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The Nation's Pulse
American Tipping Point
The view from Hobbitville as House passes debt ceiling and Tea Party principles are the new Hush Puppies.
Hush puppies and the Tea Party.
The Republican run House of Representatives passed a debt limit plan last night 269-161. With Arizona Democrat Gabrielle Giffords returning from death’s door to cast a yes vote. Good for her.
You always think of these things together, right?
No? Well, you should.
Hush puppies, for those coming in late, were once the casual shoe of choice in the late 1950s. By the 1990s they were pretty much vanished, disappeared to the fashion twilight zone along with tri-corner hats and powdered white wigs for men. They sold somewhere in the neighborhood of a pathetic 30,000 pairs a year, usually out of small family-run shoe stores in the small towns of off-the-beaten path America. The company that made them — Wolverine — was on the verge of giving up with the once iconic shoe from the Eisenhower-era that was, in 1950s beatnik lingo, “nowheresville” by the time of Bill and Hillary.
And then something peculiar happened. Something very much like what has been happening in the House of Representatives the last several days.
Out of the blue, hush puppies were becoming hip in the hippest clubs and bars of Clinton-era Manhattan. Impatient customers began scouting those small town shoe stores and scooping up the remaining supply. A prominent fashion designer was seen clad in them, another called Wolverine wanting to feature them in his spring collection. So did another. One L.A. fashionista mounted a 25-foot inflatable basset hound (the basset hound the Hush Puppy symbol) on the roof of his store, bought and gutted the building next door and turned it into a hush puppy boutique. One movie star of the day walked in personally to pick up a couple pairs of puppies. By 1995, sales had skyrocketed from the lonely 30,000 sales a year to almost half-a-million. The shoes were winning prizes as “best accessory” from fashion big wigs. And on and on it went.
If you’ve read author Malcolm Gladwell’s bestselling classic of a few years back called The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, you will recognize this hush puppy story as Gladwell’s. Along with other seemingly odd topics like Paul Revere’s ride or the sudden drop in the crime rate of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, Gladwell posited the idea that:
…the best way to understand the emergence of fashion trends, the ebb and flow of crime waves, or, for that matter, the transformation of unknown books into bestsellers, or the rise of teenage smoking, or the phenomena of word of mouth, or any number of the other mysterious changes that mark everyday life is to think of them as epidemics. Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread just like viruses do.
When three characteristics combine — “contagiousness, the fact that little causes can have big effects… (and) that change happens not gradually but at one dramatic moment” — a “tipping point” occurs.
Hush puppy sales take off. Crime falls through the floor. A book sails on to best seller list. Or, as Gladwell also notes, a Boston silversmith’s determination to spread the news of an impending British attack “mobilizes an entire region to arms” and an entire revolution is launched. And so on.
To which, this morning, it must be said after that 269-161 vote in the House last night: America has reached a new Tipping Point.
An epidemic of conservatism is sweeping America. And thanks to the Tea Party, yesterday disgracefully accused of terrorism by Vice President Biden (he the vice president in an administration terrified of calling real terrorists terrorists — seriously!), the country will never be the same again.
Let’s start with Gladwell’s point of contagiousness, or, as he says in illustrating the point, the importance of understanding that epidemics are an “example of geometric progression.”
Remembering that some 40 years separated the popularity peaks of the hush puppy, it should be noted that 78 years have separated the serious and seemingly permanent rise of Big Government from today. From Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal to the presidency of Barack Obama is a long time. And Big Government — the idea that, in the vernacular, “tax and spend” can just sail on endlessly — seemed like an impregnable fortress of an idea.
About the Author
Jeffrey Lord is a former Reagan White House political director and author. He writes from Pennsylvania at jlpa1@aol.com.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (126) | Leave a comment
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Bill S| 8.2.11 @ 6:28AM
The debt ceiling bill was a terrible bill. It made the stimulus part of regular spending. There are no real spending cuts until 2014. It was a victory for liberals. The Tea Party people should've voted against it. They probably did. It ultimately shows that America isn't serious about cutting spending. American bonds should be at junk status right now.
John Navratil| 8.2.11 @ 8:26AM
Bill S,
It's a very flawed bill, indeed. If I were King, it would have been different. With no ideological overlap between the parties it's no surprise that anything to come out of this Congress would be unpalatable to at least some parties. That the Left is just as angry about no taxes should remind us what we DID get.
There will be no solution until the 2012 election. Then we will have a chance to answer the question of whether we wish to live in Sweden or Texas. (The Dems have 23 senators standing for election as against 10 Republicans - the math is favorable)
While this problem is still upon us, take some solace in knowing that our debt was larger in 1946 and we recovered and that if the ship of state moved as quickly as we would like today, Obama would have already sunk her.
Jane| 8.2.11 @ 9:27AM
If the left wins here in 2012 there will be no Sweden. Our demographics are too different. I would say something of a cross between Venezuela and the dystopia that the UK is becoming.
John Navratil| 8.2.11 @ 9:56AM
Jane,
You are probably right. It's an interesting thought as to what Obama's politics would look like grafted onto the U.S.
I lived in London with my grandparents in 1969 and 1970. My grandfather (born 1900) lamented that England was changing forever. I thought he was just an old man, then.
axbucxdu| 8.2.11 @ 9:43PM
"...While this problem is still upon us, take some solace in knowing that our debt was larger in 1946 and we recovered..."
And Keynesians everywhere thus mistook this recovery as confirmation that their bunkum works. The country's underlying productive capacity and pent up aggregate demand after the Depression/WWII drove this recovery.
We had a lot more gas in the tank back then to come back from debt, depression, and war. I'm not so sure the same is true today .
BenfromMO| 8.2.11 @ 11:32PM
True, I think you are onto more then you think with the comment about "We had a lot more gas in the tank back then."
Back in 1946 our country had a very young and ambitious working class who had already shed blood to make the world better, and were out to work their hides off to prove themselves and to raise families.
Today, we are much older with the baby boomer generation starting to age and to top that off we have social security issues coming to the front that is not even really being discussed at all.
We can bridge this hurdle, but in the end we are going to have to take a magnifying glass to such "untouchables" as social security and find a way to balance every expense.
Until we accept that our society is older, and does not have as much energy as we did in 1946, we will be riding a train of mediocrity.
Indeed, many professionals from health-care on down are moving out of the country as other countries dangle juicy morsals for them to leave. We not only have to convince the other nations of this world that we are still a strong economy, but we have to convince ourselves.
Johnny| 8.3.11 @ 5:28AM
axbucxdu, you supplied a partial solution to the problem with your statement, "We had a lot more gas in the tank back then", emphasize GAS. There in may lie a large part of the solution to our problems. Thanks!
