Daniel Davies’s Blog

I think that famous quote from Thomas Jefferson is a fitting title for my post tonight.

The Democrat takeover of both houses of the US Congress was certain to bring a liberal swing of our nation’s policy pendulum. Rather than being particularly blatant about their agenda, however, the Democrats (trying to avoid looking too liberal leading to the 2008 elections) have been taking more of a stealth approach.

Earlier today, the House passed H. Res. 78, by a vote of 226 to 191 (Roll Call 57). Because of this change in the House rules, non-state Delegates may now vote on all matters considered in the House except when their votes provide a decisive margin. Only one Republican voted for the measure, and only one Democrat against it. This vote-granting is totally unconstitutional, but the votes it adds are reliably in favor of the Democrats, so the constitution didn’t stand in Madam Speaker’s way. Further Reading: Democrats’ Unconstitutional Power Grab

Last week, 43 Senators voted to keep provisions in the earmark and lobbying reform bill that would have restricted the activities of grassroots activist groups like the American Family Association, Family Research Council, Eagle Forum, American Center for Law & Justice, Focus on the Family, Grassfire, and others. In a nutshell, they were tired of having the people who elected them hold them accountable for their votes, and wanted to shut down these effective groups. Fortunately, all the Republican members, and several moderate Democrats, received enough response from these very groups’ constituents that they voted for Sen. Bennett’s (R-UT) amendment striking the unconstitutional language.

Here’s the problem though- Speaker Pelosi thinks she has the votes to put the language back in when the House takes up their version of the bill, HR 4682, any day now. We can’t allow this to happen, the Constitution protects our rights of free speech, petition of grievances, etc. and we have a duty to hold our leaders accountable.

I’m afraid we’d better get used to this type of thing- and so far, Pelosi has been rushing these bills through with little advance notice, to try and avoid opposition. It is critical that you join the “Informed Minority” so that you can be aware of these issues and take action. You can call your Congressman, or if you have the privilege of being represented by a conservative, as I am, you can call other Members of the House from your state, using a Congressional Phone Directory. I like to call using my cell when it’s free, and leave a message for them to listen to when they get to the office the next morning.

Please sign up for emailed action alerts from each of the conservative watchdog groups linked above. The future of our nation depends on us doing our part today.

Remember another quote, this one from Edmund Burke: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

 

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President Bush’s pathetic choice is now the official “General Chairman” of the RNC. We have already been reduced to the minority in the Senate, McCain and Brownback are campaigning, and now Martinez will have to travel the country as well, trying to “rally the troops” for the ’08 elections. That only leaves about 45 GOP Senators actually working full-time for their constituents. The only reason I would go to a speech by Martinez is to protest his amnesty position. If the RNC happens to send you a donation request, return it with Bush_Pesos. I intend to print off a few sheets to deal with the solicitations I get from the RNC, NRCC, NRSC, etc. As far as I know, all three of Texas’ delegates voted against Martinez, which gives me at least a little hope for the TX GOP.

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I would recommend that any college students who are interested in the political and cultural issues of our day become members of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. Besides their journal, there are other perks like occasional free conservative books (I have three of them). Membership is free, and they do not give out or sell your information (everything you put on the application remains confidential). 

With this link, new members will get:
- A free subscription to the Intercollegiate Review (ISI’s main journal)
- One year free of National Review Digital (great magazine!)
- Plus your choice of one year free of either Modern Age or University Bookman (two of ISI’s other journals).

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I’m really starting to get anxious about the Republican candidates for President in ’08. The conservative organizations need to coalesce behind one candidate, or we’ll end up with a RINO like McCain or Giuliani.

Here’s the latest poll:

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I got a call today from PHC admissions, letting me know that they accepted my application! I really thought I had totally blown it with at least one of my just-completed classes this fall, but I guess the Lord and the administration had mercy on me. Anyway, I hope to be on-campus in the fall, and try to knock out a few more DL classes in the meanwhile.

They’ll probably put me in the geriatric ward, whichever dorm that’s in. I can’t believe that after 4 years of Distance Learning, and nine 1/2 years after finishing High School, I’m finally going to college for real! Special thanks to my Mom, Aunt, and others who have edited my papers, etc. to help me get this far.

It will be really tough leaving ALERT after spending about nine and a half years here. I still have a lot of things to get done before I feel like I’ve finished what the Lord brought me here for, so it’s going to be a challenge still. I’m very happy to have a full-time assistant for the first time, Aaron Miller, a really great guy who graduated last fall and is jumping right in to get up to speed on things.

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I’m back at ALERT in Big Sandy now; Christmas vacation was great (after finishing finals). I was able to see all my immediate and most of my extended family (including my niece Dakota for the first time). I have a couple weeks yet before I start classes, maybe even longer. My application for admission to Patrick Henry College has to be accepted before I take any more classes from them, so I’m kind of in limbo right now. We’ll see how things go there. Right now I’m just enjoying getting more than five hours of sleep a night! Happy New Year to everyone!

 

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