This Conservative Switches from FOX News to MSNBC

Several years ago, FOX News Channel appeared on the scene with a claim to be fair and balanced. For once, conservatives could hear a right-of-center perspective with popular announcers such as Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity. Soon, FOX became the news channel of choice for the conservative movement. I must admit that I was surprised at the rightward move of FOX News for two reasons: 1) The Fox network had a reputation for the most risqué programming, pushing the envelope on moral standards of programming and 2) The owner of FOX News Rupert Murdoch is a political liberal, endorsing John Kerry in the 2004 Presidential election. Futhermore, FOX News owner Rupert Murdoch has contributed the maximum allowed by law to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign FOX's Murdoch contributes to Hillary and even held a fund raiser for Senator Clinton Murdoch Hosts Fund Raiser for Hillary . Murdoch is a native of Australia and likely understood that grassroots frustration with Ted Turner's left-leaning CNN would open the door for a network that would draw a clientele of conservative viewers. Please understand that I make no claim that MSNBC is a conservative-leaning network. Furthermore, I do believe that FOX News opened the door for other networks to move to include conservatives. Even CNN has some balance with conservative Glenn Beck and the America First advocate Lou Dobbs.Follow with me as I list contrasts between FOX and MSNBC.
1) Conservative vs. Republican FOX News has become the voice for the Republican establishment. Whenever grassroots conservatives challenge the GOP establishment, viewers seldom hear the movement conservative perspective, when that perspective opposes the views of President Bush or Republican leadership. Consider that MSNBC regularly interviews paleo-conservative spokesman Pat Buchanan. MSNBC also features libertarian Republican Tucker Carlson
Announcers on FOX News seldom cross the acceptable Republican boundaries as do Buchanan and Carlson on MSNBC. As one who has been a Republican for almost three decades, I still refuse to substitute Republican policy for conservative ideology. Principles must be our guiding star, not political parties.
2) Fair? When FOX News produced the Republican Presidential Debate just prior to the New Hampshire Primary, Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter were summarily excluded. At that time, Ron Paul had received more votes and more contributions than either Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani. Congressman Hunter had won a delegate in Wyoming, a claim that several candidates could not make at that time. This week, the results from the Washington and Wisconsin primaries were fully covered by MSNBC, while FOX News only listed the top two candidates in each race. While MSNBC was able to report that over one in five Republican voters cast a protest vote for Mitt Romney, who has suspended his campaign, you would not find this news on FOX. Again, FOX presents the perspective of the Republican Party leadership, while MSNBC presents a broader perspective.
As a funny note, when FOX would sponsor debates, Ron Paul won all but one after-debate call-in poll. Sean Hannity would state that Paul's supporters were making repeated calls on their phones. However, the polls were set-up to allow only one call per telephone. Believe me, I tried to make a second call, and the call would be rejected. Even though the Ron Paul Campaign corrected Hannity's charge, no retraction was ever announced.
3) Balanced? Watch O'Reilly interview a liberal on FOX, and you will watch O'Reilly browbeat the liberal. Watch Hannity and Colmes, and Sean Hannity will join up with a conservative guest to cut off liberal Alan Colmes. Contrast this with conservative Joe Scarborough on MSNBC who allows for a free flow of debate while eloquently making the case for conservative principles. Frankly, the FOX News claim to be balanced is laughable when FOX News employs the sensationalist Geraldo Rivera. On the other hand, no interviewer deals more thoroughly on issues than MSNBC's Tim Russert. Again, I make no claim for Russert's conservative credentials, but Tim deals even-handedly and comprehensively in his interviews with liberals or conservatives. Chris Matthews is openly a Democrat, but is just as tough on Democrats as he is Republicans.
I believe that conservative ideology can stand on its' own without browbeating a liberal advocate. For years, conservatives have chaffed at the treatment of conservative spokesmen on liberal news programs. Now, FOX turns the tables with rude behavior toward liberal spokespersons. This writer believes that the narrow attitude expressed on FOX News will cause a backlash by creating sympathy for the liberal who is not afforded ample opportunity to make his case.
Will I still consult FOX News? Of course, but my first choice is now MSNBC, the network coming closer to the standard of fair and balanced

Celtic Woman

This coming Friday evening, Celtic Woman (not Celtic Women) will be in concert at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. My wife and I will be present to hear the most wonderful group of female voices anywhere on Earth. Take a listen to the beautiful sound of these Irish ladies as they present a song familiar to most of us.

