At the nation's capitol

My faith affects my involvement in the political arena. There's just no doubt about it! If you would like to read about my recent trip to Washington, click on the link to my "Message in a Bottle" blog.

Have a great day!

http://affirmingfaithmiab.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-just-got-back-from-national-day-of.html

Religion and Politics: In My Opinion . . .

With fellow Precinct Delegate at registration table

Christians don't have the option to walk away from the political arena. When believers neglect involvement in the political process, government is manipulated by the loudest voices – and in our society, those voices are too often shouting support for agendas contrary to the Word of God. 

Citizenship is our duty – to protect and preserve the principles in our Constitution that govern our nation. This begins at the ballot box. That’s why it’s so important voters are EDUCATED and PARTICIPATE! That is also the reason I was recently involved in organizing a "Christian Voter Information and Registration Drive" at my church.  

PARTY POLITICS       

Undoubtedly, politics is not fun or interesting for everyone (and by election day, we're probably all tired of the rhetoric.) There is no denying there are unseemly aspects of politics or the fact that everyone looks at the world through the lens of their our own views and special interests. In political parties – as in all organizations that carry great power, money or influence – there will be those who attempt to garner those resources for personal gain. But, my friend, we can’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. 

We are blessed to live in a country where our founding fathers carefully established a representative democracy in which citizens have the privilege and opportunity to vote for those representing them in government. Although I am a  very active Republican, my goal goes beyond promoting a party. I am working diligently to see people of integrity elected who will work to defend and support the things most important to me. 

Today we are talking about religion and politics. For me, if a party or candidate stands for biblical principles, that’s the one who will receive my vote. In the future I'll post some information on the history of the Republican party; but for now, I ask you to consider the moral issues at stake in this election.

We need to understand where parties and candidates stand on issues of abortion, traditional family, gender roles, religious freedom and even establishing huge programs that create government dependency. Where does a party or candidate stand regarding a strong national defense and national sovereignty (governing ourselves instead of giving control to the world powers like the U.N.)? Does the candidate or party keep God's name in their platform, or are they humanistic in their philosophies? Pro-God or pro-man?

WHAT'S THE GOAL?
The ultimate and very personal question each of us must answer is, "Which candidates best represent my faith and my concerns as a Christian?"

In considering evangelical Christians alone, of the 60 million professing this faith, only 30 million are registered and voting. What a difference we might see in our nation if Christians of all denominations would simply register and participate in the election process. 

Citizenship is stewardship. Let's be good stewards of America, the Beautiful . . . from sea to shining sea . . . crowning our greatness with goodness . . . always remembering that righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). Thanks for sharing a bit of your time with me today.

Why people are changing their votes to support Romney

http://whyichangedmyvote.com/?source=display-why&cdtrack_creative=b30ff6ed-5c20-41ce-b543-7e1ad0abe93a&cdtrack_source=6766ecf9-5d7e-4988-ba24-e120e6fe0873&gclid=CNaH8ba9ybICFehDMgodvk0AEg

Rule of Law

In addition to social/moral concerns, two of the most important determining factors for deciding which judge(s) to vote for are their positions on "rule of law" and the constitution. Here's a great article:
http://www.fff.org/freedom/0892a.asp

Michigan Ballot Issues

Looking for information on Michigan's Ballot Issues. This is provided by a referral from the State of Michigan website to the Citizens Research Council.
http://www.crcmich.org/election/index.html

Good Information

Informative article on Obama's views on REDISTRIBUTION. Written by Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120925/OPINION01/209250324/1007/rss07

In my book, character counts -- even in politics! We can discuss that in another post; but today, let's look at another important issue facing voters.

REGARDLESS of our opinions on the MOTIVES or CHARACTER of our presidential candidates, I hope as we complete our ballots this November we each give serious consideration to this question:

Are we, as a nation or as individuals, better off under Barak Obama's presidency?

Did you know FOOD STAMP usage reached a record 46.7 million people this June? I'm not slamming the program, but the statistic begs the question, "Why do more people need food stamps than ever before?"

