Posted on 09/23/2012 11:58:33 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
I don't know Ann Romney. I don't know Lee Cary, from the American Thinker, either, but I should like to buy them both dinner to thank them for making an important point yesterday, and it needs to be emphasized. Asked about some of the more counterproductive criticisms made by Republicans, Mrs. Romney replied, "Stop it. This is hard. You want to try it? Get in the ring." My thoughts exactly.
Constructive criticism is one thing, but handing ammunition to the opposition is uncalled for. Part of the problem is that I really like some of the people making these remarks, but I wonder if they understand the stratospheric stakes in this election. To observe that Governor's Romney's remarks about the 47 percent of people who pay no income taxes were inexact or haphazardly framed is one thing. But to say, as The Weekly Standard's Bill Kristol (whom I admire tremendously) did, that the Governor's comments were "stupid and arrogant," helps the cause not one bit. Instead, Twitter lit up with one liberal after another using the quote against the Republican nominee. Peggy Noonan, whose work I positively adore, picked up a rhetorical tire iron and went to work on Romney: "It's time to admit the Romney campaign is an incompetent one. It's not big, it's not brave, it's not thoughtfully tackling great issues. It's always been too small for the moment." Well, isn't that just ducky. If General Custer had been afflicted with support like this from his own side, the Indians could have taken the day off. With pay.
In his latest "G-File," the always brilliant, funny and trenchant Jonah Goldberg reminds us that it was the Tea Party and activist base of the Republican party that were most resistant to Governor Romney during the primaries, while the Republican party establishment admonished us repeatedly to please shut up and get behind the man. Now that he's the party nominee, we've rallied to him not because he's morphed into the second coming of Ronald Reagan, but because we understand that this election is for the whole enchilada. Put very simply, if Obamacare isn't repealed, if the debt isn't addressed, if America keeps sitting on her thumbs while her embassies burn, if Iran gets the bomb, . that's all she wrote. And so the base is working its heart out to send Obama and his comrades packing, .and now the establishment types who told us to get behind Romney, are taking a tire iron to his kneecaps. "Unlike activists," writes Jonah, "it really is my job to say what I think." He immediately adds, however, that, "Still, I think the base might have the wiser take on all this. Win now, argue later." I couldn't agree more, Jonah.
Here's the thing. No candidate is perfect. Romney has areas that he could shore up, certainly. And it is not our place to sacrifice principle in support of any candidate. Encouraging him to take it to Obama in a certain fashion, or offering information that could prove useful to the campaign makes perfect sense to this observer. And if stronger admonishments are in order, perhaps utilizing private channels would be an option. But for heaven's sake, do we have to send gift-wrapped ammunition to Obama and his acolytes in the media?
Jonah is right in another respect. These people get paid to give their opinions. I get paid to move freight and operate outside the climate controlled comfort of media suites. However, I have been blessed beyond measure to offer my thoughts on Ricochet. So in the event that my opinions might coincide on some level with those of the professional punditry, here they are:
* It is my opinion that Barack Obama must be summarily thrown out of office, and that he should take every one of his little czars and minions with him.
* It is my opinion that Democrats in the House and Senate must be shown the door as well.
* It is my opinion that in all likelihood, this is our last chance to preserve America as it was intended by the Founders.
* It is my opinion that if Obamacare is not pulled up by the roots, it will sprout encroachments into the most personal aspects of our lives that will destroy every last vestige of meaningful individual liberty.
* It is my opinion that Mitt Romney is the only realistic alternative we have to the wholesale destruction of our country by an elite who disdains us, disdains our Constitution, and holds in utter contempt the moral and philosophical foundation of our country.
* It is my opinion that if we fail to defeat Obama, our grandchildren and their grandchildren will curse us and utter our names in contempt, and rightly so, because we let their liberty slip through our fingers while we nitpicked and sniped at each other.
* It is my opinion that we're better than that. It is my opinion that we are as equal to the challenge now as our parents and grandparents were in another time. Our heritage is freedom, our gift to those who follow is more of it, not less.
* It is my opinion that it is time to focus our fire on those who seek to shred the Constitution and enslave a great nation to the whims and predilections of a ruling elite.