Check out their website at Celtic Woman

I'll Tell Me Ma !

Take a listen to an old Ulster folk tune by a dynamic singer from Cornwall, United Kingdom. Stan McLarsen plays all of the instruments himself.This song lasts only two minutes, but I pledge that this song will lift the spirits of anyone with even a drop of Ulster-Scot ancestry.
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Preachers, Pulpits, Prophets, and Politics

Without apology, Musings from Maytown has served as advocate for a conservative position on the political contests and issues of our day. While Musings from Maytown is not solely political, we have not shied away from political stances. At the same time, readers know that the editor of this web newsletter is a Pastor of a local Baptist Church. How does my role as Pastor square with advocacy of political issues?
First of all, I make no claims to represent my church with my support of candidates. In fact, when I have supported candidates, I have insisted that the name of the church not be used. Our Chairman of Deacons suggested linking our church website to Musings from Maytown, and, while I appreciated his kindness, I respectfully declined the offer so that I might be free to express political views without fear of reflecting upon our church. Consider several principles that guide my thinking on the issue of preachers, prophets, pulpits, and politics.
1) No candidate, no matter how worthy they may be, will be promoted in our church services. Annually, we invite local officials and candidates to attend our July Independence Day celebrations. We welcome candidates of all parties but ask that they not distribute their materials on church property. Why hold this stringent position with these candidates?
Consider that to put a church imprint on a candidate will link the church to any actions that candidate may take. Somewhere, in that person's career, they will make some statement or take some poltical stand for which a church would not want to endorse. As much as I think of some individuals in political life, I would not want to link our church to their political fortunes or even to the causes these individuals would advocate. Among the membership of our church are a number who hold public office. We salute them, appreciate them, and encourage them. As an indvidual, I may support their cause, but I do not want to compromise the message of the church by linking the church to a political candidate or cause.
2) My focus on preaching is and, God willing, will always be the Gospel. Regardless of the text, I seek to end up with a focus on Christ and Him crucified, risen, and coming again. One local conservative activist has rebuked me for not preaching more on governmental issues. I will preach on governmental issues, when the issue has a clear scriptural teaching. However, I am much more concerned with advocating the Gospel than I am in advocating positions on taxes, the military, limits of government, and other issues. I want to be on solid scriptural ground before advocating or opposing any cause. Hence, my pulpit ministry will not be used to advocate candidates for public office.
This election season, I have seen several presidential candidates speak in Sunday services of various churches. If advocating their election, I would not condone this venue for campaigning. If there to preach the Word, I would hope that efforts would be made to make clear that the church service is not a church endorsement of that candidate.
3) We do find some scriptural ground for advocacy on certain issues. The US Constitution was written with the underpinnings of a biblical worldview. I have sought to make clear that our founders were influenced by those who understood the teaching of scripture that man is sinful and that government must have restraints. I have preached that life begins at conception and that we must protect the life of the unborn. Nunerous are the issues where biblical preaching must bring application into public life of today.
4) We must allow for differences among the people of God. Some of my dearest friends are non-Baptists, but are true believing Christians. I can allow for a difference on baptism with my Presbyterian friend or church polity with my Anglican brothers. Certainly, I can fellowship with my brethren in Christ who may differ on the role of government or on tax policy. For this reason, I do not wish to foster needless division over issues not central to the mission of our church.
5) Lastly, remember, that Jesus taught My Kingdom is not of this world. The ultimate end of the local church is to proclaim the Gospel and disciple believers. We are not called to set up an earthly kingdom through political action.
So, I plead with you to understand my concern for our country and my interest in the affairs of government. But I will not bring my political advocacy into the decision-making of our church nor will I seek to bring my particular political persuasions into the policy making of our state convention or of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Fat Lady Not Yet Singing

