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The Daily FRead (December 27, 2007)
December 27, 2007 | Various

Posted on 12/27/2007 8:30:58 AM PST by jellybean

BLOGBURST FOR FRED: JOIN THE MARBLEHEADERS

Rick Moran

Two Hundred and Thirty One years ago yesterday, a barefoot, ill-clad army of 2,000 men crossed the ice choked Delaware River to surprise the Hessians at Trenton, giving George Washington his most important victory in the cause of American independence.

The story of how that victory came about is instructive to the cause of Fred Thompson’s campaign for the presidency and the reason for this blogburst today. Not because Fred resembles George Washington in any way or that a Thompson presidency would be as significant an event in history as the American revolution. But because when the chips were down and the cause all but lost, a very small group of Americans helped make the difference between victory and defeat.

Consider if you will the circumstances. Washington had been pushed out of New York by the British in a series of battles during the summer and fall where the Continentals had suffered one humiliating defeat after another. The Americans were levered out of New Jersey and forced to cross the Delaware to the Pennsylvania side of the river. There they waited grimly for the British to attempt a crossing and finish them off.

Patriots in New York and New Jersey began to lose heart, giving their oaths of allegiance to the King so they could trade and buy food for their families. The Congress fled Philadelphia for Baltimore which made Washington not only head of the military but titular head of the government as well. There was no food, no clothing, little in the way of arms and powder, no money, and no credit.

And to make matters worse, Washington’s army was set to disband after the first of the year. A last minute appeal to patriotism by Washington (as pitiful a missive ever written by the Great Man) salvaged the situation with a little more than half the army agreeing to re-up.

In short, things couldn’t get any worse for the patriot cause. Both friend and foe believed that American independence was a lost cause. But then two events were to occur that changed the fortunes of the war and turned the tide inevitably toward success.

The first fortunate happenstance occurred on December 23, 1776 when the first of Tom Paine’s “Crisis” essays hit the streets of America. “These are the times that try men’s souls…” had an electric effect on the citizens and the army. The second event was Washington’s audacious attack on Trenton, as unlikely and impossible a victory as has ever been recorded.

Washington devised a complex plan involving three separate columns crossing the river at three points and converging on Trenton by dawn on Christmas day. One of the columns failed to cross but the other two made it safely through the ice floes and stinging sleet and arrived on the New Jersey side of the Delaware – late but intact. It was madness crossing the river in the middle of an ice storm. But Washington had the perfect bunch to attempt the impossible; the seafaring men of the 14th Continental Regiment.

Better known to us as “The Marblehead Regiment,” these were the hard cases of the American army – a group of swaggering, swearing, spitting fishermen and common seamen led by a remarkable Brigadier by the name of John Glover. Under the guns of the British on Long Island, they ferried 10,000 men and horses across the East River in one night and part of a morning (aided by a heavy fog that obscured the retreat from prying British eyes). This movement forever earned them the gratitude of Washington who liked the spirit and pluck of the sailors as well as their fighting abilities; they held off the British singlehandedly at Pelham, New York in October once again aiding the escape of the bulk of the army.

But that Christmas night in 1776, they truly earned their spurs as they tirelessly rowed time and again across the river and back again, making their way through the ice choked waters in the worst conditions imaginable. Rain mixed with sleet and ice later turning to snow, the waves on the Delaware crashing over the bow covering the rowers with a sheet of clinging ice, the gunwales sometimes perilously close to tipping into the water and capsizing the boats – a certain death in a matter of minutes given the temperature of the water.

The fate of American independence rested with those 400 hardy souls who manned the oars that blustery night. And herein lies the reason for my little historical digression and an illustration of why, if you support Fred Thompson for President, this is the time to get the hell off the sidelines and start rowing the damn boat.

To be brutally frank in appraising the situation realistically, Fred Thompson’s chances of winning the nomination are not good. I will not attempt to snow you, gentle readers, with the idea that the Thompson campaign is anything but a hope and a prayer at this point. But where there is a will to fight, so there is a will to win. It doesn’t matter how many pundits, pollsters, and assorted “experts” have written off Fred Thompson. What matters is that there is still a chance, still life in the campaign, and still a belief that the race can be won. Your support is absolutely crucial to propel the campaign forward, to build on the momentum generated by Thompson’s bus tour through Iowa by giving as much as you possibly can.

The campaign has set a goal of raising $248,000 by sundown on Friday so that they can run a new ad in Iowa. This ad could make the difference and allow Thompson to make a surprise showing in the Iowa Caucuses a week from tomorrow. Exceeding expectations is the game now and this media buy could very well put Fred in a very strong position coming out of Iowa.

So climb aboard and grab an oar. Join the Marbleheaders for Fred and contribute as much as you possibly can to make this Blogburst a big success. Use the widget below or go directly to the contributions page here.