Cosmo| 8.3.11 @ 4:31AM
-DC Dictionary-
"We will cut $2 Trillion over 10 years."
Translation: We will never cut a dime, and in ten years you will have forgotten this bill.
"Revenues"....Tax increases.
"Best deal we could get.".....Translation:
"We had to raise the debt ceiling by $2.8 Trillion
so Obama won't have to deal with it during the election...
"Super Commission appointed by Senate and House leaders"....Translation: No Tea Party members need apply. Filibusters not allowed,
making the Senate a Democrat majority-rules body.
"Balanced Budget Amendment will have to be voted on." (And we'll make sure it fails)
(.S. You don't need a Constitutional Amendment to pass a balanced budget....You just need to pass a balanced budget with a simple majority.)
"Terrorists"...American Patriots.
"Religion of Peace members"....Terrorists
"Cutting spending"...Translation: "Spending $10 Trillion instead of $12 Trillion is a saving of $2 Trillion, which we can use to pay for Obamacare.
"Bi-Partisan"....Translation: "We will marginalize
Conservatives and get enough Democrat votes to
make the Tea Party members a marginalized, hated minority."
Clint| 8.2.11 @ 6:49AM
Dr. Ron Paul,
“This deal will reportedly cut spending by only slightly over $900 billion over 10 years. But we will have a $1.6 trillion deficit after this year alone, meaning those meager cuts will do nothing to solve our unsustainable spending problem.
“In fact, this bill will never balance the budget. Instead, it will add untold trillions of dollars to our deficit. This also assumes the cuts are real cuts and not the same old Washington smoke and mirrors game of spending less than originally projected so you can claim the difference as a ‘cut.’
“The plan also calls for the formation of a deficit commission, which will accomplish nothing outside of providing Congress and the White House with another way to abdicate responsibility.
“In my many years of public service, there have been commissions on everything from Social Security to energy policy, yet not one solution has been produced out of these commissions."
We Tea Party Patriots Are Taking Names & Numbers.
We Are Now In Open Rebellion For The 2012 GOP Primaries.
Stand In Rebellion.
Steve| 8.3.11 @ 12:12PM
Unless you realize we have a taxing problem, too, we'll never take care of this debt crisis. I agree that Washington (Republicans AND Democrats) have a spending problem, but GE pays $0 in federal tax. If we get no revenue from one of the largest companies in the world, how does that fix the problem? The Tea Party could really help if they could see beyond their simple sound-bite platform and started really looking at all of the issue.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 8.2.11 @ 6:50AM
A real tipping point is coming next year. It will be preceded by a massive sell off in the stock market. Gold will go over $2,000 an ounce. There will be a sense of panic in the air.
Oh, what to do? Let's argue. Then let's create a Biacameral Commission. Then let's look over their recommendations. We may ignore them as we've done with other commissions including the 9/11 Commission or we may approve some massive tax cuts.
We can then originate some more bills which push more serious and needy decisions off into the future, courtesy of Obama Baggins, Samwise McCain, Harry Brandybuck and John Boehner Took.
Willis| 8.2.11 @ 9:48AM
The lables "Democrat" and "Republican" have become irrelevent. We all now belong to The People's Front of Judea.
Stuart Koehl| 8.2.11 @ 10:06AM
You mean the Judean People's Front. Splitter! Splitter!
crookedwren| 8.2.11 @ 2:01PM
NO NO NO Don't confuse the nomenclature. Better Hobbitton than Mordar!
Don't you mean Rand Baggins, Samwise DeMint, Rubio Brandybuck, and Michelle Bachmann Took?
weaverofdreams_2000| 8.2.11 @ 4:50PM
you are correct in your nomenclature, crookedwren. wondered about that too
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 8.2.11 @ 6:08PM
No, I did not mean that Crookedwren.
jolizoom| 8.2.11 @ 9:47PM
Please don't forget Tom Boffin McClintock--some good things do come out of Mordorfornia.
weaverofdreams_2000| 8.2.11 @ 4:49PM
This is the best thought Stalin ever had.
Cheers!
Appleby| 8.4.11 @ 11:21PM
But the hobbits were victorious in the end.
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.2.11 @ 7:09AM
We need domestic energy. We need de-regulation. We need solid certainties for business, especially manufacturing.
We need to re-define poverty/welfare.
Finally, we need to change our international trade policy.
Ta Da! Long term prosperity.
Al Adab| 8.2.11 @ 11:14AM
There you go Ken, right on as usual.
Michael L. Hauschild| 8.2.11 @ 1:07PM
We could, if energy production was allowed a free market structure, be selling energy.
BenfromMO| 8.2.11 @ 11:38PM
"We could, if energy production was allowed a free market structure, be selling energy."
Not to mention paying so much more for energy for worthless inventions such as the "wind turbine" a NASA invention in the 1970's that has not changed one bit.
They have to subsidize it so much that even having the capacity for 1% of our energy usage will result in either 3 times the energy costs we pay today (see California, Spain) or we borrow the same amount from China or other entities. And to boot, it solves not one environmental problem! It emits more CO2 over its lifetime (if you add up construction, mining and shipping CO2) and it requires back-up in the form of NG. Worthless!
Lets go to a free market approach and remove all energy subsidies. Heck, remove those for oil and gas and coal. I will pay a little more for coal just to stop having to buy power from expensive wind boondangles.
SpiralArchitect| 8.2.11 @ 4:00PM
Deadly serious; MLK had a dream too. Look where it got him.
Paul| 8.2.11 @ 7:12AM
Mr. Lord - if only.
This parasite class now makes up more than 50% of this country, and the parasites are growing and the prodcuers are shrinking. I usually agree and enjoy your stuff but I do not see the conservative tipping point. I see more parasiites looking for my money, and more politicians looking to give it to them. Of course, I live in the Peoples Republic of Maryland, so you have to forgive my gloomy outlook. I am sure the outlook is brighter is states like Texas or Idaho, or Nebraska, where the government is not controlled by socialists.
jjmurphy| 8.2.11 @ 8:48AM
Beat me to it. I think the Tea Party people are indeed fired up but the Tea Party mindset is not the mindset of the majority of the people. The majority now are dependent in government income in one form or another. The moochers and looters will not give up their goodies.
Pete| 8.2.11 @ 9:13AM
Mr. Lord must have had marital relations last night. This piece is over the top rosy for recently transpired events.
crookedwren| 8.2.11 @ 2:15PM
BUT they WILL have to "give up their goodies" eventually. In fact, the end of the path we're on -- if we don't change course -- will lead, eventually, to the demise of the Socialism. Ultimately.
Evil loses in the end. Period. (Hobbits win. Mordar loses.)
How long will that take? Unknown.