When a political or sporting contest appears to be determined, those who hold out hope may often use the expression it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, a reference to the last act in an opera. Since Super Tuesday, conservatives have been criticized for their reluctance to jump aboard the McCain campaign. However, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul are making the case that the fat lady has not yet begun her song.
Granted, McCain's delegate lead appears insurmountable. Furthermore, the McCain juggernaut appears unstoppable. However,last weekend, Gov. Huckabee defeated McCain in Kansas and Louisiana. Both Huckabee and Dr. Paul ran McCain a close race in Washington. Huckabee ran a close race to McCain in Virginia last Tuesday. According to today's .Real Clear Politics, John McCain stilll has less than half the support of Republicans nationally for the nomination. Obviously, conservative voters are not quite ready to hear the McCain refrain from the fat lady.
Frankly, I am glad that both Huckabee and Paul remain on the ballots for the next few primaries. I hope voters in states like Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas will vote against McCain. Remember, these primaries will be your last opportunity to express your frustration with a GOP nominee who is pro-federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, pro-amnesty for illegal aliens, supportive of an expanded role of our troops in international affairs, and supportive of limits on free speech (McCain-Feingold legislation). Most conservatives (but not all) relegate their decisions in the General Election to the lesser of evils. As long as Gov. Huckabee and Dr. Paul remain in the race, voters can still vote for a more conservative alternative.
At this point, conservatives do not have assurance that McCain will be an improvement on immigration, will select conservative judges, and will work to cut tax rates. Voters in the remaining primary states can make a statement by casting their votes for either Huckabee or Paul. While I prefer Dr. Paul, a vote for either Huckabee or Paul is a protest to McCain's departure from conservative principles.
I would urge readers of Musings from Maytown who still have a primary in your state, to go vote in the GOP primary for ABM (Anyone But McCain). And as previously stated, you can keep your options open for the Fall election

Charles Darwin's Birthday

Tuesday, February 12 is the birthday of three famous individuals--the Union President Abraham Lincoln, President who ordered the invasion of the South; scholar and gentleman O'Harold Bouldin of Fyffe, Alabama; and Charles Darwin, Author of Origin of Species, the book which popularized biological evolution.
I am no fan of Mr. Lincoln and am a great fan of O'Harold Bouldin. But today, I want to focus briefly on the third man, Charles Darwin.
The brand of evolution espoused today in most Biology classrooms would not resemble Darwin's view. The theory of evolution certainly "evolves" as time goes on. This writer makes no claim to being capable to debate scientific theory,but I do wish to relate that the teaching of evolution is incompatible with Scriptures. The entire Gospel truth is based on the teaching that humanity began with one man and one woman. Romans 5 declares that sin came into the world through the sin of one man and that the penalty of the sin of that one man (Adam) has passed upon all of Adam's descendants. To advocate that Adam and Eve were merely symbolic of a vast creation is to deny the heart of Gospel truth.
In Matthew 19, Jesus used the example of Adam and Eve to advocate the basis of marriage in society. If you want to advocate some other marriage except that of one man and one woman, you need Charles Darwin's help. Just take note, that once you make this advocacy, you have denied the words of Jesus Himself.
The Gospel begins with a sinful man, corrupted by the Fall, and redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Darwinism allows for an ascending man, always climbing higher and improving. The worldview of biblical Christianity and Darwinism are diametrically opposed and incompatible. However, if you want to build a New World Order, Darwinism will fit your perspective.
Among the links on this blog, you will find information on Answers in Genesis. In my opinion, this ministry has the best on answering the charges of evolution. Answers in Genesis

