AdvanceUSA Blog - Conservatism

“Dismantling America”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:15:57 GMT

Thomas Sowell discusses those who would elevate their will above the Constitution and the will of the people. Excerpt:

The Constitution was not only a challenge to the despotic governments of its time, but has been a continuing challenge — to this day — to all those who think that ordinary people should be ruled by their betters, whether an elite of blood, or of books, or of whatever else gives people a puffed-up sense of importance.

While the kings of old have faded into the mists of history, the principle of the divine rights of kings to impose whatever they wish on the masses lives on today in the rampaging presumptions of those who consider themselves anointed to impose their notions on others.

The Constitution of the United States is the biggest single obstacle to the carrying out of such rampaging presumptions, so it is not surprising that those with such presumptions have led the way in denigrating, undermining, and evading the Constitution.

See Thomas Sowell interviewed by Uncommon Knowledge on NRO.

“Why the Left Hates Conservatives”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:14:30 GMT

Dennis Prager explains.

Don’t Give Up!

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:16:44 GMT

Austin Hill encourages social conservatives to not let recent setbacks discourage them from staying politically active (especially from voting in the upcoming crucial elections).

“In 2010, Conservatives Still Outnumber Moderates, Liberals”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:05:25 GMT

Gallup reports.

“Defining the Conservative Versus Liberal Divide”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:32:24 GMT

Star Parker talks about the difference between liberalism and conservatism and especially in the important issue of Supreme Court nominations.

“Selling Freedom Cheap”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:28:23 GMT

Thomas Sowell explains.

“Most Americans Say They Want a Smaller Government”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:41:36 GMT

CNS News reports.

“Why Don't Faith-Based Americans Care About Economics?”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:40:34 GMT

Austin Hill asks an important question for social conservatives that should remind us of our responsibility to be concerned about wise economic policies and not just the crucial moral issues.

“Conservatives Finish 2009 as No. 1 Ideological Group”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:28:43 GMT

Gallup reports.

“GOP Poised for Comeback in Midterm Elections”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:48:19 GMT

The LA Times reports, while Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) calls for the Republican Party to return to conservative values and principles in order to earn back the trust of the American people.

NRO Looks Back . . . And Forward

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:36:37 GMT

The writers at National Review Online look back on the lessons learned in 2009 and make predictions for 2010. Also, Rich Lowry and Jim Geraghty look back at the last decade.

“76% Prefer Free Market Economy”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:58:36 GMT

Rasmussen explains.

“The U.S. House of Presumptuous Meddlers”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:28:31 GMT

John Stossel shares his perspective on the House health care vote. Excerpt:

As an American, I am embarrassed that the U.S. House of Representatives has 220 members who actually believe the government can successfully centrally plan the medical and insurance industries.

I'm embarrassed that my representatives think that government can subsidize the consumption of medical care without increasing the budget deficit or interfering with free choice.

It's a triumph of mindless wishful thinking over logic and experience.

See how your representative voted here.

“The Comeback Begins”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:43:22 GMT

The editors at National Review comment on the recent elections. Excerpt:

Conservatives scored some impressive victories on Election Day. In Virginia, Robert McDonnell won the governor’s race in a landslide that carried other conservative statewide officeholders and legislative candidates to victory. New Jersey’s Chris Christie won his race by a larger margin than any Republican had mustered since 1985 — and as a candidate significantly to the right of previous Republican governors such as Tom Kean and Christie Todd Whitman. Maine repealed a law that accorded official recognition to same-sex unions as though they were marriages.

“Conservatives Maintain Edge as Top Ideological Group”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:31:32 GMT

Gallup reports.

“What Is the Constitution?”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:57:24 GMT

Sen. Orin Hatch (R-UT) explained at NRO on September 17, the 222th anniversary of the approval of the U.S. Constitution by the Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia.

“Conservatives Now Outnumber Liberals in All 50 States, Says Gallup Poll”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:42:00 GMT

CNS News reports.

“Sotomayor Fight is Conservative Victory”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:41:46 GMT

Curt Levey explains how the cause of judicial restraint may have been advanced in the Sotomayor confirmation despite the fact that another activist judge has reached the Supreme Court.

Mario Diaz finds similar encouragement in the possibility that the “living Constitution” fallacy may have taken a beating during the confirmation process.

“Poll Shows Americans Becoming More Conservative, Pro-Life Views Responsible”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:29:29 GMT

LifeNews reports.