Lord recognizes that a revolution that is as aberrant as our American Revolution, one that isn't followed by horrors, takes TIME and reflection -- real intelligence -- real principles, not illusory ones.
I'm just starting Mamet's "The Secret Knowledge." It's a great read from a "reformed Liberal."
REALITY WILL OUT.
That doesn't mean stop working as hard as we can. It just means that we have most of academia and the mainstream media and power and the biggest money as an evil axis. Our youth have been indoctrinated. Brainwashed.
Winning this will take a great deal of energy and TIME and commitment. Whittaker Chambers realized over half a century ago that this would be the battle of our era, that it would take a spiritual dedication to true individual liberty to even have a prayer of winning. (He knew even then that a political party couldn't do it.) (Read "Witness" ! Please!)
Thanks, Lord. We need a reminder that a Tea Party being demonized means that that Tea Party is making a difference.
darcy| 8.2.11 @ 4:23PM
I did read it, six years ago, and just last week I presented a new copy to a friend of mine. God and Man at Yale is another must read.
W| 8.2.11 @ 10:44PM
David Horowitz's "Radical Son" is also good, about the 60's. Billy Ayers, Obama's friend, is in the book.
darcy| 8.2.11 @ 11:21PM
Yes, and I've read that as well and almost cited it earlier. Glad you did, to get the word out. In fact, Horowitz's Shadow Party is quite illuminating as well.
W| 8.3.11 @ 10:17AM
Darcy, several years ago my friend's daughter had to write a paper on the 60's for a high school class.
She asked me for recommendations. I suggested Radical Son by Horowitz, and as a joke, Strawberry Statement, i think James Kunen. Guess which book her teacher loved and praised and agreed with.
Ziporay| 8.3.11 @ 2:57PM
The parasites will have no say if people stop buying our Treasuries. Right now many Central Banks around the world are buying some gold instead of all dollar denominated Treasury bills. The bond markets will rule the day, not the politicians. Soon, cutting spending will be the "in thing to do" and politicians will be tripping over one another to add to the cuts. Implausible? No, quite possible.
Michael L. Hauschild| 8.2.11 @ 1:12PM
Don't be too sure about Nebraska. The mayor (D) of one of our largest citys just gave some of the city employees are twenty seven percent raise. To litigate this would cost three hundred thousand dollars, the city council (mostly D) comprimised to seventeen percent. Unbelievable.
David| 8.2.11 @ 2:34PM
I live in Texas, and we are still part of the Union so we will continue to give up our hard earned wages so that the lazy class can get a check. If Texas would only stand up to the feds and tell them we are leaving unless the United States lives up to its constitutional contract with Texas. But our state is run by these same democrats and republicans that run (into the ground) the rest of this country.
I see only two ways for things to change. The Tea Party becomes a legitimate third party, or we do as our forefathers told us to do and have an old fashioned revolution.
TStentefee| 8.3.11 @ 6:00AM
Also a Texan, but reside in Perth WA for now. Perhaps the dilemma you reference for TX is the dilemma for Perry: take the fight to DC or stand for liberty at home through Nullification, or at least, the threat of Secession. What will he do?
Johnny| 8.3.11 @ 5:39AM
Paul, good point, but if you dig a little further into your statement about the majority theory and remember that a minority is what has caused most of our problems, such as the tree hugging green goblins, then you may see that another minority, the Tea Party, may also win the day and fix some of this mess.
Pecos Pete| 8.2.11 @ 7:16AM
The 2012 election will reveal if there has been a tipping point.
irish19| 8.2.11 @ 11:49AM
Exactly right. As Clint pointed out above, it's time to take names and get ready for the primaries. The RINOs and establishment, go along to get along rs have got to go. Primaries are the best way to do that.
I think the producers are fired up enough to turn out at the polls. Parasites are lazy. While the cities will continue to be bastions of libs, the rest of us have, I think, had enough.
Drunken Sailor| 8.2.11 @ 3:05PM
Has anybody looked at that fact that this further stirring of the Tea Party anger may be another good thing for our country? Think about it, the Tea Party is up in arms again when they had died down quite a bit. Now I am willing to put money on another hard push by them up to the 2012 election. That can only be a good thing.
irish19| 8.2.11 @ 6:18PM
Agreed about the hard push in ought 12. That election will determine whether we have indeed crossed a threshold on the way back to a constitutional democratic republic or whether we are still on the road to socialism. If the latter, I hold little hope for our future.
Mimi| 8.2.11 @ 7:23AM
I REPEAT....The Tea-Party is the people of America!
They picked the wrong target to hit on..,From the WSJ to Vice President Joe Biden...to Democrats who cry out..." They want to stop spending" like a whiney KID.....Think about it how harmful it is to call fellow patriotic Americans terrorists.
The Vice-President has made some horrible verbal statements and most of the time overlooked and forgiven.....BUT this one is attack on the HEART OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!
Kevin Hudson| 8.2.11 @ 7:28AM
I would say the 2009 Paul Revere Award would have to go to Rick Santelli for his rant on CNBC about the mortgage debacle.
Mattled| 8.2.11 @ 7:40AM
Remember people, the Left wants you to give up. Never give up.
As always, it is the media that fuels the lies of the left. The sooner we go after the media, anchor, by anchor, reporter by reporter---- by name ---- the sooner the left gets marginalized.
We are portrayed as terrorists. We are 40+ % of the country. The left represents far less than half that yet the media portrays Dems as "mainstream".
Start a media campaign against the media. They are the fuel that feeds Obama.
Cut off the fuel.
irish19| 8.2.11 @ 11:51AM
"We are 40+ % of the country."
And every one of that 40+ % needs to go to the polls next year.
frustrated senior| 8.2.11 @ 3:33PM
While "going to the polls next year" sounds like the solution for those with "Tea Party" perspectives, that may only be good in theory.
When at the polling place, who are you going to vote for?
From here, SW Missouri, I don't see better candidates emerging. The presidential primary system is rigged toward money and incumbency. Locally, I voted for Tea Party candidates in last year's primary only to see them lose to established Rinos, because: "only they had a chance to beat the Democrat candidate." Well so much for the success of that.
Remember Nevada - Tea Party candidate vs. Reid? And how did that turn out? Maybe a better candidate would have made a difference, but from my seat it was a media shellacking of the TP candidate, not her credentials, that turned the tide (close didn't count for anything, did it?).
The answer may lie in the local precincts, but here I don't see the candidates. I saw some last year who invested their financial all to run, thinking that was the time - the TP perspective would carry the day. It didn't. Without citizens of courage and well above average intellectual and moral capabilities, and - this is important - the financial resources to mount a campaign, when we go to the polls there will be nobody on the ballot worth voting for.