Obama Nation

Tonight, I watched MSNBC report on the Potomac Primary where Barack Obama swept all three primaries to take the lead in delegates over the previous leader US Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for President.
Two weeks ago, I talked with Marty Connors, Past Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Marty had been a Romney supporter and worked in Iowa to turn out the vote for Mitt Romney. Marty expressed amazement at the zeal and motivation of the Obama supporters. Marty's words were "the Obama movement is for real."
Last week, Obama polled more votes in normally Republican Jefferson County, Alabama than the entire Republican slate combined. Not only did Obama win 80% of the black vote, Obama did well in white collar areas such as Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, and Trussville. Obama also carried working class white enclaves such as Tarrant, Fultondale, and McCalla.
I have carefully listened to Obama's speeches and watched his record. First of all, Obama may be the most charismatic candidate in lifetime, surpassing personable candidates such as Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. While Hillary Clinton trashes Republicans, Obama boasts of his Republican support, calling these supporters "Obamacans." Obama's rhetoric majors on hope, national unity, and similar positive themes. Liberal Obama supporters have tagged Obama as the Liberal Reagan. Is Obama Really the Liberal Reagan?
However, pollster Frank Luntz reports that Obama supporters, meeting in focus groups, can seldom identify any position held by Obama on any issue.
What is the Obama record? For starters, National Journal has identified Obama as the most liberal member of the US Senate in the past session. National Journal Vote Ratings
The National Taxpayers Union estimates that Obama's spending plans would add $287 billion to the federal budget. National Taxpayers Union Senator Obama advocates higher taxes as a matter of fact.
Obama has a consistent record in support of abortion on demand, even insisting that taxpayers pay for abortions and opposition to the ban on partial-birth abortion. His record indicates an extremely liberal position on all of the social issues of the day including gun ownership.
Senator Obama expresses strong support for international bodies. Obama is certainly internationalistic in his approach to the economy and treaties and trade agreements.
In spite of his extreme liberalism, Obama is winning an inordinate amount of young voters, receiving 80% of the vote of those under 25 in today's Virginia primary. Why the overwhelming support of young voters?
Well, here is my theory on the young vote. We have had a generation trained with the principle that we cannot insist on moral absolutes. The basis of human understanding is self-esteem. The first step in understanding a problem, according to modern psychology, is to get in touch with your feelings.
Now, we have a candidate who comes and talks, not about issues or grappling with economic problems or issues in foreign affairs. This candidate speaks of hope and unity. In essence, Obama is Senator Feelgood. Political observer John Sobera has tagged Senator Obama as the Joel Osteen of the 2008 election.
So, crowds cheer, women cry, and everyone feels good. And our nation appears headed toward the election of the most liberal president in our history.

Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. John H (Jeanie) Killian for her selection as Teacher of the Month for February, 2008 at Pleasant Grove Elementary School in the Jefferson County school system. I can vouch that Jeanie is a caring teacher who is conscientious about her dealings with parents and students. Year after year, her classes have positive increases in test scores.
My wife of thirty years has her B.S. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (otherwise known as the University of the AntiChrist at Babylon) as well as her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. At present, Mrs. Killian is an Advanced Candidate for National Teacher Certification.
Congratulations on this great honor! Besides this, she is a great wife and mother.

Fat Folks and Opinions on Weight

For most of my life, I have remained overweight. Having struggled with losing weight, I notice when others are losing weight. Quite often, I congratulate someone on losing weight and they will remark on how overweight they remain. Normally, I do not find that person overweight.
Then I think, why is my opinion on weight an opinion to value? Certainly, I am no expert on weight or weight loss, else I would have had more success in losing weight, myself.
Hold that thought for a minute.
News coverage has zeroed in on the reluctance of movement conservatives to support the election of Senator John McCain to the presidency. From Rush Limbaugh to Ann Coulter to James Dobson to the boos from the crowd at CPAC, conservatives are slow to sign on to support McCain--even if the opposition is Clinton or Obama.
This past weekend, Chris Wallace of Fox News, interviewed President Bush and questioned him on McCain's conservative credentials. President Bush called McCain a solid conservative. Bush calls McCain conservative
Let's stop there for a minute, Just as I am no one to consider on the issue of weight loss, I ask why President Bush is now an authority on what constitutes conservativism?. What is the Bush record?
*Remember that President Bush, along with Teddy Kennedy, proposed and passed the No Child Left Behind plan which greatly expanded the role of the federal government in education.
*President Bush's Prescription Drug Plan led to the greatest increase in the size of a government program in a generation.--a grand step toward socialized medicine,something even the Clintons could not get through.
*President Bush, along with the Republican Congress, is responsible for an increase of four trillion dollars in the national debt.
*President Bush supported the McCain-Kennedy bill which would have granted amnesty to twelve million illegal aliens.
*President Bush signed the McCain Feingold bill, which restricts the free speech of Christians.
Just as I am no authority on weight, I wonder why we are interested in the opinion of George W Bush on conservatism. Granted, President Bush has his good points and I would still vote Bush over Gore or Kerry. But I would never look to President Bush as an example of conservatism. Neither would I consider John McCain a solid conservative.