“The Real Importance of the Sotomayor Fight”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:53:30 GMT

One of the founding fathers of modern conservatism, Richard Viguere, explains. Excerpts:

The confirmation fight over Judge Sonia Sotomayor shouldn't be approached as merely about filling a vacancy on the Supreme Court. Even as important as that is, this confirmation fight is bigger than that. It is a fight about whether the Constitution any longer constrains the power of government by and according to its terms. It is about President Obama's view of government power versus the view held by most Americans.

…

Those who see this confirmation battle as about just Judge Sotomayor miss the larger point. This is really about President Obama's harmful and dangerous view of government power.

President Obama wants to remake and thereby weaken America by avoiding the constraints in the Constitution and its structure for political accountability. He is faced with circumstances that make that possible: (1) economic turmoil, (2) a sycophantic press, (2) a passive and sympathetic Congress, and (4) a judiciary that too often refuses to insist that the other two branches act within their enumerated powers. He has taken advantage of those circumstances to expedite his government power grab at a dizzying pace. If Americans had time to absorb what he was doing and the freedoms they were losing, he would not succeed.

We are distracted by Obama's blitz because we have too many attacks on our system to confront effectively at once. That is why it is important for conservatives to focus foremost on the Sotomayor confirmation fight. Within that one fight alone we can address the very reasons why, as polls show consistently, conservatism is twice as popular as liberalism. This confirmation fight can weaken Obama's march to a form of government inconsistent with the Constitution if conservatives grasp the challenge.

“Can A Black Man Stand for Truth?”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:50:18 GMT

Harry R. Jackson, Jr. explains.

“Shelby Assails Large Gov't Role in General Motors”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:22:17 GMT

The AP reports. Excerpt:

Sen. Richard Shelby said Friday the government should have allowed the marketplace to decide General Motors' fate and that the huge federal stake in the company puts Washington on "the road to socialism."

“Sessions: Nominee Will Receive More Scrutiny”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:31:24 GMT

As The Hill reports, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee has called for a thorough and deliberate examination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s record, temperament, and judicial philosophy. This is exactly what is needed.

“Gallup Poll: Support Dropping for Abortion, Cloning, Embryonic Stem Cell Research”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:45:32 GMT

LifeNews reports.

“New National Poll Shows 14 Percent Pro-Life Majority on Abortion, Fifth Survey in May”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:43:23 GMT

LifeNews reports.

Gallup Poll: More Americans Consider Themselves “Pro-Life” than “Pro-Choice,” First Time Ever

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:36:33 GMT

LifeNews reports on this positive news for the pro-life movement. Pro-lifers must continue the work to expand the “culture of life” so that we can see real protections for the unborn in our laws and courts. Don’t let elitist media coverage discourage you. Pro-lifers are not a political liability and the “rights of the unborn” is still an important issue.

The Reuters blog also reports.

“A Case for Political Fusion”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:30:04 GMT

Ken Blackwell makes the case for keeping the “three-legged stool” of conservatism united. Social, economic, and foreign policy conservatives must work together to ensure our nation and national values remain strong. Excerpt:

The conservative movement in America must unite. The movement is often spoken of as having three parts: economic, social and national security. All three parts of the conservative movement are gravely threatened by the alliance of President Barack Obama, Congressional Democrats led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid, activist judges, and the president’s loyal supporters in the mainstream media. Conservatives must realize their common interests and unite around a shared agenda to preserve the core conservative principles of limited government, individual opportunity, personal responsibility and strong families. The conservative vision of faith, family and freedom hangs in the balance.

"Tax Day Is Met With Tea Parties"

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:01:05 GMT

The New York Times reports. As does CBS News.

T.E.A. Parties Take to the Streets

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:18:42 GMT

By Daniel Herbster

I had the privilege to speak to demonstrators at the St. Joseph County T.E.A. (Tax Enough Already) Party in downtown South Bend, Indiana today. Citing the eminent conservative Edmund Burke, I told the crowd that one of the main reasons we were protesting is to stand up for generations “yet unborn.” We have a responsibility to future generations to be good stewards of our finances, tax policy, and free enterprise system, and must not mortgage our children’s futures so we can have irresponsible spending and policies today. This is a pro-family issue because if we make foolish decisions today it will be difficult, if not impossible, to provide tax relief for families in the future.

It was great to see other dedicated pro-lifers and pro-family activists in the crowd exercising their First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble and engage in free political speech.

