Whether you’re making plans to picnic, paddle on a lake, play at a park or beach, or are packing bags for a road trip, Labor Day weekend is a welcomed three-day breather for Americans needing a break from grim economic news. A few headlines:

National unemployment rate rises to 9.6 percent as more look for work – Sept 3, 2010:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate rose in August for the first time in four months as weak hiring by private employers wasn’t enough to keep pace with a large increase in the number of people looking for work.

The Labor Department says companies added a net total 67,000 new jobs last month, down from July’s upwardly revised total of 107,000. Wall Street analysts expected a smaller gain, according to Thomson Reuters.

Overall, the economy lost 54,000 jobs as 114,000 temporary census positions came to an end. State and local governments shed 10,000 positions. The jobless rate rose to 9.6 percent from 9.5 percent in July.

More than a half-million Americans resumed their job searches in August, which drove up the jobless rate. When the unemployed stop looking for work, they are no longer counted in the jobless rate.

(my emphasis)

Recovery Summer Ends with Economic Pothole - Sept 3, 2010:

Whatever happened to recovery summer?

This was supposed to be the season the economy heated up, thanks to a wave of public works projects, funded by the government’s stimulus program. But summer is coming to an end, and the recovery has not taken root.

[…]

And before long, stimulus dollars will be fading like autumn leaves.[...]

Jobless Rate Climbs to 9.6 Percent as More Americans Seek Work – Sept 3, 2010:

[...]The numbers added pressure to the Obama administration to marshal all its resources toward coaxing employers to hire again, something President Obama this week pledged to do.

“A year that began with Americans bracing for a jobless recovery has instead turned into a full-blown search for both jobs and a recovery,” House Republican Leader John Boehner said in a written statement. “President Obama’s agenda represented ‘change’ once, but now it is time for him to change course, abandon his job-killing policies and find himself a new economic team.” [...]

The economic news release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the U.S. economy LOST 283,000 jobs during the three months of the Summer of Recovery.

120 Days to Go Until the Largest Tax Hikes in History – Sept 3, 2010:

In 2001 and 2003, the GOP Congress enacted several tax cuts for investors, small business owners, and families. These will all expire on January 1, 2011:

Personal income tax rates will rise. The top income tax rate will rise from 35 to 39.6 percent (this is also the rate at which two-thirds of small business profits are taxed). The lowest rate will rise from 10 to 15 percent. All the rates in between will also rise. Itemized deductions and personal exemptions will again phase out, which has the same mathematical effect as higher marginal tax rates. The full list of marginal rate hikes is below:

- The 10% bracket rises to an expanded 15%

- The 25% bracket rises to 28%

- The 28% bracket rises to 31%

- The 33% bracket rises to 36%

- The 35% bracket rises to 39.6%

Higher taxes on marriage and family. The “marriage penalty” (narrower tax brackets for married couples) will return from the first dollar of income. The child tax credit will be cut in half from $1000 to $500 per child. The standard deduction will no longer be doubled for married couples relative to the single level. The dependent care tax credit will be cut.

The return of the Death Tax. This year, there is no death tax. For those dying on or after January 1 2011, there is a 55 percent top death tax rate on estates over $1 million. A person leaving behind two homes and a retirement account could easily pass along a death tax bill to their loved ones.

Higher tax rates on savers and investors. The top capital gains tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 20 percent in 2011. The top dividends tax rate will rise from 15 percent this year to 39.6 percent in 2011. These rates will rise another 3.8 percent in 2013.

Read about the second and third waves of looming tax increases here.

New home sales plummeted to record lows in July and auto sales for August were a real clunker – lowest since 1983 (GM sales have plunged 25%). Only three states in the union are not upside down budget-wise.  One out of every six Americans are now on government assistance. The number of  underemployed Americans is now at 16.7% (a 5.2% increase in August).

This is what $814 BILLION of spent STIMULUS  bought. How many generations will be been enslaved to pay the bills for this recovery?

Yes, Labor Day weekend is a welcome respite from the daily grind for those fortunate enough to have a job. For those who are anxiously looking for work, it’s one more day with no money coming in. Whatever you do this weekend, do a couple of things: 

1. Re-read Mitt Romney’s economic op-ed Grow Jobs Shrink Government (8/18/10).
2. Tuck a copy of No Apology: The Case for American Greatness under your arm. Read Chapter Five. It’s 49 pages on  A Free and Productive Economy. 