Alabama Football Recruiting 2008

Four of six national college football recruiting magazines rated the recruiting class signed by the University of Alabama as the top recruiting class in the nation. Among others, Alabama signed the #2 player in the nation and almost every blue chip prospect in the state of Alabama, as well as highly sought players from other states.
On the other hand, Auburn University is said to have had a sub par recruiting class.
When one considers that Auburn has defeated Alabama six years in a row, why are key players clamoring to play for Coach Nick Lou Saban at the Capstone rather than to sign with Tommy Tuberville at Auburn?
Plainly said--when you think Auburn and Tuberville, you are thinking the past. When you think Alabama and Nick Saban, you are looking at the future.

Will Conservatives Vote for John McCain?

News networks have focused on this week's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in seeking to determine whether conservatives will fall in line and vote for John McCain, assuming that McCain is the GOP nominee for President. This assumption seems a safe assumption, with McCain's current lead in delegates for the GOP convention.
Conservative reluctance to support McCain is no surprise to regular readers of Musings from Maytown. Just two weeks ago, I addressed the issue of McCain's apostasy from conservative principles. John McCain and Short Memories
Leading conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham, and Ann Coulter have spoken out boldly against McCain. Ann Coulter has been so bold as to proclaim that she will support Hillary Clinton against John McCain. While I remain no fan of McCain, I do hope that conservative voters will hold off definitive statements that they cannot easily take back.
George M. Church of Meridian, MS is a close friend of mine and quite a homespun philospher. On various situations, George has always advised me keep your options open! A decision made once and for all is not easily corrected. As George says Don't decide something definite when you might have to crawl back. Please let me plead with you, before you decide once and for all on supporting or not supporting McCain, consider the following:
1) The GOP race is still not over. Today, Huckabee won 60% in Kansas. Ron Paul is still on the campaign trail. Readers from future primary states still have the option to vote for a true conservative.
2) Unless individually funded, like Ross Perot, third party candidates for President have an extremely uphill climb. Consider that 41% of the voters in the 1992 election actually preferred Perot, but only 19% ended up voting Perot. In 1996, Pat Buchanan scored as high as 38% in GOP primaries and even won the valued New Hampshire primary. But in 2000, Buchanan ran as a third party candidate. As the Reform Party nominee, Buchanan had $12 million for his campaign, but ended up with only four-tenths of one percent of the vote. Ron Paul has already ruled out running for President on a third party ticket.
3) However, a third party candidate might show up on the scene who greatly motivates you. Bob Barr could run as a Libertarian or Jerome Corsi could run on the Constitution Party line. One of my personal heroes, Gene Amondson, is running for President as the nominee of the Prohibition Party. Gene Amondson for President
4) Much could happen to cause McCain to become either more acceptable or less acceptable to conservatives. Much is yet to be determined, including platform statements and a selection for Vice President. Pat Buchanan has a great article discussing McCain's breach with conservatives. Pat Buchanan on John McCain
5) Certainly, no conservative could vote for Barack O'Bama for President. This concern may outweigh other concerns, come November.
6) I fear that much effort could go toward futile efforts in November that would be better placed in helping conservatives on the local level. Look around and see if your contributions and your time would not be more profitable if spent helping a local candidate for County Commission, a District Judge, or some local campaign where your efforts would make a difference. The influence of the media and the millions of dollars given by corporate moguls and special interests are hard to overcome. However, we can make a difference on the local level, thus building a network of conservatives in local government.
Months ago, I endorsed Ron Paul and voted for Dr. Paul on Super Tuesday. I see no reason to depart from this position. Hence, I urge my friends in the remaining primary and caucus states to vote for Ron Paul. But when it comes to the November election, remember the advice of George M. Church of Meridian, MS -- keep your options open!