At the same time, our NATIONAL DEBT has risen to over $136,000 per person. That's up 50 percent! The United States Treasury reported the total public outstanding debt has gone over the $16 trillion mark for the first time in our nation's history. That's up $5.4 trillion since Obama took office.

 Even Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley, considered a possible contender for president in 2016, is on record stating the American PEOPLE ARE NOT BETTER OFF today than they were four years ago.

Mitt Romney is running for president to CREATE A BETTER FUTURE!

Here are some of the highlights of his plans:

• Create 12 million new jobs (he has the experience to do it) 
• Gain energy independence (have you seen the price of gas?) 
• Give citizens the skills and education they need - every child a choice and every child a chance
• Make trade work for America with new trade agreements and consequences for cheaters. 
• Assure every entrepreneur and job creator their investments in America won't vanish by cutting the deficit and putting America on track to a balanced budget
• Champion small businesses 
• Repeal and replace Obamacare 
• No tax increases on the middle class 
• No "talking" with dictators or "walking" from commitments -- more loyalty and backbone on issues of defense 
• Honor American ideals instead of apologizing for them.

President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family. - Mitt Romney

Remember, my friend, we are not electing a pastor or motivational speaker. We are electing to office the person most qualified to lead our country and get this derailed train back on track to a brighter tomorrow.

Thanks for reading . . . and voting . . . and engaging in this election. Volunteer. Give. Promote. Do your part. Let's unite for the United States of America!

Heading off to the the Michigan State Republican Convention this weekend in Grand Rapids. Yes, these are fun and interesting . . . but also involve careful consideration. We will be voting on:

The election of 16 Presidential Electors

The nomination of of three
Michigan Supreme Court Justices
Incumbent for Full Term – 1 Slot: Stephen J. Markman
Incumbent to Fulfill Partial Term – 1 Slot: Brian Zahra
Non-Incumbents for Full Term – 1 Slot: Jane Markey or Colleen O’Brien

The nomination of  2 members each of the following:
The State Board of Education
Todd A. Courser
Nancy Danhof
Paul Garon
Melanie A. Kurdys

Wayne State University Board of Governors
Michael J. Busuito
Satish B. Jasti

Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Melanie Foster
Anne Norlander
Jeff Sakwa

University of Michigan Board of Regents
Carol Ann Fausone
Dan Horning
Charles William Kauffman
Rob Steele

Thank you, Precinct 25, for re-electing me as your Republican Delegate!

I appreciate your vote and am committed to represent our community at county and state conventions to the best of my ability! It's going to be an interesting few months! 

Sample Ballots Available! Be Prepared!

If you live in Michigan, I hope you're ready to vote in tomorrow's Primary Election.

Did you know you can look at a sample ballot online to see the candidates and issues you will be voting on in advance?

For those in my area (Rochester Hills, Precinct 25): here's the link to our ballot. 

http://www.rochesterhills.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/401

I hope you'll please vote for me as your Precinct Representative. I am running for my fourth term and have been actively involved in the grassroots, faithfully attending county and state meetings and volunteering my time to represent your interests! I would like to continue serving.

Are you registered?

The last day to register to vote

in Michigan's August 7 Primary Election

is Monday, July 9, 2012!

[CLICK HERE] to be redirected to the online registration form.

And . . . I just had to share this sentiment

I read on a friend's facebook page:

Had a great time at the OCRP's Vintage Fashion Show/Fundraiser. Here's a picture of me with Jim Thienel, Chairman, at the registration table.

It was a lovely, fun and educational event . . . and a great opportunity for me to pull out my own vintage lace duster and wear a "Victory Roll" hairdo. Hey, if you're gonna do a thing . . . do it with all you have in you!

Look Who's On the Ballot . . .

In today's mail . . .

from the Oakland County Director of Elections . . .

I received a proof of the ballot for the upcoming Primary Election. I am running for a fourth term as Precinct Delegate. I hope my friends and neighbors will allow me to serve again on their behalf.

