALL of these groups. Let's watch them grow and, by 2012, see the biggest following of any republican candidate! 

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

3 Myths about Huckabee

It's come to my attention of some foolish rumors floating around about Huckabee. Even general idea's about him, like he's a red-neck, baptist preacher. Some are a little crazy for any politician, like Ron Paul, for example. But for a frontrunner like Mike Huckabee? I'd like to set the record straight on some of these rumors. 

Myth #1: Mike Huckabee is a Baptist Preacher, and not qualified to be a President. 
Truth: Mike graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, a liberal Arts school that is consistently ranked the #1 baccalaureate college in the nation and Top 5 for Top Comprehensive Colleges, both by US News. A college that has also produced 2 governors, a state attorney general, multiple deans and college Presidents, and a lt. Governor (not to mention 6 "Miss Arkansas"). He also served as Governor (basically, President of the State) for 11 years and Lieutenant Governor for 4 years. In short, he is qualified for the Presidency. Heck, running a Church probably requires more "Presidential" qualities than a Senator. 

Even Time Magazine called Huckabee on of the Top 5 Governors. 

And try this on for size (I think we could use a little more of this on the national level):

From Factcheck.org
It’s worth noting, too, that Huckabee, despite facing a $200 million shortfall in 2002, ended his term with a surplus of $844.5 million. A billion dollar turnaround is, we think, a noteworthy accomplishment.



Myth #2: Mike Huckabee Wants to Quarantine AIDS Patients 
Truth: In 1992, when very little was known about the disease, Mike said that they needed a different type of hospital where they could learn more about this disease and keep the public from harm. As he said regarding this: "My first concern was the safety of the people, not political correctness." If you ask me, this is a highly positive thing, as the future no doubt holds new problems directly confronting the public's safety. 

Myth #3: Mike Huckabee is really a "spender" and a liberal in disguise. He may have cut taxes 90 times, but they were all small cuts, while he raised taxes 21 times for almost a 200 million dollar differential. 
Truth: Huckabee is not a liberal in disguise. And the line about him raising taxes about 200 million more than cutting them, although a fact, does not tell the whole story. One of his bigger tax hikes was  a Private Nursing Home Tax. Here's all I have to say about that:
Arkansas Health Care Association President Jim Cooper stated the private nursing home tax was necessary in order to avert future huge tax increases as a result of years of mismanagement.
So clearly, there is more to the story. There were some small tax increases, and a lot of small tax deductions. We also must remember that Huckabee inherited a 200 million dollar deficit, making it a little more difficult for him to hand out tax cuts. Despite this, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette still gives him credit for "one of the largest Tax Cuts in Arkansas history."

Fact is: Mike cut a lot of taxes. Yes, some were very small, but he really didn't leave anyone out.


In conclusion, nobody's perfect. There are going to be a lot of silly rumors floating around. Some are true, some are not. Every politician has skeletons in their closet. In this internet-driven world, you really must be careful, as what you see and hear is not always true. 

Monday, May 18, 2009

Where I stand, and Why...

Abortion- Strongly against. How can you be charged a double murder when you kill a pregnant woman. It's murder and a "woman's right to chose" has nothing to do with it.


Guns- I'm for limited gun control. There are guns on the street that shouldn't be and no waiting period is ridiculous. If you want to hunt 2 weeks from now, order it now. I know what the second amendment says, but this was also a time when British Soldiers could burst into your house and sleep there. 


Gay Marriage- Against, but not "strongly." Gays should be allowed in the military and should have rights, but I'm for procreation. I also think a child benefits from having a mother and father.


War- Bush certainly made some mistakes and war could have been handled differently, but Bush also kept us safe. I'm for securing democracy abroad if that country would pose a threat to us or other countries without it. 


Taxes- FairTax. Huckabee's big tax plan is a good one and one I think will eventually catch on. Would solve a lot of problems in the Economy. 


Bush/Obama- Bush made mistakes, as all Presidents do, but overall did a pretty good job. Again, many things he should have done differently, but was not one of the worst Presidents ever. As for Obama, I'm willing to give him my support as of now and stand behind him, but the spending has got to stop. 


Why I support Huckabee- In 2008, I was struggling over which candidate to support. I was in the midst of reading "The Audacity of Hope" and hadn't ruled out Obama. My friends liked Guiliani and Romney, but I didn't. Was not and am not a big McCain fan. So I did some research, and went to every candidates web site and to the issues page and read up. Huckabee fit my views almost perfectly and is just a generally good guy. 




That should give you a good view of where I am. I consider myself very conservative in my views, but not my view of the rest of the world, if that makes sense. I do not hate homosexuals and I'm not a liberal-basher who thinks Barack Obama is the worst thing to happen to this country since 9/11. I keep an open mind and consider myself an American before I do Republican. 

Welcome

Welcome to Huckamanina. Here to discuss all things Politics, specifically 2012 Republican Candidate Mike Huckabee. Enjoy.