A FOX News panel today discussed Obama’s mantra that “better days are ahead” and the question was asked “When do they get here?”  The answer: November 3rd.

As crucial as November 3rd is (and it is), Obama will still hold the veto pen. It’s also about 2012. So, between the hiking and biking this weekend, it would be a good idea to delve further into No Apology and to continue to support the Free and Strong America PAC. With every passing day, it becomes more evident that Mitt Romney is the one to ensure ‘better days’ for America. 

► Jayde Wyatt

From National Review Online (Jim Geraghty):

55 Percent of Likely Voters Find ‘Socialist’ an Accurate Label of Obama?

The latest poll by Democracy Corps, the firm of James Carville and Stan Greenberg, has Republicans leading on the generic ballot among likely voters, 48 percent to 42 percent.

Deep in the poll, they ask, “Now, I am going to read you a list of words and phrases which people use to describe political figures. For each word or phrase, please tell me whether it describes Barack Obama very well, well, not too well, or not well at all.”

On “too liberal,” 35 percent of likely voters say it describes Obama “very well,” 21 percent say “well,” 21 percent say “not too well,” and 17 percent say “not well at all.” In other words, 56 percent of likely voters consider Obama too liberal.

When asked about “a socialist,” 33 percent of likely voters say it describes Obama “very well,” 22 percent say “well,” 15 percent say “not too well,” and 25 percent say “not well at all.”

In other words, 55 percent of likely voters think “socialist” is a reasonably accurate way of describing Obama.

From today’s Rasmussen’s Daily Presidential Tracking Poll:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Friday (7/9/10) shows that 26% of the nation’s voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-three percent (43%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -17.

Mitt Romney:

“President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and their team have failed the American people, and that is why their majority will soon be out the door.”

Sharron Angle’s new ad against Harry Reid:

Angle for the win!
(h/t Marybeth)

UPDATE: Republican National Committee’s latest ad re Harry Reid, Obama

Sometimes political pretense is so ridiculous, pandering so blatant, it defies words – but I’ll try. On May 6, 2010, Nancy Pelosi spoke at a Catholic Community Conference on Capitol Hill. In her fluttery, flouncy way, she claimed that she is obligated to support public policies “in keeping with the values” of Jesus Christ. Pelosi said her favorite word is -- THE WORD -- Jesus’ word.

Pelosi: “They ask me all the time, what is your favorite this? What is your favorite that? What is your favorite that?’ And one time, ‘What is your favorite word?’ And I said, ‘My favorite word? That is really easy. My favorite word is the Word, is the Word. And that is everything. It says it all for us. And you know the biblical reference, you know the Gospel reference of the Word.”

“And, uh, that… Word,” Pelosi said, “is, uh, we have to give voice to what that means in terms of public policy that would be in keeping with the values of the Word. The Word. Isn’t it a beautiful word when you think of it? It just covers everything. The Word. (laughter)

“Fill, ya know, fill it in with anything you want. [...]

Flagrant flim-flam.

Nancy Pelosi voted for partial-birth abortion which became law in 2003. She has a perfect pro-abortion voting record.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A few other Pelosi WORDS:

“…I don’t think anybody can tell you when life begins, human life begins.”

“I will lead the most honest, the most open and the most ethical Congress in history.”

On September 24, 2009 Speaker Nancy Pelosi told THE WEEKLY STANDARD that she was “absolutely” committed to putting the text of the final House bill [health care] online for 72 hours before the House votes:

TWS: Madam Speaker, do you support the measure to put the final House bill online for 72 hours before it’s voted on at the very end?

PELOSI: Absolutely. Without question.

“We have to pass the bill to know what’s in it.”

“There has never been a more open process for any legislation.”

“I knew nothing about the CIA and water boarding.”

“The CIA is misleading the United States. They mislead us all the time.”

“Every month that we do not have a recovery package 500 million Americans lose their jobs.”

“There will be no earmarks in the economic recovery package that passes the house.”