There, does that help give the pros something to write about? Happy to help, folks. Now, if you'll kindly excuse me, I have to get back behind the wheel.
geesh.....one doesn’t expect to get FIRE from their OWN SIDE when the stakes are this high!!! I guess you would prefer Obama.<P.What has happened to Freepers lately??? Their HATRED of Mitt is greater than their hatred of MARXISM???? Sad....PITIFUL even...a once great thinking site, gone to HELL.
If General Custer had been afflicted with support like this from his own side, the Indians could have taken the day off. With pay.
In his latest "G-File," the always brilliant, funny and trenchant Jonah Goldberg reminds us that it was the Tea Party and activist base of the Republican party that were most resistant to Governor Romney during the primaries, while the Republican party establishment admonished us repeatedly to please shut up and get behind the man. Now that he's the party nominee, we've rallied to him not because he's morphed into the second coming of Ronald Reagan, but because we understand that this election is for the whole enchilada. Put very simply, if Obamacare isn't repealed, if the debt isn't addressed, if America keeps sitting on her thumbs while her embassies burn, if Iran gets the bomb, . that's all she wrote. And so the base is working its heart out to send Obama and his comrades packing, .and now the establishment types who told us to get behind Romney, are taking a tire iron to his kneecaps.
then STFU and SHOW some SUPPORT for Mitt!!! OUR COUNTRY IS AT STAKE!!!!!!!!!!
The arrogance of you and your 'purist' cronies within FR is what is of of greater offense. What have you all collectively done for the greater good of America? Even now? You're by default campaigning for Obama.
For that matter, in what manner have you 'purist' Christians even been used by Christ as 'fishers of men'? You do not exhibit His Spirit in how you speak to others, treat others, or even condemn others. Yet, you act as if you are Christ's Ambassadors and speak for Him, better than any other Christians within FR.
It would do well if you and you 'purists' would read the Apostle Paul's writings and apply it to yourselves, as much as readings from Charles Spurgeon, such as from his How To Become Fishers of Men:
...here is a brother who says that he is faithful. Of course, I must believe him, yet I never heard of a sinner being saved under him. Indeed, I should think that the safest place for a person to be in if he did not want to be saved would be under this gentleman's ministry, because he does not preach anything that is likely to arouse, impress, or convince anybody. This brother is "faithful:" so he says.Well, When Jesus Christ says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men," he means that you shall really catch menthat you really shall save some; for he that never did get any fish is not a fisherman. He that never saved a sinner after years of work is not a minister of Christ. If the result of his life-work is nil, he made a mistake when he undertook it.
Go thou with the fire of God in thy hand and fling it among the stubble, and the stubble will burn. Be thou sure of that. Go thou and scatter the good seed: it may not all fall in fruitful places, but some of it will. Be thou sure of that. Do but shine, and some eye or other will be lightened thereby. Thou must, thou shalt succeed. But remember this is the Lord's word"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Keep close to Jesus, and do as Jesus did, in his spirit, and he will make you fishers of men.
They don't care.
I realize you’ve been around here for a long time. But I do not see how that gives you the right to scream at me and use (implied) profanity towards me.
You show me where in any post I’ve written that I do not show support for this country. You won’t find it.
If you think following leaders blindly is what we need to do to protect our country....you’re talking to the wrong gal. I vote my conscience in accord w/ my beliefs. I’m a conservative woman who is proud of this country.
Sorry you think otherwise...but then, you don’t know me.
Have a good day.
Do you NOT SEE WHAT OUR COUNTRY HAS BECOME????? DO YOU NOT WANT TO SAVE IT?????? Mitt right now is our only hope......get behind him instead of SHOOTING him with insults.
They do. They already claim they are not "imbecilic or idiots" as to their ceaseless ranting against Romney (but never against Obama---look at any of their posts. You will find, perhaps, all of 6 posts combined of their condemnation of Obama).
All that's left to consider from their behaviors, statements, and actions, then, is that they are acting with intention to undermine Romney and help Obama get elected.
