Posted on 06/28/2013 2:16:16 AM PDT by Kaslin
One of the best lines of advice I've ever gotten came from my aunt Rose in the third grade: "Stop complaining about what you don't like, and do what you can to change it." I took her advice that afternoon, had a much better school year because of it, and promised myself I'd never forget her words of wisdom.
So here I am today, immersed in a sea of politics and culture wars, TV and radio debates, panel discussions and Q & A sessions where I'm challenged to think hard about who I am, what I value, and what messages I hope to convey to the listeners and viewers who count on me to tell them what I really think.
There's never a day that goes by that I don't think about my aunt's advice. So, let's do ourselves--and our country--a favor and apply it.
Yes, the mainstream media is painfully biased. Yes, the Obama administration has and will continue to use Hollywood and the entertainment industry to push its agenda. Yes, the Left has been highly focused on--and skilled at--using pop culture outlets to shift public opinion on political, cultural, and social issues. Yes, academia is often in the brainwashing business and revisionist history is alive and well.
And now for my controversial statement--So what? What do the Left's tactics have to do with me or my ability to counter them with smart policy, solid media strategy, innovative marketing, effective delivery, creative projects, and youth outreach? Nothing. They have absolutely nothing to do with me. Unless, of course, I spend more time complaining about what's wrong than challenging it. That, I'm afraid, is a mistake being made all too often on the right.
Yes, talking Obamacare repeal is important. But what's more important is having smart, charismatic free-market enthusiasts in media, at events, and in liberal hubs talking specifics about alternatives. Why are the alternatives better? Who stands to gain? Why should young people care?
Where are the hired messengers for this? In D.C. talking to each other? On TV being non-specific? Writing up proposals they can toss on a website that the ideal target audience will never read?
Yes, speaking at conservative college forums is very important. But what's more important is speaking at college liberal forums. Be the odd man or woman out. Challenge the status quo. I promise you that someone in that room will leave thinking about what you've said. I did it as a student at Columbia University, I did it among professors while working in academia, and I do it every day in liberal New York City. Trust me, eyes and ears do open.
Conservative and libertarian novelists, filmmakers, artists, musicians, clothing designers--challenge the system. Use your creativity and talent to define this movement; don't let the Left define it for you. Will it be hard to get projects published and promoted? Sure. You know what else was hard? The drafting of the Constitution. They managed to get it done.
There are people in this business who are content to preach to the choir, spew talking points, and hope for the best. I'm not one of them. So I ask you to join me in working to get people of all ages, races, religions, and professions to think a little harder, to open their eyes and ears a little wider, and to question what many in media and academia have told them for so long.
In other words, let's stop complaining and start doing.
Pretty gal! I don’t watch much TV. Heck of a name. I like Louisa. Jed just does not fit. Take care, Timber Rattler
One thing I would like to see is conservatives creating and donating to private scholarships for inner city kids who excel to go to good conservative colleges like Hillsdale college.
Teach a man to fish and he will teach others to fish.
Don’t file. Gotta file every year right? They jump all over you when you don’t. If the Tea Party could become a reality, everyone one us, FReepers, conservatives, Hells Bells, even the stupid liberals should be able to get this one right, just don’t file on the next 15th. of April and tell the scallywags in D.C “ENOUGH!! No dough until there are changes!.
“Dumb’’, ‘’Dumber’’& Dumbest’’.
You still have to file, right? They come gunnin’ for you when you don’t. Everyone blue-eyed red-blooded one just don’t file next April 15th. and tell the bums we’ve had enough.
If I ever get to retire before the Fed kills me... I’ll try some of the things that you mentioned. Right now... I am doing what I can and that is a significant amount considering my time.
LLS
permitted?
ENCOURAGED!
|
And NOW we know how the Native Americans feel!
But there is nothing WRONG with the system that actually USING it cannot fix!
Ha!
And tell them the fishin' is better about 6 miles away from HIS favorite spot!
The left wins because too many on the right let it happen so they can stick their nose in the air and say "I told you so."
The left wins because too many on the right let the perfect become the enemy of the good (2012 primary when the not Romney fought each other).
The left wins because too many on the right don't pay attention to local elections.
The left wins because too many on the right are not involved in the Republican Party and participate in party leadership elections.
The left wins because too many on the right are lazy, whether it be from poor work ethic on politics, thinking they are above politics, or simply don't know how to fix things.
And you and your family will burn along with it.
That's not an acceptable option for me.
Reminds me of a joke my priest told to start a sermon.
A terrible storm came into a town and local officials sent out an emergency warning that the riverbanks would soon overflow and flood the nearby homes. They ordered everyone in the town to evacuate immediately.
A faithful Christian man heard the warning and decided to stay, saying to himself, I will trust God and if I am in danger, then God will send a divine miracle to save me.
The neighbors came by his house and said to him, Were leaving and there is room for you in our car, please come with us! But the man declined. I have faith that God will save me.
As the man stood on his porch watching the water rise up the steps, a man in a canoe paddled by and called to him, Hurry and come into my canoe, the waters are rising quickly! But the man again said, No thanks, God will save me.
The floodwaters rose higher pouring water into his living room and the man had to retreat to the second floor. A police motorboat came by and saw him at the window. We will come up and rescue you! they shouted. But the man refused, waving them off saying, Use your time to save someone else! I have faith that God will save me!
The flood waters rose higher and higher and the man had to climb up to his rooftop.
A helicopter spotted him and dropped a rope ladder. A rescue officer came down the ladder and pleaded with the man, "Grab my hand and I will pull you up!" But the man STILL refused, folding his arms tightly to his body. No thank you! God will save me!
Shortly after, the house broke up and the floodwaters swept the man away and he drowned.
When in Heaven, the man stood before God and asked, I put all of my faith in You. Why didnt You come and save me?
And God said, Son, I sent you a warning. I sent you a car. I sent you a canoe. I sent you a motorboat. I sent you a helicopter. What more were you looking for?
I see crap like this posted not just in articles but in Freeper responses, and I always think what you said--"And what should we do?"
None of the keyboard commandos can ever answer that.
LOL More than a joke but a powerful lesson.
Excellent points. Sadly
When the car is broke and you cannot fix it. What do you do? You cannot fix the current gov’t. God is sending a message loud and clear. Start over. It has to burn.
That kind of perspective can help to get more people on the same page.
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