This morning I heard on local talk radio comments about our Missouri District 7 Representative, Billy Long (who ran on Tea Party ideology and sold out last week and again yesterday), to the effect that he could vote as he did because: "who is there to run against him next year?" That's the point.
So, voting for TP candidates in the primaries last year got us nothing but Rinos; and the viewpoint is that next year will be more of the same. What hope is there for this "Conservative Tipping Point" to be more than wishful thinking and fruitless cheer leading without viable, capable and courageous candidates on the ballot? It's here we need the help if ever the country is to change direction.
Unfortunately, I don't see any Jeffersons, Franklins, or Washingtons on the list of primary candidates. Do you?
CalMark| 8.2.11 @ 7:30PM
Your defeatism is instructive. Also typical of your generation's do-nothing, let-things-be mentality.
That is why we are in the spot we are today. You're that upset? GET INVOLVED. Even if you couldn't in the past, you can now. At the very least join a Tea Party.
The days of carping and saying, "Ah, we survived Carter, we can survive anything--it'll be OK," are over. Do something.
darcy| 8.2.11 @ 2:48PM
You're right about the media's role in propping up the left and undermining conservatives. But the rot runs even deeper in that it's the journalism schools which have abandoned their ethical standards to churn out propagandists by the thousands.
The commies have made significant inroads towards their goals through our institutions -- and that includes our liberal churches -- that are woven now into the very fabric of our nation's character. To excise it, even to prune it to manageable size, will require a miracle. But I believe in miracles, and from the ashes of the coming collapse we can pray that we are granted another opportunity to restore Founding principles to governing. You, and others like us, will contribute to that restoration in a manner that fits our skills, talents, and drive.
For now, I boycott the MSM and have cancelled my cable subscription. Going after advertisers is the next step. I'm closing my Bank of America (a prominent sponsor of CNN) account in favor of a locally-owned bank; and, unrelated to media directly, I quit shopping at Home Depot over a year ago for their sponsoring of Gay Pride events -- and I've written them to let them know. That's just a sampling of what I've done, and with not too much effort involved.
Several million people acting in concert to starve the media cannot fail to achieve results, and that in conjunction with your ideas to expose them individually for abandoning journalistic ethics may bear fruit as well. Unhappily, we're dealing with a public that is largely habituated to an "end justifies the means" mentality. These types will have to feel quite a bit of pain before they become alert to the perils of statism.
blackwatch| 8.3.11 @ 1:11AM
agreed. the next target is the MSM. specifically the news readers and need to pay for their lies and their advertisers need to feel the pinch. blast them on Yelp, FB etc. for spreading their lies.
start with GE. don't buy GE products if you can avoid it. don't us UPS--they have union contracts. Obviously GM and Chrysler should be dead to all of us.
TStentefee| 8.3.11 @ 6:08AM
Here, here. I am with you on this and have been for the past three years. I think "Progressive" insurance should be another drop too, but what about using Google?
Stormzeye| 8.2.11 @ 8:18AM
The "educators" in this country are working hand-in-hand with the media to dumb down and anesthetize the minds of the electorate who are then "fed" with entitlements and kept from being really poor but with no hope of ever becoming rich.
While all this is going on the ruling class reaps the benefits of big government by giving themselves the power to create government jobs, hand out more entitlements, and crush the opposition.
The eunuchs in corporate America will go along as they did in Hitler's Germany so that they can share in the power structure. What has happened to our country? We have allowed all of this to come about. NOW is the time to bring down this foul slaughterhouse of liberty called progressivism.
The Tea Party will prevail in 2012.
Lullabys, Legends and Lies| 8.2.11 @ 8:34AM
I think another tipping point is the Democrats themselves, and the so-called leaders they put out there to sell their brand's name. Despite the words that are coming out of their mouths, their actions always undermine their message to anybody paying the slightest bit of attention too. From Left For Dead Ted Kennedy, to Nancy "I once had a private Jet Plane, but now it's gone, Brother can you spare me a dime" Pelosi, to the 70 current members of Congress, who are also members of the Socialist Party of America (all Democrats by the way-what a shock!!). They're all two face liars, who would stab their Mothers in the back, if that would guarantee them another term, or more power, or the chance to raise our taxes again, to give that money away to their unworthy friends. Everything they're for, I'm against, any idea they're selling, I'm not buying, anytime I hear them speaking, I know they're lying. They're the best salesmen for the Conservative Movement we could ever find (IE: Debbie Wassershnidelfremper Shultz). Keep talking Libtards, with every word you speak, we grow stronger!!
bull-gator| 8.2.11 @ 8:42AM
unsolicited advice regarding the "debt" bill: Eat the elephant (big government) one bite at a time, or if you prefer, one small step for conservatism, one giant leap for conservatives...
Bob Grant| 8.2.11 @ 9:02AM
Instead of calling people who feed off the government trough "parasites" how about if we educate our citizens, specifically, on how much they receive. This might jolt them into action. For instance, look at the monthly totals some are receiving:
Section 8 recipients:
* Housing vouchers as much as $1900 per month depending on the number of children
* CHIPS program (free health care for children)
* Food Stamps - as much as $400 per month per child and parent, depending on the age of the child
*Miscellaneous allowances - several hundred dollars per child
* Medicaid
* other miscellaneous grants and services
In some cases the total amount, per month, can approach 5 GRAND!!!!
Some programs are justified and should remain in place. Others need to be eliminated all together.
It's a system that's completely out of control and unsustainable. The more struggling middle/lower middle class workers understand THE EXCESSIVE AMOUNT of welfare entitlements some receive, the so0ner this ship will be corrected.
irish19| 8.2.11 @ 11:54AM
"Some programs are justified and should remain in place. Others need to be eliminated all together."
Agreed. The question who gets to decide what is baby and what is bath water.
Bob Grant| 8.2.11 @ 12:12PM
Common sense and fairness will dictate those questions. Some people are so loaded to the hilt with government giveaways, there are basically immune from the recession. No worries for them. That $1900 dollar a month voucher will continue to roll in. Meanwhile, in that same neighborhood - that neighborhood the Voucher Queen has no business living in - some poor soul is struggling to keep up with their mortgage and who's job has been in jeopardy for the last 4 years.
This is patently unfair, unjust, and immoral. This type of situation is occurring all over the country and as time ensues the resentment and outright anger will boil over.
I'm mostly talking about making deep cuts to these ridiculous programs, not eliminating them completely. The problem is when those cuts start, holy heck will ensure. Just be prepared.
It must, however, happen.
Bob Grant| 8.2.11 @ 12:13PM
Cor: meant to say "they are basically immune..."