Blogburst for Fred

Michael van der Galien

A couple of days ago, conservative blogger Rick Moran sent out an e-mail to conservative bloggers - who may consider supporting Fred Thompson - asking them whether they’d like to join a blogburst for Fred. The responses have been quite overwhelming: Rick told me yesterday that more than 100 blogs have joined the blogburst or the “marbleheaders” as they call themselves and have pledged to donate money to Thompson’s campaign today and to ask their readers to donate as well.

Now, if you’re a Conservative who believes that Thompson would make a great Republican nominee and president, I advise you to listen to what Rick’s got to say and to donate some much needed bucks to Thompson’s campaign. They have set a goal of “raising $248,000 by sundown on Friday so that they can run a new ad in Iowa. This ad could make the difference and allow Thompson to make a surprise showing in the Iowa Caucuses a week from tomorrow. Exceeding expectations is the game now and this media buy could very well put Fred in a very strong position coming out of Iowa.”

This is certainly possible if those who support Fred weigh in. As you all know, he’s not my favorite candidate - even though I think he would make a good president and even though I think he’s probably objectively spoken the best compromise candidate out there if it wasn’t for his perceived lack of energy and passion - but I do encourage individuals who want to make a difference to do all they can to do so. So, if you want to support Fred, do so now.

UPDATE: I was, seemingly, underestimating the impact already. I was just listening to Fausta’s Blog Talk Radio show from yesterday and it seems that they’re some 300 blogs that support the blogburst already.





TOPICS: Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: dailyfread; fred; fredthompson; thompson
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1 posted on 12/27/2007 8:30:59 AM PST by jellybean
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To: Jedidah; kevkrom; Columbine; TheRobb7; notpoliticallycorewrecked; xsmommy; pgkdan; FlashBack; ...

Let me know if you'd like to be on The Daily FRead ping list.

The Red Pick-up now has $79,830 in the tank. Fill 'er up! And please check the oil and wiper solution.

2 posted on 12/27/2007 8:34:53 AM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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To: jellybean

Thanks for posting this.

Fred is the only conservative with a shot.

Fred has been THE candidate to put forth serious answers to tough questions: immigration, taxes, Social Security, abortion, gun rights, etc.

Fred’s principled commitment to federalism -— i.e., not letting the pinheads in Washington run everything -— is refreshing and the only change we have of getting Washington off our back and lowering the taxes we pay to support it.

More importantly, Fred is a true leader. He can inspire this nation in a troubled time, much like Reagan or, dare I say, Churchill.

He’s a great speaker and debater — “handily” winning the debates -— while gently slapping down a liberal moderator. He would crush Hillary like a bug in debates.

Again, thanks!

I’ve put my money with Fred, and I encourage others to do the same.


3 posted on 12/27/2007 8:54:56 AM PST by TheThirdRuffian
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To: jellybean
Not because Fred resembles George Washington in any way

Actually Fred does resemble George Washington in a way. George Washington was also 6'4" tall.

4 posted on 12/27/2007 8:57:33 AM PST by Mogollon
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To: jellybean

BUMP!


5 posted on 12/27/2007 9:06:41 AM PST by sageb1 (This is the Final Crusade. There are only 2 sides. Pick one.)
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To: sageb1
Update on The Red Pick-up: $87,990
6 posted on 12/27/2007 9:49:23 AM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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To: jellybean

Update, over $92,000 as of 1 PM EST


7 posted on 12/27/2007 10:06:53 AM PST by daylilly
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To: jellybean

Make that $98,740.


8 posted on 12/27/2007 10:07:10 AM PST by Josh Painter ("My idea of Gun Control is a good, steady aim." - Fred Thompson)
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To: Josh Painter

Typo! Should be $93,770


9 posted on 12/27/2007 10:08:39 AM PST by Josh Painter ("My idea of Gun Control is a good, steady aim." - Fred Thompson)
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To: Josh Painter

Typo! Should be $93,770


10 posted on 12/27/2007 10:13:51 AM PST by Josh Painter ("My idea of Gun Control is a good, steady aim." - Fred Thompson)
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Consistent conservative: Fred Thompson touts voting record, time-tested values

By Andy GoodellCNA staff reporter

Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson is banking on conservative consistency.

The former Tennessee senator presented his principals in a frank manor, pulling no punches in front on an audience of more than 75 onlookers, which spilled out of The Windrow’s back meeting room Wednesday evening.

The event was one of 50 Thompson is putting on leading up to the Jan. 3 caucus.

With a well-lit background draped in a large campaign poster calling Thompson the “clear conservative choice,” Iowa’s 5th District Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, introduced the senator as, “A man who will lay out the destiny of America.”

Thompson said rural Iowans are concerned about foreign policy, national economy and security, as well as social values. He added, there are good and bad things resulting from the farm bill.