If you don’t think Bishop Romney gave 10% to the Mormon church, you don’t know what you are talking about.
LOL, that post is a keeper, one of the most judgmental posts ever here at FR, as you attack our entire lives and patriotism, and for many of us, our military service to our nation, our decades of political activism for conservatism, and even our Christian faith, because we share the commonly made observation that your political candidate is “arrogant”.
That is true devotion to Bishop Romney, the man who despised Reagan, hates conservatism, and would never serve his nation, or allow anyone in his family to do so.
You wear the title “Romney devotee” very well.
geesh... he gave MORE than 10%......just guessing the EXTRA percentage was to OTHER things!!! THICK, baby, thick.
OK....WHO are you VOTING FOR????
Romney and his staff were the ones who leaked and smeared Sarah Palin. He did this to be able to run in 4 yrs. By doing that he helped Obama win. I know how horrible Obama is so did Romney. But he put his ambitions first he did not care about the Country. Romney is only concerned about Romney.
Yeah sure n00b, so you think it’s better that 0bama win this time around huh? Who are you voting for?
*THICK, baby, thick.*
What’s with your stupid snottiness? I know he gave more, I simply stated what was expected from him for his church.
Um, not quite. Yours and your (what was it mkjessup called you? Oh, yes, the "Holier-Than-Thou-Brigade (hereafter 'HTTB')"...that's what's a keeper), the HTTB post nothing but JUDGMENTS against every person who disagrees with you. I, as a Christian, will continue to point out that in your HTTB vigilantism, you're acting CONTRARY to the Scriptures, which reveal exactly how those who call themselves Christian are commanded by God to act:
A short excerpt follows:
Paul has much to say about how believers in Christ should conduct themselves. The Apostle Paul addressed all areas of our lives and how we should interact with others at home, work, society, and church, and whether the people we interact with are believers or, especially, unbelievers. One of Paul's greatest concerns is for a Christian to not cause others to stumble, both the believer and the unbeliever. A Christian's primary mission is to further the gospel of Christ. Jeopardizing that mission occurs when Christians act and speak in ways which are contrary to the Scriptures. Any time a Christian's behavior is in contradiction to the Scriptures, it is sin at work in their life. It becomes the responsibility of fellow believers to point out these failings so that the Holy Spirit can work with that person and bring him into alignment with how He would have them act.If you, or anyone else, requires additional Scriptures which instruct Christians how we are to treat and interact with others, please feel free to FReepmail me and I will provide them to you.When a Christian sees another behaving in a manner that is contrary to Scripture, it is their duty to admonish them for such behaviors. Remaining silent in the presence of sin is sin. (2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"; Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him." Leviticus 19:17; Acts 8:30 Philip ran up to the [the eunuch's] chariot and heard [him] reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," said [the eunuch], "unless someone explains it to me?")
Paul has grave warnings for people who live lives which are virtually indistinguishable from the lives they led prior to their conversion. Leading such a life contrary to Scripture can create great spiritual harm, not only to the person sinning, but to others as well because the sinning Christian has become a stumbling block to another's spiritual growth and creates a high probability that an unbeliever may reject Christ.
James, Jesus' brother, had much to say, as well, as to how Christians are to conduct themselves and the new purpose in their lives once they have become a Christian.
James 1:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in itnot forgetting what they have heard, but doing itthey will be blessed in what they do. 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.James points out that when someone is a Christian but acts as ungodly as before, their conversion has no effect on furthering the gospel of Christ. Someone who doesn't stand out as different in a good way because they are not acting and behaving better than an unsaved person is useless to God. Other Scriptures have pointed out that it goes beyond uselessness, it actually becomes a negative because it is creates greater harm with others than had that person not been saved at all. (James 2: "20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.")* * *
A few excerpts of the Apostle Paul's writings in Galatians follow:
Galations 5:
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
THUMP. It's truly a shame, mk, that these people in the HTTB either do not see the harm they are doing to our country, or, worse, they do see and are willing it.
Great post, once again, mk! Your observations are spot on. It sure would be nice to see the HTTB folks attack the real enemy: the evil Marxist occupying the White House and destroying this country.
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