Judy Jones| 8.2.11 @ 9:24AM
This is an excellent article and I hope and pray you are right! The rhetoric from the left is unbelievable, calling conservatives "hobbits" and "terrorists". If that's what it takes to restore this beloved nation, then so be it. I am sickened more everyday by these progressives and will do everything I can to replace them with fiscal conservatives. Thanks.
Stuart Koehl| 8.2.11 @ 10:12AM
What's wrong with being a hobbit? If we're hobbits, does that make the Democrats orcs or trolls? And who are the Nazgul? As for Sauron, I think we know where he lives.
irish19| 8.2.11 @ 11:55AM
The so-called "Super Congress" will likely turn out to be the Ringwraiths.
Now, anyone know where we can get hobbit tee shirts. I looked at Cafe Press last night in hopes of finding one with a picture of an armored hobbit, but no luck.
Stuart Koehl| 8.2.11 @ 12:13PM
Try here: http://www.zazzle.com/hobbits_.....4925126353
RustyG| 8.2.11 @ 9:37AM
Its a good thing for Hush Puppy that half of the shoe-buying population is not getting a check from the government that is only redeemable at the government shoe store. It has a donkey picture on the box.
OldSeabee| 8.2.11 @ 9:37AM
The people who derisively call Tea Party Congressmen, "Hobbits", have forgotten the story. Two very brave and resolute hobbits chose to destroy the One Ring and defeat the enemy. I say that we should all emulate Frodo and Sam and fight on to victory. Samwise: "Mr. Frodo, some things are worth fighting for."
Stuart Koehl| 8.2.11 @ 10:10AM
When did being a hobbit become pejorative? Hobbits possess all the civic virtues. They are peaceable, the get along with their neighbors, the work diligently and party hard. They have deep wells of untapped courage, and in a crisis, the Little People emerge out of the shadows to trouble the counsels of the wise. It was not an Elf, or a mighty warrior among men, or a sturdy dwarf who carried the Ring across Gogoroth to the very Cracks of Doom, but a simple hobbit, accompanied by his faithful friend.
The name Hobbit is, and should be, a badge of honor.
JimH| 8.2.11 @ 10:42AM
Senator Wormtongue’s (R,Isengard) description of Tea Partiers as Hobbits is in some ways apt. They are both hard working, slow to anger but surprisingly tough when needful. It may not have been meant as such but should be taken as a complement. A minor point, as any LOTR fan knows, it is Hobbiton not Hobbitville.
Stuart Koehl| 8.2.11 @ 12:14PM
I always think of Obama as Saruman (all talk/no action), which means that Joe Biden must be Grima Wormtongue. Hope Obama remembers how that relationship ended.
There are worse places to live than the Shire.
crookedwren| 8.2.11 @ 2:19PM
Amen!
irish19| 8.2.11 @ 11:57AM
Absolutely.
"Tough as old tree roots." -G. Greyhame, wizard.
Ohiolad| 8.2.11 @ 10:41AM
While intended to be used as a pejorative, we should take it as a compliment to be so labeled because after all it was the hobbits who, through pluck and courage and incredible endurance, saved Middle Earth from a life of eternal enslavement. Unlike men, who would have fallen prey to the desire to wield the power of the one Ring to rule others, the Hobbits’ only goal was to destroy that power. Now, let’s go about setting those brushfires of freedom in people’s minds.
Rurik| 8.2.11 @ 4:31PM
Indeed! "Yankee" was a pejoritive till the New England colonists adopted it. As for the "Terrorist" label they attempt to attach, just remember what the Proggies have said all these yeas "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter".
Stuart Koehl| 8.2.11 @ 7:40PM
Down here, it's still pejorative--but that has to do with the recent unpleasantness.
jolizoom| 8.2.11 @ 10:08PM
Here is a fun name generator:
http://www.planet-tolkien.com/.....generator/
My hobbit name is Fíriel Gamwich--love it!
Fíriel Gamwich| 8.2.11 @ 10:09PM
In fact, I'm changing my moniker!
Petronius| 8.2.11 @ 9:43AM
The United States of America will soon be a memory. Never-neverland will supplant it for a brief period and when the remaining people who are solvent; (like me), are stripped of our savings and financial assets, it will be transformed into an anthill. Pogo was so right.
Al Adab| 8.2.11 @ 11:20AM
That prophecy sadly is one that may indeed come to pass. We seem to have forgotten what free people can do for themselves in creating prosperity, innovation and opportunity. Perhaps we lost that vision when the progressives started seeing citizens not as individuals but rather as members of socio-economic classes and voting blocs.
When we treat people as groups rather than as the individuals they are, we create a de-humanized society that stresses groupthink over personal responsibility and opportunity. Government exists not to protect classes or interest groups but to protect the rights of individuals who make up the society. That was the great contribution of America to political theory. Why we have chosen to throw it away is the saddest question of all.
POST American| 8.2.11 @ 9:52AM
----'Confuse them with novel
(and inept) terminology clutter' ALERT!----
Meanwhile, the 'Super Congress', a literal,
in good Freemasonic fashion, Council of 13,
steps into the light.
Rockefeller/CFR false front 'Left' and 'Right'
combined with the latest CFR front President,
Barack Obama to further hijack the country
into engineered debt-serfdom.
----------WHY NOW?
They know they're being exposed.
They certainly know what they're representing,
what their doing, is criminal. They know they are --wanted-- men.
Like criminals that've looted a string of banks
and shot some cops ---they're becoming even
more dangerous because they're going for broke.
--------------------------NOW---------------------------
Some terminology clarification we can use:
The word for 'council' in Russian is-----SOVIET.
Rule by Councils is their latest ploy as TREASON and EUGENICS swamp the consciousness of the ever growing numbers of awakened.
State, city, rural 'councils' --ALLLLL to be directed by a central ruling authority, in unison.
In short -------a SOVIET UNION.
REALLY
TRULY
UNDENIABLY
Rurik| 8.2.11 @ 4:45PM
Molodets!
Not only are you correct about the words, but this "super council" corresponds in size to the Politburo, which served as the day-to-day inner sanctum for the Central Committee of the CPSU, with the Supreme Soviet as a (very-unsupreme) rubber stamp parliament. Curiously, it is also about the size of the Boyar Council which advised the pre-Romanov Tsars fron the Fifteenth to Seventeenth centuries. No wonder The Kenyan Usurper appoints czars over us. He is another return of the False Dmitry.
old white guy| 8.2.11 @ 10:01AM
conservatives should be piss-d. the bill is just more of the same. the tea partiers are on the band wagon dishing out more of the same. an overall increase in spending is what ya got. no cuts, no reduction in anything. jeez what a bunch of hipocritical dorks.