“The fact that there’s a lot of people living in skyscrapers who are multi-millionaires receiving subsidies — I don’t think that’s right,” he said.

Thompson’s politics draw upon conservative principals, which he said have been in place since the founding of the nation. His views also translate to his decidedly cautious take on government spending.

“The things that occur to me go back to the very beginning of the country — the Declaration of Independence — reminding us that rights come from God, not from man.”

Up front

Establishing a simplified income tax form, “rebuilding” the U.S. military and saving the Social Security system are areas of importance to Thompson.

These and other issues are presented in Thompson’s “white papers” found on his campaign Web site, www.fred08.com.

Thompson said he is one of the few candidates to lay out plans on specific issues in such detail.

He added, people are not going to endorse a set of plans at the Jan. 3 caucus, and that his consistent senatorial voting record should be considered, as well. This record includes a “100 percent pro-life” voting record.

“Roe versus Wade was bad law,” Thompson said. “In an overturn of Roe versus Wade, if that happened, it would be remarkable progress. We can collect our marbles and see where we are then.”

Thompson said his long-held views on all of these issues are “under assault” from the Democratic party.

“(They) can hardly wait to take the reins of power in order to lead us down the road to a welfare state,” he said.

National security

Protecting America’s citizens ranks as Thompson’s most important issue, he said. He went on to say he has traveled the world and met with foreign leaders, even leading an advisory committee on foreign affairs after being called upon by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

“A nation that cannot defend its own borders cannot remain a sovereign nation,” he said. “We must stop illegal immigration.”

Thompson expounded upon his military outlook, saying the U.S. shouldn’t “go looking for a fight.”

“The best way to avoid a fight is to be stronger than your adversary,” he said. “If you find yourself in a fight, you do everything you can to prevail, because to do otherwise will invite attack in the future.”



Update: $94,345

11 posted on 12/27/2007 10:19:26 AM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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To: Josh Painter
Hard to keep up with these numbers, isn't it?? Another refresh shows: $95,245
12 posted on 12/27/2007 10:22:14 AM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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Just cracked $96,070!
13 posted on 12/27/2007 10:28:57 AM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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Yet another pathetic MSM hit piece

Here's yet another mainstream media hit piece on Fred, and this one ranks as one of the lowest hit jobs I have seen- "Thompson Blames Immigrants For Mortgage Crisis".

Simply pointing out that immigrants were preyed upon by mortgage lenders, as well as the fact that there were in many instances problems with communicating with immigrants (no indication as to whether we are referring to legal or illegal immigrants, BTW), is not tantamount to "Blaming Immigrants".

In addition to the baseless accusation in this story, the piece also repeats the same tired mantras against Fred. It's clear that certain mainstream media outlets are desperately trying to take Fred down, and this is their latest attempt.

This pathetic excuse for journalism, which does not have an author named in its byline, emanates from a CBS affiliate in Los Angeles, and was subsequently broadcast on CBS-4 in South Florida- directly targeted at a large Spanish audience, for maximum effect.




14 posted on 12/27/2007 10:38:36 AM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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To: Politicalmom; girlangler; KoRn; Shortstop7; Lunatic Fringe; Darnright; babygene; pitbully; ...
New FR poll:
Which GOP hopeful is the most viable and reliable all around conservative, ie., pro-life, family, gun, constitution, national defense/security, sovereignty, borders, small government, low taxes, etc.

Rudy Giuliani
Mike Huckabee
Duncan Hunter
Alan Keyes
John McCain
Ron Paul
Mitt Romney
Fred Thompson


15 posted on 12/27/2007 11:02:30 AM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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Updated total: $98,635
16 posted on 12/27/2007 11:08:19 AM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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To: jellybean
Thank you Jelly Bean, some how ? I also view this as Fred Thompson's Valley Forge at this moment.
(Valley Forge )
17 posted on 12/27/2007 11:12:01 AM PST by Prophet in the wilderness (PSALM .53 : 1 The FOOL hath said in his heart, there is no GOD.)
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To: jellybean

“This pathetic excuse for journalism, which does not have an author named in its byline, emanates from a CBS affiliate in Los Angeles, and was subsequently broadcast on CBS-4 in South Florida- directly targeted at a large Spanish audience, for maximum effect.”

Kinda funny its in English, then, huh?


18 posted on 12/27/2007 12:16:31 PM PST by flyingspacemonkey (IMAO:Political humor, done RIGHT. http://IMAO.US (GO FRED!!!!))
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To: jellybean

Updated total $107,308 as of 4:23 EST


19 posted on 12/27/2007 1:22:57 PM PST by daylilly
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To: daylilly
Update: $108,358
20 posted on 12/27/2007 1:52:29 PM PST by jellybean (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dailyfread Proud Ann-droid and a Steyn-aholic)
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