Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Liberal vs Conservative

I think this is a GREAT forum - I love to discuss issues and get educated - someone once said "knowledge is power" and this is a great way to empower ourselves.

I've been doing lots of reading about liberal and conservative. Here is my reader's digest version of my understanding of those terms: Conservative is for small government - get government out of the way and let 'WE THE PEOPLE" make things happen. I think it is no coincidence that those words were capitalized in the Constitution (by the way, how long has it been since you actually READ the constitution??)

Liberal is for more government with the idea that 'government' knows more and is better at managing your money (read that 'your life') than you, because they are inately smarter than the 'common' people.

We sat down and tried to think of ANY aspect of our life that we do not need government permission to live - couldn't think of a thing - if you come up with something, PLEASE post it. For instance - you have to have a birth certificate for your kids which interprets that now the government has officially given you permission to 'have' kids - try to operate without a birth certificate - hand in hand with social security number. Anyhow, if you can come up with something I am dying to know. (Do you know government sets the code for how your toilet is placed in your bathroom and regulates the production of toilet paper??)

That's my FYI for today.....

Dixie

Saturday, September 13, 2008

What can YOU do?

This is the first in a series wherein we will discuss what each one of us can do to get involved. Up first GET REGISTERED TO VOTE!!! Sounds like I'm really stuck on this issue but this is ultimately the first step in making changes. The deadline to register so you can vote in the November elections is October 4th. If you've just moved or have not gotten registered yet GET IT DONE NOW!!! (notice the use of ALL CAPS this means I'm talking really loud and the three exclamation marks this means I'm really serious and I've changed all the caps to RED which means...well that I'm Truly, Genuinely, and Extremely serious .)

Take 5 minutes print out the registration form and mail it in, it's that simple. While your at it print out 3 extra forms... Think of this as Network Marketing...let's call it Network Politics or maybe Political Marketing? If you tell three of your friends and they tell three of their friends pretty soon you'll have helped your entire neighborhood get registered to vote. It's a marvelous thing, you'll sleep better at night trust me. This is something you can do no matter how many kids you have, how busy you are, how crazy you think your life is. It's non invasive your not pushing any agenda. In case some of you may still think this is to much let me give you a script you can use when talking to your friends.

"Hey (or hello depending on your familiarity with them) are you registered to vote?" they say "no" you say "I have an extra registration form, fill it out and I'll mail it with mine" they say "sure". See that was not to hard AND they will love you because you saved them .42 cents on a stamp it's a win win situation. So get out there and let me know how it goes!!! Good luck your on your way to changing the nation!

Friday, September 5, 2008

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men (and I add Women) do nothing." (Edmund Burke - see side note)

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I hope through sharing our thoughts and insight about the world of politics we can make more sense out of the whirlwind surrounding us, and develop an opinion of our own. We will be better informed and more influential in our communities. We can make sure that our values are upheld in the places we live. We can teach our kids that it is important to take a stand, to protect our families and morals. We can share ways to make a difference no matter our stage in life. I look forward to sharing our thoughts and ideas.

I have always been interested in the world of politics. Well I don't know about always let's say for the past 10 years or so. I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in a Republican convention as a caucus chair person for our precinct in Orem, Ut in 2000. I was also able to work on a committee to elect a mayor in Heber City, Utah in 2005. With both experiences I was amazed at how "we the little people" can make a huge difference. I have heard from so many people... that "my vote doesn't really count" or "my vote doesn't really make a difference". Another thing I hear is "I really don't know what the issues are or who to vote for". Most people know that voting is important but... I they 'should' vote but sadly enough they just don't.

In 2006 Utah had the lowest voter turnout in the country with only 36.7 percent of Utah's eligible voters, voting (politico.com). This is a state that is 62% LDS (Salt Lake Tribune), and encouraged EVERY year to take an active roll in the election process. The problem? First, I think most people are too complacent. They simply do not get involved unless the cause seems overwhelmingly 'important'. Second, I think that most people are too busy to take the time to know what the issues are and who is running. Third, most people are overwhelmed by the process it's too much, too big, and to inundated with information, they can't make heads or tails of the double talk from politicians.

I have been inspired by the Sara Palin story, regardless if you like her or agree with her, her's is the story of someone who simply got involved. The thing that is most impressed upon my mind is that through small and simple things, great things can happen. Someone like you or me who does not aspire to be the next Governor, or Senator (well maybe you do) can make a huge difference. We can start with our PTA or neighborhoods. We can find out the issues that directly affect our communities and then take a stand, get involved and let our voice be heard.

It has recently been said that the outcome of this election will be decided by the women of this country. I hope that we are among those that make a difference. My goal with this blog page is to ask questions, have discussions, find answers and share ideas about the politics of our times. I hope we can also simplify some of the mumbo jumbo double talk, get rid of the fluff and flowers and see what the real meat and potatoes is all about. I would love some input and look forward to your thoughts.

Lisa