Wolf Blitzer (CNN) interviews Pelosi (posted on YouTube March 10, 2010):

Festooned in red, white, and blue bunting, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was the setting for an enthusiastic crowd of 700 or more as they welcomed former MA Governor Mitt Romney on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. Besides addressing the large crowd, Romney’s rousing Annual Reagan Lecture was also a live webcast.

It was quite a sight to see former First Lady Nancy Reagan enter the hall on the arm of Gov Romney. Another treat was when Mitt asked his wife, Ann Romney, to step to the podium to offer a few words. Questions and answers after Romney’s speech underscored, among other things, the concerns Americans have for the direction America is currently going. Excitement for another possible presidential run by Romney was evident!

The event also included an earlier book signing for Romney’s new best-selling book No Apology: The Case For American Greatness. Dinner was served after his speech.

Mitt Romney 2012!

For additional information and Romney’s pre-lecture interview click here.

UPDATE from Ross:

Here’s an excerpt from a review of the speech by one of the attendees:

One of the first things that impressed me about Romney was his grasp of facts. He didn’t use a Teleprompter, nor notes – just what was in his head. He spoke from the heart with a passion and love for America and the people who work so hard everyday just to make ends meet.

 

Mitt Romney
will speak today, May 25, 2010, at the
Annual Reagan Lecture
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Simi Valley, California

Pre-lecture interview:

Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library:

May 25, 2010
Annual Reagan Lecture with Mitt Romney*
3:30 p.m. Book Signing
6:00 p.m. Lecture
7:00 p.m. Dinner

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will deliver the annual Reagan Lecture at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

Governor Romney will also be signing copies of his latest book, No Apology: The Case for American Greatness (Release date: March 2, 2010) from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. In his latest book, Governor Romney proposes simple solutions to rebuild industry, create good jobs, reduce out of control spending on entitlements and healthcare, dramatically improve education, and restore a military battered by eight years of war.

Larger-than-life statue of 40th president greets visitors at entrance of Ronald Reagan Library.

UPDATE: Romney sounding more like candidate

Toward the end of Mitt Romney’s bid for the Republican nomination in the 2008 presidential election, his wife, Ann, turned to a documentary camera and said: “We’re never doing this again.”

But today, she is worried about the direction of the country.

“And she’s changed her mind,” Romney said Tuesday night to an energized room of his supporters at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley.

Romney delivered the eighth Reagan Lecture at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, joining influential leaders who have spoken at the annual event in the past, including Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Chief Justice John Roberts.

Romney escorted former first lady Nancy Reagan into the Presidential Learning Center, where an audience of about 700 rose to greet them.

Although there was no announcement of his candidacy, Romney went through a litany of criticisms of current social, diplomatic and financial policies coming out of Washington and the Obama White House.
[…]
“America doesn’t need to hear about a president who makes apologies for his country,” he said.

He said the American principles of education, taxes and growing the economy remain the most important.

He said there is optimism. Americans are “awakening that this administration is on the wrong track,” he said.
[...]
Davia Navarrette of Oak Park attended the lecture with her mother and said Romney “lit the room on fire.”

“He has got a strong love for the country. He will have our support if he runs for president,” she said.

(emphasis mine)

UPDATE 5/27/10: For video of Romney’s Annual Reagan Lecture speech click here.

Portending things to come, yesterday’s primary elections were a rousing reality of America’s anti-incumbent mood:  Specter lost, Paul won, Lincoln will be in a run-off. In Pennsylvania’s District 12 special election, Critz was victorious. Or, as Michael Scherer from Time characterized it:

This is how it goes in 2010 at the ballot box: Old orders are upended, political lions become roadkill, chosen successors get left behind, and the outsider, riding a wave of discontent, becomes the new frontrunner.

The election in 60 seconds – after ad. (If video is choppy, pause until it loads.):

Highlights from Breitbart.com:

Party-switching Sen. Arlen Specter fell to a younger and far less experienced rival in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary, and political novice Rand Paul rode support from tea party activists to a Republican rout in Kentucky on Tuesday, the latest jolts to the political establishment in a tumultuous midterm election season.