2Anglico| 8.2.11 @ 10:24AM
How does adding $2 trillion of debt to $14 trillion already in place help the "conservative" cause? During this debate, the ability to even pay interest on $14 trillion of debt was called into question. There was not even a whisper about how to pay the debt down.
What happens when the short term notes come due and the interest rate that must be paid to attract new investors is double what it is today? The "Fed" has been buying U.S. Bonds to keep rates down!!! That is beyond belief. Whistling past the graveyard.
A tipping point has been reached alright, we have tipped over into the abyss.
Stuart Koehl| 8.2.11 @ 7:53PM
You can't make an aircraft carrier turn on a dime, and you can't reform the United States government overnight. For better or worse, there are entitlements written into law, there are bills to be paid, there are vital functions that must be performed. While the United States need not have defaulted immediately had the debt ceiling not been extended, but it would have required a partial shutdown of the government which would have had a huge effect not only on the country and its economy, but on the wider global economy.
It is important to think strategically, and recognize that wars are won by extended campaigns that are a succession of battles. Just as in war, in politics, single decisive battles are the exception rather than the rule. An army that plans to win in one big battle will almost always meet with defeat. A political movement that intends to change the political culture with one big battle will also be defeated.
We should accept this debt bill for what it is--a tactical victory that, if we are clever, we can convert this tactical victory into the foundation for a campaign culminating in strategic victory. The next step, then, is to force the Democrats to deliver on the promise of meaningful cuts, following this with regaining control of the White House and Senate in 2012, which will then give us the platform to make meaningful change, in the same way that the Democratic takeover of both Congress and the White House in 1933 allowed the radical change of the New Deal, and the Democratic landslide of 1964 the Great Society.
Ronald Reagan never had an opportunity like this--he had to be content with tactical victories, yet managed to reestablish the country on a trajectory that brought us where we are today--with the majority in the country ready to accept a concept of government as radically different from what they have known all their lives, as the New Deal was to people in 1933. That is, socialism has run its course, and has failed; the time of limited government and self-sufficiency is returning.
Don't blow it by making perfect the enemy of the good.
farmboy| 8.2.11 @ 10:43PM
Speaking of ships and war makes me think what we witnessed was the political equivalent of the Battle of the Coral Sea. While the enemy won the battle they lost the perception being unstoppable. It set the stage for the next major battle Midway.
Stuart Koehl| 8.3.11 @ 6:47AM
Which, if the analogy holds true, will also not be the decisive battle, but the point at which the enemy's offensive capabilities begin their inexorable decline. Thereafter will come a period in which both sides are equally balanced (Guadalcanal and the Solomons Campaign) and a battle of attrition from which we emerge victorious and embark on the road to final victory.
Wars consist of sequential campaigns; campaigns consist of sequential battles. And one can win even in losing, as Nathaniel Greene proved in the decisive Carolinas Campaign of 1780-81.
2Anglico| 8.3.11 @ 11:00AM
When helping a wounded soldier on the battlefield, the first thing you do is STOP THE BLEEDING. The analogy here is that while they were picking out the shrapnel, congress did nothing to STOP THE BLEEDING.
If it was such a good bill for us, why did Obama sign it?
CrackerHound| 8.2.11 @ 10:31AM
Let the demonization begin. You will see the left, including their media wing, paint a picture of a Tea Party that is vile, unAmerican, prone to violence, and a threat to the nation like you have never seen.
The truth is, if you read between the lines, they do fear the Tea Party but the fear is that we will succeed. This is the first time in generations that a group has seriously posed a threat to strip the power of the purse strings from politician's hands and put it back to sane levels.
The problem is it may be too late. The Tea Party is not a wing of the Republican Party but a group of people who see the writing on the wall. Our government has gone too far. We are past the tipping point and just waiting for the results to REALLY kick in. By starting now (with the TP) we may be able to crawl out of the rubble a little quicker.
Congress is due to go on break and hold town hall meetings. We need to see some real passion from Tea Party faithfuls in holding our elected members accountable.
Peppermint Tea| 8.2.11 @ 10:53AM
Hopefully, this is the end of the Republican party as we know it. Cowards. Mercenaries. Appeasers. C'mon Bohner, sitting on your hands would have been a better solution! Eeww, but they were afraid of getting blamed by the press. Chicken sheet!
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.2.11 @ 11:39AM
Folks,
we are playing for TIME. The House can only SLOW the bleeding...which they have done.
It is not quite time for a Kamikasie attack. I will let you know when to stand and be counted...to live in disgrace or to die in freedom.
You have my word.
www.americaalonesaidno.com
Dai Alanye | 8.2.11 @ 12:41PM
As long as Tex does it...
http://alanye.com/
Al Adab| 8.2.11 @ 1:26PM
Let us hope that this bill represents a strategic holding action on the part of Republicans. We will see after the 2012 majorities whether the party does indeed have the spine to take the actions necessary to end borrowing, cut spending and get our economic house in order. Relying on Republican backbone is difficult especially when I hear McCain and others criticize the Conservatives as they do. What we need to do is hold them accountable and infuse them with all the courage we can muster.
Drunken Sailor| 8.2.11 @ 3:10PM
Ken,
Been trying to say that for days now but it appears a lot of our brothers-in-arms are not hearing it. We have become a impatient nation and expect immediate gratification. Forgetting that anything permanent does not come immediately. I must be getting old, I'm starting to sound like my grandfather. At least now I understand him.
A.C. Guard| 8.2.11 @ 11:42AM
The Republicans in the House who voted for this bill sold out America.
blackwatch| 8.3.11 @ 1:21AM
yeah we need to "monkey wrench" their re-election campaigns pronto.
jackc| 8.2.11 @ 12:14PM
Lofty claims, messianic prophecies, and the like propagated by ego-centric politicians, charlatans - elected or otherwise - are cancerous and parasitic elements of society - especially in the case of government or institutions that inevitably shackle the human spirit, prosperity, and free markets.
A minimalist, self-sustaining government model that provides opportunity - not handouts or entitlements - are indispensable in the emerging global economic models of the 21st century.
Obama and big government directions towards poverty, must be reversed for America to return to being a symbol of hope around the globe for all.
Ken| 8.2.11 @ 12:52PM
Why would one conclude that the Debt Deal (tm) is a tipping point?
It's all sound and fury, having no substance.
It's not a tipping point. It's business as usual (anyone for another Commission? (tm))
Anna| 8.2.11 @ 1:48PM
We have been at a tipping point for over two years, and it is from sheer citizen activist force that we have not teetered over the precipice. It appears that the quid pro quo RINO's didn't get the message...no surprise really, as RINO's are known to have thick hides and small brains. August begins re-education of RINO month! Time to thin the herd via primaries.
