I Water My Grassroots with Tea

Tuesday night, I attended an event hosted by FreedomWorks. It was a tutorial session designed to teach the conservative, tea party public about how to use FreedomConnector to organize and mobilize. The event began at 6pm locally, which is the time I got off of work. My office was a solid 45 minutes away from the chosen venue and I was exhausted. I stopped at home, which is on the way to said venue, to sit for a moment, clear my mind of the day's troubles and decided if I was really going to subject to a two more hours of training (I'm a new hire) that I was already late for after an exhausting day. After much contemplation and coming about five seconds from taking off my shoes and kicking up my feet, I reluctantly dragged myself out of my apartment, got into my car and departed towards the FreedomWorks event.

When I arrived, the event was already in progress. David Spielman (@SpielzOnWheels) was at the front of the room explaining how to use the FreedomConnector website to about 150 people. I was greeted and instructed to find an empty seat. I finally found my cozy seat in the very back row, sat down and began listening to what information David had to offer. David ran a great event, he allowed for questions about the website, questions and discussions about issues and commentary. One particular comment stood out to me.

A woman sitting a number of rows ahead of mine and off to my right so far that I couldn't see her face made a comment about how disappointed she was about the lack of representation that young conservatives had at this event. She went on to say how she felt it to be telling of where this generation, my generation, is focusing its political leanings. While I realize that folks in the 18-35 range, particularly 18-25, tend to be more liberal, I have seen enough examples to take exception to her comment.

I raised my hand, David signaled that I may speak. I began speaking from my chair in the back of the room, but was quickly urged to stand up. I then began explaining my college experience. I attended business school at a large, public university. The business school is located at the southern-most tip of campus with the student union building just north of the school, essentially acting as a barrier to the rest of the crazy liberal antics the rest of campus has to offer. I found many common sense, business minded, conservative friends at this school.

I then began explaining my social media experiences. I told the group that I began seeking a political outlet aside from Facebook statuses and for that, I turned to Twitter. I explained that when I joined Twitter four months ago, I was seeking conservatives, not young conservatives, just conservatives. I told them that after four short months, I had garnered a modest following of which about 50% were conservatives under 25. I then began telling the group that there is a sweeping conservative movement among young adults and that we need websites like FreedomConnector and to actively seek these conservatives to let them know that they are not alone and that they're efforts are necessary for the future of this country. To be completely honest, the rest of what I said after that is pretty much a blur. All I know is that I felt very comfortable, confident and passionate in what I was speaking about. The next thing I knew, I was interrupted by something I never expected... applause. My five minute account explaining that young conservatives are real, growing in numbers and about the power of Twitter in meeting conservatives and spreading news was met with 150 people who had no idea who I was applauding me.

After the room quieted down, I quickly finished my point, but before I could sit down a voice asked my name. I answered. I was then asked how to spell it from somewhere else in the room to which I awkwardly obliged. Throughout the rest of the event, I was but a quiet observer, only my point was brought up every now and then. After the event "officially" ended, I gathered my materials I had brought with me, stood up and was taken back when I realized there was a small group of people were waiting to speak to me. What transpired next was nothing I would have ever expected.

People approached me for a number of different reasons. Some wanted to simply shake my hand and say hello. Others wanted to commend me or thank me for being a young conservative and a positive example for other young adults. Many folks approached me requesting my contact information and asking if I'd be interested in working with them on various projects. Many local tea party chapters asked if I would speak at one of their meetings and give a basic overview of how to use Twitter. I met a woman who ran a campaign for State Senate and lost in very close election in the most liberal district in the metropolitan area by riding her bicycle to knock on over 10,000 doors and making personal phone calls to voters. Another who wanted my help on rally she was spearheading. The attention was overwhelming and flattering.

If you're still with me at this point, please understand this is not meant to be boastful. The point I'm trying to make is inherent within the grassroots movement that is the Tea Party. I am a 24 year old conservative. I am a recent college graduate. I have a passion for God, family and country and I want to do all I can to protect all three of them. I'm just a citizen and simply speaking from the heart gained attention. No matter how short lived it may be, if I can inform these folks about how to use Twitter, it is a job well done in my eyes.

The fact that I came from nowhere, with absolutely no expectations of doing anything but showing up, taking notes, mingling then leaving and raised a point that attracted attention speaks volumes about the purity of the grassroots movement. The Tea Party and conservatives who may not identify themselves with the Tea Party are all a part of this grassroots movement. The citizenry is reaching out to each other. Anybody can become a somebody. Any idea that is in the best interest of the country in accordance with the Founders will be heard and championed. Any effort made for the betterment of our national situation will go appreciated and noticed. I felt the Founders' spirits last night. I understood their sense of duty as I was surrounded by people dedicating their time and lives to their country. Making true sacrifices and difficult decisions because they care about something greater than themselves. I felt special last night, like I could make a real difference, and so long as somebody else decides not to take their shoes off and kick their feet up, they could unknowingly have an opportunity to make a difference as well. God Bless the Americans using tea to water their grassroots.

