Tuesday, February 15, 2011
C-PAC in review
I've also determined my favortie free thing I got was definately the Pelosi squeeze head thing. Genius.
Overall my c-pac experience was an A+. I was disappointed the conference was heavily front loaded with all the big names speaking on day one...apparently from what I've been told it is usually the opposite. I felt bad people left after the straw poll results before Rep.Colonel Allen West came on as the closing speaker. RUDE.
I want to go again next year...maybe get filmed in some more arguments. Maybe, I should take the Andrew Breitbart approach and wear rollerblades next time...hmmm.
http://hotair.com/archives/2011/02/14/video-young-cpacers-send-white-nationalist-packing/
That's All Folks
I believe that one should be firm on their principles, and realistic on their ideologically based ideas. To provide clarity on my previous statement I shall provide an example using myself. While I have reservations on giving war (everyone should), I do not believe sitting idol if the security of the nation is threatened. Many of the speakers at CPAC communicate the similar rhetoric to the audience (smaller government, repealing Obama-care, etc.). We as individuals have to ensure that we do not allow our principles to be swayed by campaign language, fable ideas, and illogical theories. So if you make the trip to CPAC it is important to listen and process what you hear, and to investigate what and why you believe what you believe.
I unfortunately, concentrated on listening to the main speakers and not checking out all the exhibits, and panels. It will probably behoove you to visit all the exhibits and read the literature, not just walk away with a free pen or kooze (although free stuff is the best stuff).
Overall I enjoyed my time in the nation’s capital, and the conference. I certainty suggest that anyone who is conservative, leans conservative, or questions conservatives to go to the conference. Although CPAC is an annual event, each conference is a once in a lifetime experience.
Farewell to all my readers, I hope I haven’t bored you too much.
-Johnson
Nation Building
This is late, but it shall be written. The Last day of CPAC was filled with big name speakers (Ambassador John Bolton, Ann Coulter, and Rep. Allen West). All of those speakers were very interesting, but I found myself more interested in a panel discussion called “How to Think About Afghanistan”. As an Army ROTC cadet and soon to be intelligence officer, the war in Afghanistan is definitely an issue that concerns me.
Christopher Preble, Director of foreign policy at the Cato Institute, provided three problems with the nation building that America is involved with in Afghanistan: 1. National building is costly; 2. Nation building is unnecessary; 3. Nation building is deeply inconclusive with conservative principles.
I completely agree with Mr. Preble. America is spending too much time, money, and most importantly American life, attempting to build a democracy. A democracy can’t be built, it is grown. Our founders didn’t wake up one morning declare independence, and write a constitution creating a democratic republic. No, this is not the case as we all know. Our founders were well versed in the history of the transgressions that their ancestors experienced under the monarchs in Europe.
In Afghanistan we can provide them with literature supporting democratic ideals, but we can’t build their government. I was a stanch supporter of the original post 9/11 invasion, and I our army performed excellent in initially defeating the Taliban, but unfortunately our priorities became lost. We must protect our country from terrorist and those who wish to do us harm, but we can’t solve their problems just by setting up a government for them.
-Johnson
BACK IN BG? BOOOOOOOO
'Too moderate for the Republican party, or not,' Mitt Romney has and will be my favorite contender for the upcoming primary elections for the Republican presidency. Tim Pawlenty is also one of my favorites contending for the president, as well. John Thune as the VP for both of these candidates is ideal candidacy for me.
Ron Paul pretty much wants anarchy with no government and foreign policy- a little crazy? I think so. I was stunned at the reactions and opinions of his supporters. It's not surprising that the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) dismissed Ron Paul from their advisory board. With factions being created within the party and no cohesion, the Republican party cannot afford to have candidates jeopardize legitimacy of the party. When looking on the inside within the Republican party as an outsider after this years CPAC, a liberal would have no problem finding disunity and opposition because of the radical Tea Party deriving from the Republican party.
Besides the political aspects of CPAC, I have fallen in LOVE with the city once again, and I cannot wait to eventually move there. The people, places, and politics is what I live for. CPAC 2012 before the presidential election? Can I say party in the USA.. literally. See ya then, DC.
--PLATO
Poorvie Patel
February 14, 2011
NOW and IN GOD WE TRUST
I agree a lot with the things that Barrett stated in his most recent blog. I feel like I’m more readily available to become an activist for the Republican Party. Ron Paul was a bit too liberty-loving-over-the-top for me. The Paul libertarians were quite radical. Furthermore, I thought they were rude to just up and leave the ballroom after Paul spoke. These actions diminish the possibilities for libertarians to lead the Republican Party. I do think that they are an important aspect because their absolute liberty rhetoric needs to be heard. However, I believe that they did themselves a disservice: disrespecting the other speakers brought them no respect in return.