Side note: another great 1970's Regnery book...'From Under the Rubble' by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Politicians have a long way to go before they can even reach the vaulted level of Hobbits.
Heather| 8.2.11 @ 2:00PM
I am a fan of both Gladwell and hobbits, and have personally waved Mark Levin's book high in the air in front of the Capitol Building. Sadly, this latest D.C. farce has been disheartening to say the least, and I am truly grateful to Mr. Lord for this much-needed ray of hope. I think Malcolm Gladwell would agree that tipping points cannot occur without enthusiasm, and so, like Payne's Common Sense was to the miserable, tired, desperate yet determined American Revolutionaries, pieces like this are a critical source of courage. Thank you Mr. Lord!
Westie| 8.2.11 @ 2:59PM
Thanks Mr. Lord for the summary of the Conservative revolution...I just finished BG's "The Conscience of a Conservative" and found it a wonderful foundation for my views as well as prophetic of what has transpired since the 1950-60's. I'd recommend reading or re-reading the C of a Con....it is the Bible of true Conservatism.
Drunken Sailor| 8.2.11 @ 3:17PM
Personally Mr. Lord, I think and pray that you are right. This ship needs turning and is slow to change course (we didn't get here overnight). Problem is we do not know who is at the wheel Captain Ahab or Capt John Paul Jones.
big bob| 8.2.11 @ 3:18PM
With all due respect, there are tipping points, and there a points of no return. Often, they can be confused and it is not until history offers a more "balanced, objective" view that we have the context in which to make a valid judgement. The process and backroom negotiation that preceeded this legislative fiasco reveals just how panicked this group of big "govment" politicians really were. And while doing their deed, they took us to parts unknown, and uncharted constitutionally. The way Boehner, McConnell, Reid, and Obama schemed to throw this together is repugnent and disgusting to the nth degree. It came down in the same fashion that Obamacare was birthed: in darkness and silence, with no one even attempting to read what was being done.
Jeffrey, you may call this a tipping point. I hope you are right. But I, along with Walter Williams, believe that this is rather a point of no return. The chance that we will EVER demonstrate enough self control to pay off our debts is very small indeed, especially when we KNOW those monies are being used to relected the manchild who would be king, and not toward anything productive. I worry that I am right and you are not. I hope and pray, however that you are right and I am wrong.
jo blo| 8.2.11 @ 3:31PM
' "connectors" -- "people with a particular and rare set of social gifts" who have the ability to "spread" an idea like an epidemic'
If Hannity, Rush, Coulter, Erickson et al. are our connectors, we're doomed.
Hannity and Rush were wimps when they interviewed Boehner last week. They had a golden opportunity to grill him and put the fear of God in him; instead, they rolled over and gave a softball interview.
Erickson and the other bloggers will not call for Boehner's resignation until it is way too late. They did so for McConnell only after he bent over for Obamacare, the lame duck of '10 and his McConnell plan undermined CCB. Way too little way too late.
Coulter thinks this bill that passed was wonderful. She also thinks pro-amnesty Chris Christie is the messiah.
The Weekly Standard, which bills itself as holding Washington accountable (what a joke!), supported this sh^t sandwich and today is reporting that fiscal conservatives will not be allowed on the commission. Well hell, I didn't need a fancy publication or degree to tell you that our RINO overlords would pull that.
Spectator is somewhat better, but what goes on here is lots and lots of discussion of the nature of the problems and all-too-little of the nature of the solutions. Rah-rah pieces like this don't help, unfortunately.
Until we get some people on our side who really know what they're doing, we're toast.
jo blo| 8.2.11 @ 5:24PM
Mark Levin and Glenn Beck are about the only two exceptions, BTW.
SpiralArchitect| 8.2.11 @ 4:06PM
Metaphores are not the pathway to prosperity.
Renaming & rebranding are not going to usher the USA into the glorious spot of independance & well being away from the current 'hand out Gov' presently in power.
Spending into prosperity?
Can anyone tell me how this is possible for a nation?
MyGirlFriday| 8.2.11 @ 4:28PM
Mr. Lord,
Today's article is salve for the wounded and a welcome sermon. To those who became before us, and those who will follow us, "Onward, Christian Soldiers."
Delta Zelda| 8.2.11 @ 5:20PM
When Joe Biden is autopsied, the pathologist will not find a rudimentary brain stem, let alone a brain.
weaverofdreams_2000| 8.2.11 @ 5:26PM
The comeback of Hushpuppies is nothing like the "tipping point" leading to the Tea Party.
As the author's own bullet pointed analysis indicates, this was a slow development of some 70-plus years, periodically punctuated with spikes of growth (Goldwater, Reagan) before coming into full bloom.
In all cases, the affliction has not taken over the entire body politic, but only a relatively smallish, passionate, dedicated and closeted group that has now burst forth into public view and scared the pants off the majority.
Rather than comparing the Tea Party with Hushpuppies, I would say it is more like the spread of AIDS.
As with that, growing awareness leads to preventative measures and cures.
Cheers!
Mike Jefferson| 8.2.11 @ 5:27PM
Yes, we are at a "tipping point"or a zone of confluence as I call it. What happens in the next year will determine whether America descends into a Latin America like state comprised of wealthy elite and a huge underclass or whether we re-emerge as the shining beacon that the world used to envy. We must overthrow the tyrants who enrich themselves while stealing from the hard working American tax payers. What will it be Americans?
weaverofdreams_2000| 8.2.11 @ 5:43PM
I fear, sir, we are too late.
That point has come and tipped.
The gap between rich and poor has quadrupled over the past 30 years or so.
Any guesses why?
The Tea Party types have their guns aimed at the hostages rather than the hostage takers.
Alas, I foresee just more of the same. The folks on here will make it so. There is no hope left when the likes of the Koch brothers become your heroes and you their supplicants and dirty deed doers.
Cheers!
jo blo| 8.2.11 @ 6:01PM
No guesses. I know why.
Idiotic regulations from the dimocrats = jobs shipped out.
Idiotic big gov programs from the dimocrats = higher taxes = jobs/investment shipped out.
Idiotic unionization/federalization of education by dims = crappy education system=more poor people.
Mindless loyalty of dim media=suppression of truth=lack of national consciousness of our problems = more poverty and encroachment by government on private life = lower quality of life.
Libs are beyond idiotic.
My dog is more qualified to run this country than Obama, Biden, Pelosi or Reid. He's a hell of lot more intelligent than they are. And unlike them, he's actually served a function in the real world.
Before you get too mad at me, remember my tax dollars are paying your welfare.
weaverofdreams_2000| 8.2.11 @ 6:30PM
Dear jo blo,
You name shows all of what you know. Your comments prove it. You really shouldn`t comment on things you clearly know nothing about.