Cal Thomas explains the importance of the TEA Party events in his column, while the Business & Media Institute quotes CNBC’s Rick Santelli (one of the inspirations for TEA Parties) as saying the events are “about as American as it gets.”

“The Moral Sentiments of Capitalism”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:03:55 GMT

Ken Blackwell explains.

“Conservatives' 'Manifesto' Destiny”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:58:45 GMT

Kathryn Lopez reviews Mark Levin’s new book on conservatism.

CPAC: Day Three

AdvanceUSA — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 04:33:43 GMT

By Daniel Herbster

The big news today was that Mitt Romney won the CPAC presidential straw poll for the third year in a row.

Radio talk show icon Rush Limbaugh gave a passionate address on the nature of conservatism and explained how conservatives could leave the political wilderness; by championing the timeless principles of limited government, traditional values, and strong national defense.

This year’s CPAC was a wealth of information and training. It is also a great forum for networking to advance the conservative movement.

CPAC: Day Two

AdvanceUSA — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:07:40 GMT

By Daniel Herbster

Early this morning I caught most of House Minority Leader John Boehner’s (R-OH) address and then headed off for another Leadership Institute class. After class, Newt Gingrich gave a rousing speech to a packed auditorium. He spoke on the need to not just criticize the dangerous liberal policies being enacted by Congress and the administration, but the need for conservatives to champion positive solutions based on conservative principles. Newt and his wife later introduced a newly produced documentary about the life and accomplishments of Ronald Reagan at a special screening.

After lunch and after checking out some of the display booths my friend and I tried to get into the main auditorium to hear Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and former Gov. Mitt Romney speak. Unfortunately, we had to join hundreds of others stuck in line unable to find space in the room. I only caught bits and pieces of Ron Paul’s speech but was able to catch Romney’s speech via closed-circuit TV in a nearby ball room.

In my opinion, Romney gave the best speech I’ve heard so far at CPAC. He struck a very presidential pose and championed conservative core principles in a thoughtful and powerful manner. All three pillars of conservatism (defense, economic, and traditional values) were highlighted with particular emphasis on the need to keep Americans safe from foreign threats (chief of all; radical jihadists). The crowd was very receptive with much applause and numerous cheers (including a chant of “U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A” when Romney made a particularly patriotic statement).

Tomorrow should bring more great speakers, especially the grand finally with radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh.

For more information on today’s events visit CPAC.ORG.

CPAC: Day One

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:58:40 GMT

By Daniel Herbster

Conservatism in America is alive and well if the record-setting crowd at this year’s CPAC is any indication. I spent much of the day in some of the extremely helpful and professional classes put on by the Leadership Institute. LI is famous for training the conservative candidates and activists of the future, and the instruction I received on television interviews and public speaking was first rate.

I did get to hear two notable speakers today. Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) gave an excellent speech on the need to stay true to our first principles and to not give up the fight. He used the image of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 to illustrate the need for determination and resolve. He cautioned against redefining conservatism or compromising our first principles, but made the case that free markets and traditional values were both equally important to the conservative agenda. Pence’s performance led to speculation that he might make an excellent presidential candidate in the future. (Hopefully I can get you some good speech excerpts in the future. There really were some great quotes.)

Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AK), after receiving a sweet introduction from his daughter, displayed his typical folksy charm and homespun humor. His speech seemed to drag a little times and some of his jokes fell flat, but many in the room showed enthusiastic approval.

I had a great time talking with friends from other conservative organizations and friendly Hill staffers, and am looking forward to tomorrow’s agenda.

I’m hoping to take in one more LI class, listen to Mitt Romney’s speech (and hopefully meet him), and check out several of the screenings of conservative films and documentaries. Oh, and it would be fun to run into my old acquaintance Stephen Baldwin since he’ll be there signing copies of his new book.

Check out www.CPAC.org for more info.

“Stimulus Bill Abolishes Welfare Reform and Adds New Welfare Spending”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:49:30 GMT

The Heritage Foundation explains.

“Taxes in the Stimulus Package and the New Congress”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:48:24 GMT

Chuck Donovan and Patrick Fagan explain what kinds of tax changes would actually economically “stimulate” families, businesses, and workers on the Family Research Council’s website.

Bringing Back the “Un-Fairness” Doctrine

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:49:16 GMT

Apparently many of our leaders in Congress have no concern for free speech (except when it comes to their excuses for protecting pornography). Investor’s Business Daily and Politico have reports documenting the renewed push to reinstate the so-called “fairness doctrine” which would put onerous regulations on talk radio and virtually put an end to conservative and Christian talk radio.

Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) is leading the way to oppose this authoritarian scheme.

UPDATE: Sen. Harkin (D-IA) has just called for reimposing the fairness doctrine.

Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)

Senate Approves Stimulus Bill

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:17:41 GMT

After obtaining cloture on the stimulus bill with the help of three Senate Republicans (see roll call vote here), the Senate today passed President Obama’s so-called “stimulus” bill. The legislation will now go to a House/Senate Conference committee which will try to resolve the differences between the House-passed bill and the Senate version, and then both houses of Congress must vote to pass what comes out of the conference.

Let’s hope the troubling provisions which undermine religious liberty, move our country toward nationalized health care, and support various left-wing causes at taxpayer expense can be eliminated. Better yet, let’s hope this huge increase in wasteful government spending and debt burden on future generations gets defeated completely.

See how your senators voted on the stimulus package here.

Senate Vote on H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Bill)
February 10, 2009
Full Results | News Story

	Yeas	Nays	PRES	NV
Republican	3	37	—	1
Democratic	57	—	—	—
Independent	1	—	—	—
TOTALS	61	37	—	1

Socialized Health Care in Stimulus Bill!?

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:14:07 GMT

Betsy McCaughey raises an important but overlooked objection to the stimulus bill.

“Anti-Faith Language Remains in Stimulus Package”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:21:22 GMT

OneNewsNow reports.

“Back on Uncle Sam's Plantation”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:18:47 GMT

Star Parker has some harsh words for the resurgence of socialism in American and its negative effects on the family, especially black families. Excerpt:

Instead of solving economic problems, government welfare socialism created monstrous moral and spiritual problems. The kind of problems that are inevitable when individuals turn responsibility for their lives over to others.

The legacy of American socialism is our blighted inner cities, dysfunctional inner city schools, and broken black families.

Through God's grace, I found my way out. It was then that I understood what freedom meant and how great this country is.

Read her full article here.

Star Parker

“Support for Stimulus Package Falls to 37%”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:53:49 GMT

Rasmussen reports. It’s no wonder that public support for the so-called “stimulus” bill is eroding as more information about its waste and cultural implications becomes known.

The stimulus proposal in the Senate would heap massive amounts of new debt on the American people, debt which would make it nearly impossible to provide much-needed tax relief for American families. The Heritage Foundation provides some helpful perspective on the size of the debt this massive pork bill would create.

Let both your senators know what you think of the stimulus proposal and the massive debt it would place upon future generations. Be sure to urge them to particularly oppose the elements which threaten religious freedom and important social values like life and morality.

UPDATE: National Review Online goes through the stimulus bill "chapter and verse" in their new piece entitled "50 De-Stimulating Facts."

“Praying Politics: Abortion, the Religious, and the President”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:51:48 GMT

Loredana Vuoto and Mark Rodgers of the Clapham Group have some important thoughts for politically involved Evangelicals and Catholics to consider.

“A False Sense of Security”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:16:02 GMT

John Stossel warns against demanding too much government regulation.

True Morality vs. Social Justice

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:54:55 GMT

Phyllis Schlafly analyzes what led some young evangelicals to vote for Barack Obama and, in the process, she exposes the true meaning of the term “social justice” which is often used to convince people to ignore issues like life, marriage, and free markets to focus instead on issues like environmentalism, “gay rights,” and socialistic redistribution of wealth.

Conservative Leader and Pioneer Paul Weyrich Dies at 66

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:42:46 GMT

Long-time conservative leader and activist Paul Weyrich passed away early Thursday morning in Northern Virginia. Paul loved his nation very much and spent his life serving it by relentlessly advancing the conservative agenda. He will be greatly missed by AdvanceUSA and many others who had the privilege of working side-by-side with this stalwart of conservatism.

Click here to view special video tributes to Paul from a recent dinner in honoring Weyrich. Click here to read the announcement from Paul’s very own Free Congress Foundation.

Paul Weyrich, 1942 - 2008

“Scapegoating the Social Right”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:09:25 GMT

Ramesh Ponuru explains. Here’s a marvelously tongue-in-cheek excerpt:

In 2002 and 2004, Republicans ran hard on social issues and the courts — and scored victories at every level of politics. In 2006 and 2008, they left those issues off the table, and got walloped. It follows, naturally, that the social issues are to blame for the Republican defeats.

Read the full article here.