09 December 2015

Some Thoughts About The Republican Frontrunner

Donald Trump has shown himself to be a living, breathing, walking representation of every stereotype the Left has about Republicans.

If Trump wins the nomination, he won't just lose the general election, he'll lose it big. He's damaging the Republican brand, and while I'm a conservative before I'm a Republican, the G.O.P. is the only real place for conservatives to hang their hats. As sad as it is to say, conservatives need the Republican party in order to compete on a national level.

Mark my words, Republican voters will rue the day Trump threw his hat in the ring under the G.O.P. banner, let alone if he wins the nomination. He's not a conservative (as he has shown with his political stances in the past). In fact, from the outside looking in, I'd hesitate to say he's sane.

What amazes me most is that many of the people who decried Romney and McCain as the Republican nominees, claiming they weren't "conservative enough" are the same ones who now tout Donald Trump as a viable candidate. The dichotomy could not be stronger.

I'm perfectly aware of what he's tapped into, and I agree with the anger and frustration that's behind his support. However, I've also looked into his past politics - who he's supported, what positions he's taken on things such as abortion, taxes, healthcare, etc. - and realized that Trump is not who he's purporting himself to be. He's not a conservative - not even close. He's a DIRC: DemoKKKrat In Republican Clothes. Period.

Trump is a one trick pony with his illegal immigration stance, and while I agree that we need to secure the border, and do everything we can to deport all criminal aliens, I will not vote for someone without looking at the entire body politic of that candidate.

We, as conservatives, all agreed that McCain and Romney were somewhat left of conservatism - definitely progressives, but even they were to the right of Trump, so what does that tell you?

I get it. I really do. Trump is saying some of the things we want to hear from those who run for office, but if what he's saying is diametrically opposite of what he's said in the past, it's incumbent upon us, as conservative voters, to question the sudden about-face in position. Trump was, is, and forever will be a big government supporter, and given we have one in office now - and we all scream about it - do we really want to put another in his place simply because he has an (R) after his name?

I won't go so far as to say he's a demoKKKrat plant, as some others have. I do, however, think he's worse than any RINO who's ever run for, or held, any office. At least one can tell where a RINO stands on most issues. I really can't with Trump, mostly because he's a mass of contradictions, and I've followed politics for most of my life like most people follow sports. ~ Hunter

07 December 2015

"A Date Which Will Live In Infamy"

74 years ago today - 7 DEC 41 - Japan attacked the U.S. The next day, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave this address to Congress.

We will always remember. ~ Hunter

******

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.