In another race with national significance, Democrat Mark Critz won a special House election to fill out the term of the late Democratic Rep. John Murtha in southwestern Pennsylvania. The two political parties spent roughly $1 million apiece hoping to sway the outcome there, and highlighted the contest as a possible bellwether for the fall when all 435 House seats will be on the ballot.

On the busiest night of the primary season to date, Arkansas Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln was forced into a potentially debilitating runoff election against Lt. Gov. Bill Halter in her bid for nomination to a third term. The run-off will be June 8.
[...]
Specter, seeking his sixth term and first as a Democrat, fell to two-term Rep. Joe Sestak, who spent three decades in the Navy before entering politics. Sestak was winning 54 percent of the vote to 46 percent for Specter. He told cheering supporters his triumph marked a “win for the people over the establishment, over the status quo, even over Washington, D.C.”

Sestak’s campaign calling card was a television commercial that showed former President George W. Bush saying he could count on Specter, then a Republican, and then had Specter saying he had switched parties so he could win re-election. Once unleashed, it coincided with a steady decline in Specter’s early lead in the polls and signaled the end of the political line for the most durable politician of his generation in Pennsylvania.

Former Rep. Pat Toomey won the Republican nomination and will run against Sestak in the fall in what is likely to be one of the marquee races in the battle for control of the Senate.

UPDATE: I’ve replaced Rand Paul’s acceptance speech video with Karl Rove’s analysis this morning of yesterday’s primary results. It contains a portion of Paul’s speech:

Though our chat forum is back to normal size, we want to say thanks to all who filled our full-page chat box last night with comments and updates as election results were announced. We shared a great evening together!

For background information regarding yesterday’s primary elections, click here.

Watching the riots in economically gasping Greece is like rubbing the dust off a crystal ball and seeing our future.

May 6, 2010

If we don’t change course -- halt/reverse Obama’s egregious policies, America will be forever changed. We have two chances to hoist the USA back from the socialist abyss – 2010 and 2012.

Good news… Additional help may be on its way. Repentant Obama voters are expanding their ranks. Seems the magic spell of ‘hope and change’ wasn’t what they wished for after all. I Am Sorry I Voted For Obama is a website that solicits stories from former Obama supporters who are no longer proud of their decision. We heartily invite disaffected Obama voters to join our cause! Every liberty-loving American is needed! Roll up your sleeves and help us win congressional seats this fall and two years hence.

Comments from I Am Sorry I Voted For Obama:

Paul from Charleston, South Carolina 2010-05-06
I thought I was voting for someone from outside the old school political machine…. well I guess I got a whole new steam roller…. that rolled right over the Constitution.

America…. I am so sorry.

Anonymous from Alexandria, VA 2010-04-08       
We have some very bright friends who didn’t really LISTEN to what Obama was saying during the campaign and who didn’t think his past associations made any difference. They were caught up in the American Idol nature of the whole thing and the desire to “Make History” Just like the media, they failed to ask “what do you mean by “transforming the United States?” They failed to ask what he meant by “redistribution of wealth.” They failed to ask about his mentors. They failed to ask about anything….they were just in love. Now reality has hit…the bumper stickers are gone from their cars, they refuse to discuss political issues, preferring to change the subject. Are they sorry? You betcha!

Anonymous from Las Vegas, Nevada 2010-03-27
He is tearing this Country apart. His lack of experience is far greater than one expected, along with no leadership skills.

Anonymous from Henderson, Tennessee 2010-03-27
I am a member of an interracial family. With that being said, I really don’t care what your skin color is, you fall into three categories in my life -- good, bad, and questionable. The only factor that determines this are ethics and morality. My father-in-law, who I am very close with, voted for Obama; mainly because he was black. Many people did in the name of “ending racism”. Isn’t that terribly ironic and hypocritical? At any rate, Pops told me the other day after we were discussing and agreeing on our very conservative, yet independent, values, that he regrets deeply voting for Obama. The man that spoke so eloquently about change, transparency, fairness, and equality has shown us just the opposite. And to think, I almost believed it too. McCain got my vote. And I will be putting very good money on, my entire family voting against him this year.

Embarrassed from somewhere, Missouri 2010-01-14
I did not vote for him, but my best friends’ son was brain washed at college and now he says he is sorry he wasted his vote on him.