Wrap-up on Super Tuesday

America saw record turnouts in primaries across our land yesterday. I must sadly admit that Democratic turnout far outweighed Republican turnout. Jefferson County, Alabama (Birmingham area) has voted for the GOP nominee for President in every eletion since 1956, except when George Wallace ran in 1968. However, in yesterday's primary, Barack Obama garnered more votes than the entire Republican field combined.
With twenty-four states participating in Super Tuesday, the results were mixed. While I do not want to recount the commentaries of the Mainstream Media, I do want to express several observations:
1. Readers of Musings from Maytown know that I supported Congressman Ron Paul and not Governor Mike Huckabee. Furthermore, I have been somewhat critical of the record and policies of Governor Huckabee. However, my hat is off to Huckabee for the brilliance displayed in winning several states on Super Tuesday.
The Huckabee campaign is perhaps the most underfunded presidential campaign among the remaining candidates. Yet, a focus on issues drove the Huckabee effort. In every public appearance, Huckabee hit hard on support for the right to life and for traditional marriage. Brother Huckabee's support for the Fair Tax was always accentuated with a promise to abolish the Internal Revenue Service. Frankly, he sounded much like Ron Paul on this point.
But I really believe that one particular stance put Huckabee over the top in Alabama. On Saturday before the Tuesday primary, Huckabee spoke in Montgomery and publicly signed a statement of support for the fifteen points proposed by US Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) on dealing with the issue of immigration. This stance contrasted with the open-borders advocacy of Senator John McCain.
2. I believe that Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee, and likely the next President. Mind you, my predictions on the 2008 election have often missed the mark. But the coming week's primaries and caucuses appear to favor Obama.On Saturday, February 9 the Democrats will select delegates in three states: Louisiana, with a heavy black population; Washington, with a liberal constituency in the Northwest, where Obama has done well so far; and the Nebraska caucuses, next door to Kansas, which Obama swept this past Tuesday and where the leading Democrat in the state-US Senator Ben Nelson--has endorsed Obama. Sunday, Maine Democrats caucus. Consider that caucus states seem to favor Obama, with his cadre of highly energized liberal activists working hard to pack caucuses.
On Tuesday, February 9 Obama should sweep the three primaries: District of Columbia with a heavy black turnout, Maryland and Virginia, both will large black constituencies and a large number of liberal suburbanites--demographics which favor Obama.
Consider also the fund raising situation for the Democrats. In January, Obama raised $32 million while Clinton raised $13 million. Obama raised $2.2 million the day after Super Tuesday and is projected to raise $30 million in February. News reports declare that the Clinton campaign is unable to pay senior staff and that Senator Clinton personally loaned the campaign $5 million to provide television advertising for Super Tuesday.
While Hillary Clinton is calling in political IOUs, Obama is motivating the masses toward action. Voters may grow weary of the fight, but Obama's charismatic approach and encouraging message should resonate in the closing primaries to see him through for the nomination.
I fear that an Obama presidency would bring higher taxes and a radical increase in federal spending. Nonetheless, I believe that Obama's positive approach and appeal to the hopes of voters would make Obama a strong candidate--hard to defeat in the Fall election.
3. John McCain is the prohibitive favorite for the Republican nomination. His huge lead in delegates is almost insurmountable. Romney seems to have irritated the other candidates and this is sad. Conservatives, in general, would rather have Romney or Huckabee, but Huckabee seems to be going out of his way to attack Romney and praise McCain. If Brother Huckabee is hoping for a Vice Presidential nomination, I believe Brother Huck is hopelessly wishing. The ethical questions concerning gifts from constituents and pardons for criminals, when Huckabee was Governor of Arkansas, would preclude a selection of Huckabee for the Vice Presidency.
4. I am proud of the issues-oriented campaign carried forth by Dr.Ron Paul. Paul did have his bright spots with a few second place finishes in Nevada, Louisiana, and Montana. Ron Paul is a fine man and I pray that he remains in Congress. Paul's advocacy of Constitutional principles has been a positive addition to the national debate.