The Crisis

"These are the times that try men's souls . . . "

      -- the beginning of Thomas Payne's The Crisis (1776)

These words written so long ago embody the timeless, heart wrenching, gut demanding challenges facing those who long for freedom.

In 1776, The United States sought liberty from England's control, interference and regulation. Today, many of America's greatest challenges come from within.

As Thomas Payne wrote, "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

Is your "soul" being "tried" by the precarious circumstances of America's current crisis? 

It's not going to be easy, but we must engage! We must get involved and do our best to preserve what our founding fathers and fighters worked so hard to establish for themselves, their families and their posterity . . . that's you and me!

Independence came at a great cost. We remember the stories of Washington's army marching through snow with bootless, bloodied feet. In Valley Forge they lost 2,500 of their 12,000 men to typhoid, jaundice, dysentery and pneumonia. 

There is more to this story.

Although General Washington's men sacrificed and persevered through incredible difficulties, his rag-tag army -- though tired, cold and ill equipped -- emerged from their six-month encampment trained, ordered and revived in spirit. They won! Cold, sickness and hardship did not stop them . . . a great work was forged in that valley! 

When the Huguenot explorers named Valley Forge, years before Washington's troops arrived, they named it well. It was the site of a foundry -- a place where fire blazed and hammers pounded -- where tools and weapons were forged. During the encampment, Washington's troops were trained and transformed to face the battles to come.


My friends, we are in what I am calling "The Season of Valley Forge" . . .

As we prepare for the upcoming elections, will we be like the "summer soldiers" or "sunshine patriots" Payne wrote of in The Crisis? Or will we lean in to the task with whatever means we have at our disposal? We MUST change the direction our nation is headed or we will be headed over the "cliff" we're teetering upon even now.

America is in crisis: 

• debt crisis
• moral crisis
• spiritual crisis
• jobs crisis
• housing crisis
• health care crisis
• education crisis

And if crisis is too strong a word for the following, we must at least acknowledge these areas of major concern:

• substance abuse
• threats to constitutional rights
• illegal immigration
• terrorism
• national security and military matters
• human trafficking

Wherever you are, whoever you are, there's something you can do to make a difference! You don't have to be Captain America!
     Volunteer!
          Pray!
                Encourage like-minded people to do the same!
Together, we can make a difference for the future of our nation.

As Kathryn Lee Bates knew, America must crown her greatness with goodness, or she will decline like the European nations before her.

I know strategies and plans are being implemented . . . there are places you can plug in to help and pray and pray and help. Don't be weary in well doing!

Are you a Concerned Citizen?  

Finding it impossible to watch from the sidelines as our great nation plummets on so many fronts; today I began an internship with the Oakland County Republican Party. It's time to "step it up," my friends! Won't you join me?

Here's the deal . . . 

Unless you and I want four more years of the current administration, we must work together to win in November. 
Regardless of party affiliation or favorite primary candidate, concerned citizens must unite to see Republican nominee, Mr. Willard Mitt Romney, win this Fall. 
This election is about so much more than "party" or special interests . . . it's about policy and our nation's future.

• Who will defend and promote the moral values you and I hold dear? 
• Who has the experience to rejuvenate our gasping economy?
• Who will cut government waste and spending?
• Who has a record of success in both the private and public sectors?
• Who believes the constitution was written to limit the power of government? 
• Who will nominate rule-of-law Supreme Court justices?
• Who wants to repeal the staggering, stifling Obamacare program?
• Who believes we have a moral responsibility not to spend more than we take in?
• Who believes military strength and readiness are vital to national security and world peace?
• Who wants to simplify and stabilize the tax system?
• Who has an immigration plan to secure U.S. borders and promote legal entry?
• Who believes in the American dream? American ideals? That America is a land of opportunity and freedom?

We can win this election on issues alone. 
Who's got the goods? Mitt, it is . . . and Mitt is it!