Independent from Baltimore, MD 2010-03-26
I voted for Obama and regret that decision everyday. I now come to realize that my daughter and her children will be paying most of their income in taxes. I realize that he is taking away our freedoms. The health bill is horrible. We will be taxed to death to pay for it and will have inferior health care. I wish I could take my vote back.

Oliver from Glendale, Arizona 2010-03-25
I’m sorry I voted for Obama. I wanted hope and change. Well I’ve been seeing a lot of change, all of it for the worse. What I’m hoping for now is that the change will stop.

Pete from Orlando, FL 2010-03-25
Despite our collective dismay at the recent turn of events, there are a few good things that we can learn: 1. People are getting re-acquainted with our Constitution and the principle on which this country were founded. And they are discovering that we ARE unique in this world. To implement European style legislation would make us exactly like that from which we fled over 200 years ago. We are special and don’t let anyone tell you differently.2. DO YOUR RESEARCH! The information was out there during the campaign but the majority of Americans wouldn’t put any stock in it. Some of us knew from which Pres. ZERO came from. He surrounded himself with and was influenced by socialists his entire life. He was taught to hate this country from an early age. It’s true that you are who you associate with. Please -- in the future let’s all do our homework diligently and not get our info from SNL and Jon Stewart.

Vote4America from Sacramento, CA 2010-01-15
I didn’t vote for him, wife and several friends did and they are so embarrassed they won’t even talk about it. How sad is it?

Erin from Anywhere, North Carolina 2010-03-21
As a college student, I got caught up in the hope and change message that Obama was feeding to others my age. I knew our country needed change, but I was so swept up in the novelty of Obama that I failed to look at the issues. Now that I have transitioned into the “real world,” I have to take care of myself and have realized that while I like to help others, I am not for the forced “spreading of the wealth” that Obama is shoving down our throat. Watching our Constitution get flushed down the toilet is devastating.

Anonymous from Cleveland, Ohio 2010-01-29
I am very sorry I voted for Obama. It was my first Presidential Election that I was able to vote in…I think I got caught up in the Obama Hoopla on campus of the college I go to…I have learned to do my own research for future elections and listen to my parents!

Scott Wynn from Festus, Missouri 2010-01-24
In my opinion it was the far left media propaganda that swept Obama into office. His victory has encouraged the anti-American left to shove their socialist agendas down the throat of Americans. This is what I regret the most about voting for him. America is in having a huge economic crisis and the only help that this administration can offer is to blame the previous administration, while they work to propagate their leftist agenda instead of refocusing their attention to what really matters right now, and that is the economy. America, let’s hope we can turn this around soon and not be fooled by the far left again in the future.

Jared from Lemont, Illinois 2010-01-08
I was completely convinced real change was coming. Obama promised ‘No Lobbyist’ but his administration has hired more lobbyist than any President before him. Obama has literally sold Washington. I guess the more things “change” the more they stay the same.

Chris from Feeding Hills, Massachusetts 2010-01-01
I must admit (rather sheepishly) that I was sucked into the Obama hype…one of the most regretful decisions I’ve ever made. Should have totally seen this coming…especially from a Democrat. Spending $$ we don’t have, setting my kid’s generation up for disaster…I should’ve known better. I AM SORRY!!

 

Help Mitt Romney support conservatives who will work to keep America the brightest hope of the world. Read about the candidates he has endorsed here and donate to his Free and Strong America Pac here. Read No Apology: The Case for American Greatness.

We couldn’t wait for it to begin.

We’re loving it while it lasts.

The end is near…

Solution seekers for America’s sorry state of affairs are elatedly standing in long lines. Why? For the chance to be inspired by in-depth author, former Governor Mitt Romney. Busily touring our nation, Romney is sharing the contents of his cogent new book No Apology: The Case for American Greatness.

Romney rousingly delivers.

With just three book signing dates left – two in Nevada and one in Colorado, fans will be disappointed when his book tour officially ends May 27th. Not reflected on the tour map, Romney will also deliver the Annual Reagan Lecture at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA and will sign books (May 25th). See Nate’s article here or click here for additional details.