What determines your vote?

Last night, my daughter Sarah Bethany (freshman at the University of Alabama) called to see how many votes Ron Paul received at the Maytown Baptist Church voting box. We knew that Dr Paul received three votes from our family (my son had to vote absentee). Well, sure enough, Ron Paul received three votes at Maytown. My wife chided me that this informed me on my lack of influence.
But then my daughter said I have no regrets. If I had my vote to do over I would still vote for Ron Paul. For the past few days, I have had folks ask me how they should vote and when I suggested Ron Paul, they would scoff and tell me that they wanted to vote for someone who would win. On election day, one lady said to me I fear that if I vote for Ron Paul, he will lose and I will lose my vote. In my kind and humble manner, I replied well, why don't you vote for Hillary Clinton? She has a good chance of winning. Certainly, our vote should be based on more than a desire to have voted on the winning side. Shouldn't our principles determine our vote?
Please consider that the primaries are the places to express our convictions. Remember, the primaries determine the candidates of the various political parties. We influence that political party by voting for the individual who represents our convictions. Unless we vote our convictions in the primary, our convictions will never be voiced.
So, last night I watched the numbers as my candidate received three percent of the vote. I remembered that I voted for Jack Kemp in the 1988 presidential primary and he received five percent of the vote in Alabama. In 1992, I voted for Pat Buchanan in the presidential primary when he received seven percent of the vote in Alabama. Four years later, I voted for Buchanan again when he received seventeen percent of the vote in Alabama. In every case, I expressed my convictions in the primary. Also, in these three general elections, I eventually voted for the Republican nominee. In every one of those elections, the GOP nominee did not express my convictions on many issues. However, I had expressed my convictions in the primary, and then voted strategically in the General Election.
Had I not voted for Ron Paul yesterday, I would have missed an oppportunity to have staked my claim for limited government, for the Constitutional system of checks and balances, for states rights, and to have stated my conviction that our federal republic was never intended to operate as an empire. Unlike the vast majority of Alabama citizens, I actually voted to end the graduated income tax and abolish the Internal Revenue Service.
So, I am glad to have been one of three voters at the Maytown Baptist Church precinct to vote for Ron Paul. I am glad that I have done what I could to strike a blow for liberty and our Constitutional Republic. Hopefully, you are as content with your vote.

Send 'em a Message--Vote Ron Paul on Super Tuesday

In 1972, Alabama Governor George Wallace ran on an anti-establishment platform with a promise to shake the eyeteeth of the liberals. The campaign slogan for the 1972 Wallace campaign was Send them a message!
I have no illusions that Ron Paul has a reasonable opportunity to win the Republican nomination for President. Frankly, the odds-on favorite for the nomination is Senator John McCain and I want nothing to do with nominating John McCain. Over the past few weeks, I have urged numerous voters to vote for Ron Paul and my most often heard response is "why waste your vote? Ron Paul isn't going to win?" Following this logic, we should simply determine who is going to win and cast our votes for the winner.
The fact is that I believe that my vote for Ron Paul will be the most valuable vote I may ever cast. This vote will make a statement for a fundamentally different perspective on government. If I vote for Ron Paul, I will be stating:
* We must rein in an oversized federal government that costs too much and intrudes too much the affairs of states, communities, and individuals. The ONLY candidate, of either major party, calling for cutting the size of government is RON PAUL.
* The right of gun ownership is non-negotiable.
* The right to life must be protected.
* That our Constitution laid out the principles of a Republic and not an Empire. No longer should our soldiers be policing the world.
* Our borders must be protected.
* The Federal Income tax must be eliminated and the Internal Revenue Service dismantled.
We will not have limited government unless we vote for limited government. We will not see our tax system overhauled when we vote for more of the same.
Tuesday, I can vote for someone I don't trust and with whom I don't agree and I will get what I deserve. Last week Ron Paul received 60,000 votes in the Florida primary. This tells me that Florida has 60,000 citizens who will not hand over their guns to a federal bureaucrat, will not haul down the US flag and replace Old Glory with a UN flag, will not cheer on more federal money for local government--always with strings attached, and will not use pragmatic arguments to circumvent Constitutional authority. Any vote not cast for Ron Paul is a vote for bigger government.
Join with me and , as George used to say, send 'em a message. We might even shake the eyeteeth of the establishment.