I am quite gainfully employed, tyvm, with a nice house, 2 cars, 2 boys in university (with another to go in a couple years) and one playing football to boot. All American Dream.
One problem. I am Canadian.
People like you scare the crap out of me, and are what make me fear that America (which I love and lived in for several years -- and taught about at university) is going down the tubes.
Not because it can`t save itself, but because its political system won`t let it.
Clearly you only want to hear what you already believe. That`s the problem in places like TAS more generally, and with far too much of America. There is no listening to the other side, or desire to actually find out the facts.
Stop the nonesense.
Cheers!
jo blo| 8.2.11 @ 7:34PM
Oh, so you're from America, jr., eh?
Had I known, I would have given you my generic answer for Canucks:
Stay out of our business!
BTW, is 'nonesense' a Canadian spelling of 'nonsense', oh one who knows what he's talking about?
Mark30339| 8.2.11 @ 5:39PM
Blather on Mr. Lord. We thought fiscal sanity was reigned in with Reagan/Gramm Rudman, and again with the balanced budget under Clinton/Gingrich. This week is just another loop on the roller coaster. Of course, the current recession may be a 10 year experience, much like the 30's, so taxing more is out of the question -- and the spending credit card will be put back in pandora's box, at least for a while.
MainStreet | 8.2.11 @ 5:57PM
We can only hope that Gladwell is correct. The Tea Party has been quiet recently, but I truly believe that, once the election gets in full force, you will see the uprising that he is talking about. Enough is enough!
James Thomas| 8.2.11 @ 8:25PM
I agree with your arguments for optimism, Mr. Lord. However, you left out the most important indicators: election results. After Rick Santelli sparked the Tea Party movement in February, 2009 and Levin released Liberty and Tyranny, we saw Republican gubernatorial victories in Virginia and New Jersey, and a U.S. Senate win in Massachusetts. Last November's victories were historic. I am very confident this momentum will continue through next year's elections and beyond. As Mr. Tyrell has asserted, Obama will not be the president after noon on Inaugration Day 2013.
russ cullen| 8.2.11 @ 8:55PM
regarding hobbits a quote from Lord of the rings that is appropriate. "The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere"
hbouchard| 8.2.11 @ 9:40PM
I think it is interesting that hobbits are being connected to the TEA party and that is considered derogatory. Hobbits are underestimated again and again. In the end hobbits save the world against powerful forces of evil. If you believe in a higher power then you know that good will win out over evil. 2012 will be another strong showing for conservatives. The left has shown it's fangs and more and more people are catching on. Conservatism is aligned with common sense. Even many liberals can appreciate common sense. The TEA party is the tipping point and it is reaching critical mass. The left can sense it and they can not control their fear. The more they describe the TEA party as extreme the stronger the TEA party will become. Just watch and see.
Jessie| 8.2.11 @ 9:59PM
Don't you mean Rand Baggins, Samwise DeMint, Rubio Brandybuck, and Michelle Bachmann Took?
http://www.summer-proudcts.com
Mike| 8.2.11 @ 10:00PM
This morning I heard on local talk radio comments about our Missouri District 7 Representative.
http://www.ainibag.com
http://www.jerseys-hats-store.com
POST American| 8.2.11 @ 11:02PM
-------------------BOTTOM LINE----------------------
'BANKERS ABOLISH CONGRESS'
-Alex Jones
NOW, in 2011, in our monopoly Globalist
media enviornment ----ALEX JONES
is the press.
REALLY
TRULY
Shoey| 8.2.11 @ 11:02PM
nice piece, i hope it's true.
valerie| 8.2.11 @ 11:52PM
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Racinrick| 8.2.11 @ 11:58PM
What? No Ayn Rand in this article whatsoever? Nothing said at all. Granted, Buckley was a powerful thinker, yet I still believe he pales to Rand. Why is it that so called staunch conservatives never give this author the credit due? "Atlas Shrugged"....the second best seller in West next to the Bible.....nary a mention....I suggest a review of your PC is in order.
Only One Book That Matters| 8.3.11 @ 5:21AM
Up until, Racinrick's post at 11:58 p.m. where he briefly metions the Bible....
Mr. Lord (and all the other posters above), you aren't going to get any "tipping point" to bring about the salvation of this nation and its virtues without:
God Almighty
You mention Founding Fathers. You specifically refer to Paul Revere. You talk all around it, but ignore the Truth completely. Why? You never come to what is the crux.
We all know what occurs in Washington, D.C. and your state capitals is -- folly. Daily folly. Man's folly.
If a nation and its people prosper, it is because of God's grace and favor.
If you want America to succeed, you'd better get down on your knees. And you'd better be starting every day with personal Bible readings -- so God is forefront.
Yes, activism by Tea Party Hobbits is needed. But what is essential is MANY in our nation turning to God.
God's wisdom rescues; man's wisdom leads to demise.
Please join with good Texans (and many others) who will gather for prayer in Houston this Saturday evening, August 6th.
THIS is what we need: People giving their lives (a life that is not yours in the first place) to God. People doing not what is on your agenda or my agenda, but people doing what is on God's agenda.
In your home. In your family. On your street. In your community.
And, yes, it is Wednesday. Plenty of time now to plan and prepare for you to lead your family to church this coming Sunday.
Your life is off azmuth just as the nation and all the pols in Washington are off azmuth. God, through His son Jesus, will set you straight.
When we get people thinking and DOING this, Mr. Lord, we will have hit THE (only) meaningful "Tipping Point."
steve| 8.3.11 @ 8:38AM
Ha!
steve| 8.3.11 @ 8:35AM
This article is quite a stretch. I'm amazed at how easy it is for people to make connections between two random things. I love libertarians. Thanks free market! You always have people's best interests in mind. I can't wait until we go back to the days before FDR where the wealth gap was even worse than today. We can cross our fingers and hope the money trickles down.
Sheila Dunnells, Ph.D. | 8.3.11 @ 9:33AM
This writer is brilliant. It is the first time I have had some faith that we can overturn the Obama regime. Up until now, it seemed to be impossible. Keep writingJeffrey; keep thinking; keep inspiring. This anti-regime writer expressed her disdain in "Explaining Obama's Brilliance; To Those Too Slow To Get It." inspiring.http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/1017868/sheila_dunnells_phd.html
StewartIII | 8.3.11 @ 11:23PM
Green Room/Hot Air: America is not at a tipping point
http://hotair.com/archives/201.....ing-point/
Paul Ashley| 8.8.11 @ 2:45PM
What gets me about this "Hobbit" business is that it only goes to show that those wielding it haven't read the books. The small and insignificant Hobbits were not the buffoons of the tale; they were the key to the overthrow of Mordor.