—————————————-
Enthusiastic No Apology tour attendees were asked to share their thoughts on what makes America great. What do you think makes America great?

Here is what a few fellow Americans had to say (accompanying quotes from No Apology):

Phoenix, AZ

(P. 34) It is time for America to pursue the difficult course ahead, to confront the looming problems, to strengthen the foundations of our prosperity, and to secure the sources of our liberty and safety. The sacrifice and hard work will not sap our national energy; they will restore it. I’m one of those who believe America is destined to remain as it has been since the birth of the Republic – the brightest hope of the world. And for that belief, I do not apologize.

Framingham, MA

(P. 126) Fortunately for all of us, innovation and entrepreneurism are deeply embedded in the American DNA. But more often than not, it also takes capital for an idea to be implemented. Where capital is scarce, hard to find, or not available to entrepreneurs and innovators, good ideas simply die in the mind.

[…]Most fundamental, government manages the currency and the financial system. If people don’t have confidence in the future value of the currency they may not be inclined to invest because they can’t be sure what value their money will have when they get it back – their return from their investment.

(P. 148,149) To strengthen America’s economy, we must minimize those things that retard economic growth and promote those things that accelerate it. A growth agenda favors low taxes, dynamic regulation, educational achievement, investment in research, robust competition, free trade, energy security, and purposeful immigration. And it seeks to eliminate government waste, excessive litigation, unsustainable entitlement liabilities, runaway health-care costs, and dependence on foreign oil. This, in a nutshell, ought to be the economic agenda for America.

LaJolla, CA

(P. 19, 20) There are four strategies for world leadership that are in competition today. Only one is founded on freedom. Only one. Think of what that means. Only if America and the West succeed – if our economic and military strength endure – can we be confident that our children and grandchildren will be free. A strong America is good for peace, and it is essential for the spread of freedom. Our superpower status and our leadership in the world, however, are not inevitable. Three other global strategies, each pursued by at least one state or major actor, are aggressively being pursued to surpass us and, in some cases, to suppress us. The proponents of each are convinced they will succeed. And world history offers us no encouragement: Every superpower in history has eventually weakened and fallen behind – many have ultimately collapsed. Given what is at risk, I have come to believe that our primary objective as a nation must be to keep America strong. I am convinced that every policy, every political initiative, every new law or regulation should be evaluated in large measure by whether it makes us stronger or weaker. Our freedom, security, and prosperity are at stake.

Framingham, MA

(P. 100) …We face enormous challenges at home, and I anticipate a growing outcry to reduce or cap our security spending. Some will support their argument by comparing defense budgets with those of other nations, but when they are properly calculated, the figures simply do not support cutting back. Others will insist that dialogue and diplomacy can free the world of grave threats, but history proves otherwise, and an honest threat assessment augurs for the opposite outcome: Iran and its jihadist colleagues present a real and serious danger; Russia is retooling and rearming its military and paying the bill with its massive energy resources; China’s military expansion is the largest peacetime ramp-up since prewar Germany’s; and the proliferation of nuclear weapons and disruptive technologies is expanding, not shrinking.

While our diplomacy and leadership can influence the world, we cannot control the world. What we can control is the size and sophistication of our military power and its deterrent effect, which in turn determines whether we remain free, safe, and prosperous.

Salt Lake City, UT

(P. 271) At the core of our system of government is an informed, involved, and responsible citizenry. The real peril to the nation if its citizenry fails to meet its duties was recognized by the Founders. John Adams was fearful of pure democracy, in which citizens could direct the affairs of the nation without the participation of office-holders who were elected to promote the public’s best interests. In his 1814 letter to John Taylor of Virginia, thirteen years after he left the presidency, Adams wrote:

“Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide….When clear prospects are opened before vanity, pride, avarice, or ambition, for their easy gratification, it is hard for the most considerate philosophers and the most conscientious moralists to resist the temptation. Individuals have conquered themselves. Nations and large bodies of men, never.”