The Only One

Please take just thirty seconds to watch this pointed advertisement.

What about Brother Huckabee?

Musings from Maytown has sought to cover the 2008 Presidential primaries from a conservative viewpoint. This writer has not been bashful in challenging the political heresies of John McCain and Mitt Romney. At the same time, Musings from Maytown has overtly urged support for the candidacy of Congressman Ron Paul. In all candor, this writer has been reluctant to be highly critical of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for two reasons: 1) Governor Huckabee is a Baptist preacher who boldly proclaims the Lord Jesus Christ. Even with my political differences, I recognize that Governor Huckabee is a man of God. 2) Most of my preacher friends and, from what I have heard, most of my church people are planning to vote for Mike Huckabee. Hence, I did not desire to be needlessly divisive.
Nonetheless, I do not plan to vote for Mike Huckabee on Super Tuesday for a couple of reasons: 1) His ethical lapses as Arkansas Governor would render him unelectable in the November election. Governor Huckabee skirted the law on accepting personal gifts while serving as Governor of Arkansas. This issue would decimate his candidacy in the November election. The charges are serious enough that Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group in Washington, DC listed Governor Huckabee in their top ten most corrupt politicians for 2007. Judicial Watch list of corrupt politicians
Arkansas law allows for personal gifts to public officials only as wedding gifts. In 2006, though the Huckabees had been married for thirty years, they registered at a local department store for wedding gifts .Huckabee registered for wedding gifts Again, while not technically illegal, these charges would be embarrassing in the heat of a general election. For this reason, I do not believe that Brother Huckabee will be selected as the Vice Presidential nominee for the Republican ticket. 2) While I believe that Governor Huckabee is a sincere Christian and is genuinely pro-life, I do not believe that Brother Huckabee possesses a conservative idealogical perspective on the role of government. As Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee dramatically increased spending and promoted large tax increases. Rather than detail my concerns, please examine the comments of David Thompson, a conservative Christian political activist in Little Rock, Arkansas. An Open Letter from an Arkansas Evangelical
In the course of this campaign, I have conversed with a number of preachers who claim to know Brother Huckabee on a personal basis. With one gentleman, who is good friends with Brother Huckabee, I challenged his support for higher taxes and big government. This preacher replied "well, yes, but on the moral issues, Mike is solid." This discussion led me to ponder concerning the concept of a moral issue. Frankly, a nation borrowing billions daily to cover a national debt, a debt that will encumber generations to come, is a nation violating moral principle. When our US Constitution is ignored to defend empire-building across the globe, when corporate interests are dominant over the rule of law, then these are moral issues.
Mike Huckabee might be a fine evangelist for a revival, but this does not automatically qualify him (nor disqualify him) to serve as President. One Alabama conservative leader stated recently Remember, the Southern Baptists have given us all of the competency of a Jimmy Carter and all of the character of a Bill Clinton. Frankly, I believe that neither Mike Huckabee nor my choice, Dr. Ron Paul, will ultimately receive the GOP nomination for President. An honest voter must consider the impact of voting for a candidate who is not a serious contender for the nomination. In another article, I plan to discuss reasons to continue on with a vote for Ron Paul.
On the other hand, Governor Huckabee seems to be remaining in the race with the effect of splitting conservative votes with Mitt Romney and electing the moderate Republican John McCain. Huckabee has been harsh in his criticisms of Romney and has offered praise for McCain, causing some commentators to speculate that Huckabee hopes to be McCain's Vice-Presidential nominee. Please consider the effect of the vote that you cast this coming Tuesday