Overall, I think CPAC really energized the conservatives who attended. We needed to understand that we need to fight for freedom and liberty NOW. We needed to understand how important it is to keep taxes low and slash spending NOW. We needed to hear about consolidating and eliminating bureaucracy as much as possible NOW. We needed to hear about how our country needs to bolster its American exceptionalism; it’s perfectly acceptable for us to be proud of our nation. These were just a handful of the relating themes that most of the speakers posited. Hopefully, all the CPAC attendees will keep these principles in mind as we prepare to take back our country in 2012. Lastly, in the words of Congressman Allen West and others, IN GOD WE TRUST!
-Thomas Cameron
Monday, February 14, 2011
Barrett Dennison- Day 4
Day 4
A look back at CPAC.
If I can go a few weeks without hearing about the campaign for liberty or Ron Paul I’ll be thankful. It’s not that I disagree with them on everything; I just disagree on a lot of things. But most importantly I disagree with their lack of civility. We aren’t the Middle East or the raucous British Parliamentary system. We can let leaders speak without openly booing them. If we keep going at this rate the Republican party and all Conservatives are just going to be an ongoing SNL punch line for the rest of the nation to giggle at.
That stated I think we have some great options and a great foundation that will lead us into a very interesting and excting Republican Primary. Mitt Romney, Donald Trump, Rick Perry, Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee and yes even Ron Paul will create a very different field of contestants for our hopes to take back the Government from the out of control but very sports intelligent Obama administration.
My thoughts on CPAC can be summed up in a few words.
Conservative
Chaos
Free Koozies (I got like 7)
It was a great event and I feel like I am a conservative activist now. I’m better informed and better aligned with the party that I know will make a difference in the coming years. It starts now and will culminate to the pinnacle that is the 2012 Presidential Election. Also if I could get a job that will lead to me working in part of that election, that would be awesome.
Until Next Time, Goodbye America and CPAC.
A bit of turbulence, a muttered curse word or two, a broken suitcase wheel, and here we are.
CPAC in retrospect.
Well--here we go.
To be surrounded by such an environment is still overwhelming to me.
It's my third year, yes.
Old news, no.
I still get cold chills when a crowd jumps to their feet in applause.
I am thankful that cynicism hasn't reached me yet.
Now on to the criticism.
Dear CPAC 2012, do not invite Ron Paul back to speak.
I realize that you would lose a number of registrants--but honestly, haven't you learned yet?
When a mob of people boos a man winning an award, or calls the former VP of the US a war criminal, you need to take action.
The Young Americans for Freedom did, and it's time you did too.
Stop caring about numbers, and start caring about the REAL conservative movement.
You're giving us a bad name.
The conclusion of the WKU groups own, personal Straw Poll were as follows:
Chris Christie: 3
Rick Perry: 2
Mike Huckabee: 1
Mitt Romney: 5
Sarah Palin: 1
Tim Pawlinty: 4
Ron Paul: 1
Undecided: 2
Sunday, February 13, 2011
We aren't done yet...so don't fall asleep!
I learned so much the past few days; but more than that, I am motivated again. A year ago I didn't agree with where our country was headed. That prompted me to get invovled in a campaign. I worked over 400 hours this summer to make sure we changed the blue 6th district of TN to red, and I was so dedicated to the purpose. After November my passion for keeping our government accountable drifted away. Attending CPAC made me realize that gaining seats in Novmber was just part of the process. We need to now hold the people we got elected accountable and start looking forward and planning for 2012. Let's wake up America and get people thinking now. We don't have to wait til 2012.
Here is a cheesy/funny metaphor for you: Today I fell asleep in the airport and was not waking up anytime soon. Thank goodness Derek Noem found me and woke me up, or I might have missed the flight. We need to be Derek and wake up people who are not paying attention to the issues and not miss the flight in 2012.
-rach
Jeremiah 29:11
Farewell DC
Christina
Thoughts on Allen West
Representative Allen West of Florida is a true American hero. We had the honor of hearing him speak as the closing keynote speaker at CPAC. I was even more excited to hear Lieutenant Colonel West speak than I was of Governor Tim Pawlenty.
As a soldier, LTC West stood for strength and his fellow soldier, ideals that he reiterated as a newly elected congressman. Some of his actions were deemed illegal and politically incorrect while he was in Iraq. The reason for this: leaders get punished when they cross the line to do what it takes to defend freedom. LTC West’s actions saved lives.
Many of CPAC’s speakers proclaimed their stances and accomplishments. Ron Paul was championed as a steward of the Constitution. Mitt Romney was acknowledged as an expert on business and economy. Allen West proved himself as a defender of both the Constitution and the economy. Moreover, West vowed that he would protect our country. He would ensure that America would remain exceptional. West vowed that he would not apologize for America. He said the time to act was now. I hope and pray that the Republican Presidential nominee heeds West’s call to action so that we can achieve the New America of full liberty and exceptionalism.
-Thomas Cameron
Merina: My Last Day at the conference in Washington
Last Day
An interesting event of the day were the results of the Straw Poll. Ron Paul won with about 34 percent of the vote with Mitt Romney close behind. Although Ron Paul won the straw poll I feel as though it is unrealistic and most certainly not a true representation of conservatives.