Phoenix, AZ

P. 273: Soon after I became governor, I realized that a politician who seeks popularity and high approval ratings can achieve them by slavishly agreeing with public opinion and by actually doing very little. In my case, politics was a departure from my career, not a continuation of it. My reading of history had given me a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Founders. I felt then as I do now that it is an enormous challenge to live up to their example. That challenge is also a useful guide for conduct in office, particularly as a defense against the temptation to take the easy, popular path when short-term political advantage may be gained by doing so. I have tried always to be more interested in making a difference than in making a hit in the polls.

P. 273: It’s important that Americans retain their interest and involvement with the electoral process. For the Republic to function as it must, I believe voters must continually renew their understandings of the critical role they play, take the time to learn about pressing issues, and judge candidates based on their character, intelligence, relevant experience, and positions on issues.

As hungry-for-truth Americans readily connect with Romney’s focus for revitalizing the foundation of American strength, we reluctantly acknowledge Romney’s book tour will soon be a memory. However, we also know it will free him to continue championing conservative candidates for the critical mid-term elections this fall.

Governor Romney, bravo! Thank you for writing a bold book; a book worth buying – a book worth reading. Thank you for your backbone, brains, and bravery.

America, we need this man in the White House.

David Asman (FOX Business News) and NY Jet’s owner Woody Johnson discussed Massachusetts’ health care coverage yesterday with former MA Governor Mitt Romney: 

 
“Everybody in America has health care. If they get sick – even without insurance – they get free care – PAID for by government. We (MA) said no more of that – no more free riders. We want people taking personal responsibility for getting health insurance if they can afford it. Or, in the bill I put forward – or paying their own way if they want to opt out of insurance.” ~Mitt Romney

From No Apology: The Case for American Greatness by Mitt Romney
Free-Market Health Care: 

(P. 184-185): “Cost containment measures haven’t worked to rein in our skyrocketing health-care spending, and a single-payer system would do no better. There is, however, another alternative: rather than trying to make health care less and less like a consumer-driven market, do the opposite. Apply the principles of a market guided by consumer choice.” 

(P.186-187): “America’s health care is expensive because the incentives are all wrong –for the patient, the doctor, the hospital, and the insurer. Health care can’t function like a market if it doesn’t have incentives like a market. Fixing health care begins with fixing incentives.” 

(P. 190): “Re-shaping incentives does not require a complete reconstruction of our health-care-provider system. We will never see genuine reform arrive if it can’t be implemented by the providers and networks that already exist. […]Real, effective changes will have to be driven by a desire to provide better quality care at lower cost, not by bureaucratic dictates from government authorities. That, after all, is how consumer-driven markets work: competitors who innovate in quality and cost attract customers and grow. And as the best and most efficient competitors grow, the industry and the economy become more productive.” 

(P. 193) [Note – At the time this book was written Obamacare had not passed]: “Health–care legislation may be passed by Congress in 2009, but regardless, the work is far from complete and the battle over the future direction of health care in America is ongoing. At its core of this debate is the question of what creates better patient outcomes and more efficiency: free enterprise and consumer-driven markets, or government management and regulations? […] Our current system is far from being a consumer-driven free market. In my view, the failures we encounter virtually every day are the result of features imposed on the health-care system that have distorted market incentives – tax benefits only for those who receive insurance through their employer, fee-for-service payments to providers, the monolithic scale of Medicaid and Medicare, and an oppressive malpractice liability system, to name a few.   

For greater details refer to Romney’s best-selling book No Apology: The Case for American Greatness. 

The prospect of our health delivery system being controlled by the same mindset that runs our near-bankrupt United States Postal System is NOT acceptable. 

 

Learn about Mitt Romney’s ‘Rx for Repeal’ of Obamacare here, here, and here. 

Note: Hat tip to Bosman, MRC patron, for sharing the FOX Business video.

There will be more info on the numerous differences to come. For the mean-time I’d like to thank Brian Higginson for the cartoon. Brian has done some artwork for our site already: the revamped MR12 logo, as well as some designs for T-shirts that we hope to roll out soon. We’re proud to announce he has agreed to join our team as the resident cartoonist, so there will be more cartoons to come. Brian doesn’t conceive the idea for the cartoon he just draws them, so if you have some ideas feel free to send them to us by using our contact e-mail form. Please keep in mind that we will only be publishing cartoons every few weeks.

Thanks to all for visiting our site!

~Nate Gunderson