- Streep

Untrustworthy = Unelectable

On May 11th, Newt Gingrich officially announced his candidacy for the presidency in the 2012 election. This was met by mixed reactions by those most likely voting in the GOP primaries. From those I consider to be more "in the know," there was a collective rolling of the eyes. From those that are more passive politically, but aware there was a bit of a mixed reaction ranging from utter excitement to unsure.

The skepticism comes with good reason. Newt Gingrich is somebody who in the past has put his own character in question through his own actions. Extra-marital affairs, bouncing government checks in the early 90's and becoming the first sitting House Speaker to be censured and fined by the House Ethics Committee in the late 90's to name a few.

Many have problems that are strictly political with Gingrich and that is why they will not vote for him to be their GOP candidate for the general election. That's fine, but it isn't what I'm here to discuss. Many GOP voters (some of whom may agree with the vast majority of his political stances) that are questioning whether they'd like to vote for him have a very big hurdle to clear to get to the point where they are sure Newt is their "guy." That hurdle? Trust.

Shortly after his announcement, Mr. Gingrich went to work entrenching himself in controversy once again in a blistering criticism of Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI) proposed budget bill on NBC's "Meet the Press," likening it to "right-wing social engineering" and "imposing radical change." It seemed that such a gaffe would end his campaign as soon as it began as many partial supporters departed and skepticism continued to rise. Newt continued to press forward despite his damning comments, apologized to Ryan and said on Fox News Sunday that if he was quoted in a future campaign ad with that comment, it would be a misquote.

More questions about Newt's campaign were raised last week when his entire senior staff resigned, citing Newt's lack of dedication to the campaign as evidenced by a 2 week cruise he had recently took compounded by the lack of campaign stops he had been making (Not to mention the distraction of a $500,000 line of credit at Tiffany's). Even after this, Newt again continued to press forward with the CNN debate looming.

Newt had an opportunity to engage in some serious damage control as the timing of the debate would allow him to immediately dispel any questions about his campaign and attempt to stick to the issues. He actually came out of the debate looking the strongest he has since announcing his campaign. Newt appeared confident, experienced and regal on Monday night which does not erase all of the previously mentioned concerns, but diverted attention away from them... at least temporarily.

The very next day ABC News released a report about a non-profit founded by Gingrich, Renewing American Leadership (ReAL), having paid Gingrich's for profit organizations nearly $220,000 over the past two years. ReAL had bought Gingrich's books and DVDs from his communications and production firms. There is also concern that Gingrich has free, open access to the ReAL donor list, which would be an abuse of the information as charities are not allowed to take part in political campaigns.

When ABC approached Gingrich about the issue at a June 14th campaign speech, he responded by saying, "I'm not concerned about that. The American people aren't concerned about that. Try covering the speech." Mr. Gingrich, sir, the American people ARE indeed concerned about that. Surely you know of your checkered past and how it may cause concern for those whose votes you are trying to win. The voters want to know the character of their candidates and right now, it appears that yours is far less than that of a man fit to hold the office of the President.

The fact of the matter is, Newt Gingrich entered the 2012 presidential race surrounded by skepticism and trust issues and has done nothing to tame those concerns. Instead he has only fueled the fire, continuing his campaign through PR nightmare after PR nightmare. When it comes down to the voters' decision in the GOP primary, he has only himself and a mirror to look at when he eventually loses the primary or drops out before the vote even takes place.

-Streep

Rep. Weiner Media Coverage: A Different Take

After a week of speculation, or perhaps of the general public knowing Weiner did it and the hard lined, Leftist apologists hoping he didn't, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D, NY) admitted that he had lied about the "hack" or "prank" or "Breitbart framing" or whatever. This came as no shock. Not because of who Weiner is, but because this is a disgusting and common trend amongst dirty slugs inebriated with the elixir of power.

I staunchly disagree with Weiner in basically every aspect that you could conjure up. That being said, I don't look down on him anymore than I do the Edwards, Schwarzeneggers, Chris Lees or any other politician that has found themselves wrapped in extramarital scandal. They are all repugnant. They are all in the same boat, or rather on the underbelly of the same boat with the rest of the scum. That's the way I see it, but that is not the way the Main Stream Media sees it.

Chris Matthews pondered that maybe Anthony Weiner's wife was partly to blame. Take a second to let that sink in. No really, go ahead. Done? Ok. The media is so wildly out of touch that they are inventing straw men to defend a progressive even after that progressive ripped the straw man to shreds. All afternoon there was speculation, then the press conference, then the gasps from the media, then the "I can't believe it" commentary, then the "well maybe it wasn't his fault" commentary. It's all too much.