Another interesting event was when my friend had gotten into an argument with some Libertarians outside the conference room. I'm not sure what they were debating but I found it hilarious that my friend called the individuals "Paul-tards."
Overall CPAC was a worthwhile adventure and I would like to go again someday. For now, however, I need to catch up on some work for school.
Great CPAC, see you next year!
I guess it wouldn't be a party without the crazy aunt who married your great-uncle twice-removed.
The Ron Paul Show (A Rerun)
As has been previously mentioned, I attended CPAC last year. Ron Paul spoke then, on the second day just as he did this year. His speech consisted of the same rhetoric that was in his previous speech (aka broken record). Unfortunately, if he were to change his speech he would probably loose his followers, and he has some devout followers. They all sat in the same area, and were fully decked out in Ron Paul Flair. Several of the Ron Paul fans are also inconsiderate; many of them booed a Congressman, and they also left right after Rep. Paul’s speech.
Some of Paul’s speech, as usual, covered foreign policy; Paul has a non-interventionalist view of foreign policy. His view seems makes me believe that his is disconnected from reality. He does not think that the U.S. should involve it self in others nations’ affairs, instead, we should only be concerned with national security at home. His foreign policy approach is not completely absurd. President George Washington spoke similar rhetoric in his farewell well address, but Washington didn’t foresee how quickly the world would shrink as technology advanced.
Some Paul advocates believe that the U.S. should have never involved itself with conflicts abroad, but the simple fact is, we did. There is no turning back. If we try to retire from the national stage and hide under a rock, a heavy tide will come, turn over the rock, and submerse us. We must stand strong and remain a superpower.
Goodbye, CPAC!
SO COLD!
Yesterday was a riot. Ron Paul's fans are crazy and not in a good way. Today and yesterday both Paul fans disrespected and interrupted other peoples speeches. Now I understand being excited and clapping and such but not when it is considered rude. I highly enjoyed listening to Herman Cain. I fell in love when he brought up the racism part and said just because you are against the president who is black does not make you a racist and if it does then he must be too! That old black man has my vote. My favorite speaker was none other then the fabulous Ann Coulter. I mean what conservative doesn't love her? She is fantastic and did not disappoint with her jokes and cracks at liberals expense. I also liked how she was (from what I saw) the only individual person that took questions. It wasn't a panel so if you didn't know what to say someone else could chime in but it was just her and all the question had to be answered by her on the spot. I was impressed by how witty she actually was. She actually made jokes that wasn't planned and that can be hard but Coulter never passes up a opportunity to make fun of a liberal. It kinda makes my heart smile. The keynote speaker, Allen West, was really awesome. I really think you could feel the emotion behind his speech and how sincere he was (Note he is a politician so you true never know until its too late). His speech got the crowd going and it was awesome that he touched on most subject from Domestic to foreign policy to gay marriage and abortion. He was a good key note speaker, last minute or not.
One cool thing was we got to see an awesome cake made by the Cake Boss himself! It was the bust of Reagan with a cowboy hat on and on one side was the Berlin wall then the other his ranch. It looked amazing! I only wish we could have celebrated his birthday but the event was full and wouldn't let us into the ballroom.
So now the story that tell about the title of the post: After leaving the hotel from failing at the Reagan party, me, Rina and Turner went to look at the monument which I did not remember how far apart they actually were. Umm the answer is real far apart when its in the single digits degrees out and I still was in my conference attire. Well we managed to see Washington's, Lincoln, Korean war, FDR and Jefferson. We walked at least 3 miles. Once we got done with Jefferson we decided a cab was needed. So the cab chilling there was waiting on someone but he called his driver friend to come pick us up. As the cab drove off he said stay it will be just a minute. - 25 minutes later - It was so ridiculous cold and I could not feel my toes after like ten minutes. It was horrible. When we got into the cab finally he told us that he picked up the wrong people at first and once he realized that it was the wrong people he came back. I guess thanks for coming back. It was a crazy situation but I also never had a better hot shower.
Christina
CPAC Day 2: Conserving liberty and ignorant libertarians
Day Last
There were lots of panels, that were educational, but SNoring.
My favorite speaker of the day was Allen West.
Definitely cooler than his older, whiter brother, Adam.
I look at these leaders, and I gotta say, I feel inspired.
And shocked.
I've always been amazed at the level of Barrack Obama's support,
but now I am just shocked.
When I compare his submissive, 'let's strive for mediocrity' attitude to the bearing of an ex-Marine, you tell me who you feel safer with.
The man in charge of the most powerful nation on Earth should have a little dignity about him.
"When everyone is special, no one is."
I'm so pissed off my teeth hurt.
I want a REAL leader.
I want someone who isn't afraid to be politically incorrect and say: "Ya know what? America IS the best place on Earth. And everywhere else sucks in comparison. You're either with us or against us."
Heck.
I'm not a xenophobe--I'm a patriot.
Oh and p.s. Ron Paul is still bonkers, and Mitt Romney looks like a Ken doll, genitalia and all.
Good night and good luck.