Sure, this has been a story on the forefront of many of our minds the last week. Some found it horrifying. Some found it disheartening. Some saw it as an attempt by evil fringe right wing bloggers to take down an honorable man. Many found it hilarious. But I'm upset at the coverage it has received today. Yes, it was left-leaning and sympathetic when it would have been brutally scathing had it been a GOP politician, but that is not what bothered me.

What bothered me was that it reduced the anniversary of D-Day to disgusting TMZ type media storm across political and entertainment news outlets throughout the country. It bothered me that while the last surviving members of the raid on Normandy, or those that may not have raided, but still served in World War II who are surely recognizing what is likely to be one of the last, if not THE last, D-Day anniversary they will ever see, America was obsessed with a picture of a man in his boxer briefs. Today is a day that ought to be solemnly remembered and humbly celebrated as a triumph of men, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, I woke up proud of my country because of the triumph of the "Great Crusade" that Eisenhower had prepared the boys for back in '44, and I will go to sleep proud. But during the day, I felt disappointment in my fellow Americans: those with cameras and microphones and those without. I'm disappointed that they allowed themselves to be so distracted by tabloid that they missed out on remembrance.

To all of the veterans, thank you. To those who served in World War II, those who died in World War II, and especially those who never left the beaches of France, thank you.

God Bless Our Troops! God Bless the Greatest Generation! We will always remember June 6, 1944.

- Streep

The Path of This Young Conservative

My journey to conservatism began as a child. A love for country was instilled in me by my parents at a young age, though they did not sway me Left or Right politically. Rather they stressed right, wrong and common sense. The young love for country turned quickly into a passion for American history. I remember wide-eyed fascination as a child as we learned about Columbus, Pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving, religious freedom, colonists, tyrannical Kings, taxation without representation and the sacrifice of our founding fathers. George Washington was then, and still is now, of Superman stature in my mind. I know of the indoctrination in schools now. I've read excerpts of revisionist history from textbooks across the country. It is disgusting. I was lucky to have escaped that curriculum, as I was taught that our forebears were the heroic geniuses that they truly were.

This continued into middle school and high school, at least when it came to history teachers. I remember being shown Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine" in a Government/Economics summer school course that was meant for those that struggle with such a subject, but I simply took to eliminate from my senior year schedule. My classmates in that class were largely convinced, as they were what Lenin would call, useful idiots. I, being raised an outdoors-man and avid hunter, already valued my 2nd Amendment right too much to fall for Moore's propagandumentary in a time where I was still discovering my own political leanings.

By the time the 2004 election came along, I was a senior in high school. I supported the troops, the efforts overseas in both Iraq and Afghanistan, took 9/11 personally (still do), and found myself supporting Bush over Kerry (much to my father's delight) in an election I was devastated to be too young to vote in (I didn't turn 18 until March, 2005). This led to a conversation with my father about the history of our country, the history of our family in this country, what conservatism is, who Ronald Reagan really was and what I believe in for this country. My father, the wise man that he is, let me do most of the talking (as he still does), only interjecting where my logic was lacking. I would challenge him. He would explain. I would learn, and more times than not find myself agreeing with him.

Then came graduation. Oh yes, a conservative, who had been a conservative all along, but had just really gone through a bit of self-discovery and revelation not 12 months prior, was to begin the walk through the liberal gauntlet known as college. I received C's on anti-immigration papers when I'd received A's on everything else in an English class. I was told by a professor in a "Social Change" course that class was to be cancelled and that we were to go watch Obama's campaign speech on campus "not to sway us politically, but just to see what he has to say." I slept in instead. I was lucky enough to fall into the enclave of the business school, which was set apart from the rest of the zany libtard antics that took place on the rest of campus. Thus  I graduated, a principled conservative, a tea party supporter, news junky, Beck loyalist, knowledge seeker and maybe most poignantly, job seeker.

Yes, I was one of the lucky college grads to enter the Bush/Obama job market. As the job search wore on, the country and its economy was "progressively" getting worse as the Obama administration delivered blow after Marxist blow. Seeing this, I entrenched myself in two things: 1. Trying to find a job. 2. Becoming a voice to defend America. The more vocal I became for the conservative cause, the more I questioned my experience to speak to such a thing. I was a lifelong student. I had never held anything more than a part-time job. How was I to be taken seriously as a conservative by fellow conservatives? How could I expel book learning and talking points without any life/job experience to back it up? I haven't let these questions stop me, only push me harder.

I have now obtained a full time job that I begin tomorrow. I shall embark on a new life experience and hope to grow as a man and a conservative through it. I have now begun this blog with no ideas of what I will fill it with in the future or how often. I can only promise this to myself and any readers: I expect the coming months to be a self-rediscovery. I shall find myself once again as I learn much more about myself in this new chapter of life. Meanwhile, I will continue vigilance, research, the fight to win our country back and restore its honor and its dignity. This new chapter begins tomorrow and I am honored to share it with you.

- Streep