• Form a more perfect union

• Establish justice

• Insure domestic tranquility

• Provide for the common defense

• Promote the general welfare

• Secure the blessings of liberty

Let us first realize what any true Republican (whether Libertarian, Centrist, or Conservative) will agree upon - in no particular order:

• Government is the problem - regardless of who's overreaching . . . and it needs to both stay the hell out of trying to run private business and quit trying to do what the private sector can do both better and less expensively

• Fair Taxation and the Right to Work as key to the Pursuit of Happiness

• True Patriotism - including loyal and just peaceable dissent when it is proper and right . . . including being on the receiving end of that patriotism

• High quality education without excuse - whether through School Choice or School Voucher or even common-sense reforms

• Right to Life - regardless of age or quality of life

• Peace Through Strength - both through sensible border security and immigration reform, and in a first-rate military (that cannot be challenged without fear of overwhelming reprisal)

• Worker and taxpayer protection against illegal immigrants (Oklahoma template) and tighter voter identification standards (Indiana template)

• Original Intent - the United States Constitution is not just some piece of paper or random collection of laws and fine-sounding ideas; nor is it a living document that each generation and culture is free to interpret for itself.  No; the Constitution is the absolute core to our identity as Americans, both as a nation and as a people.

John, Jason, Joanie, Nick, Maid, and the rest of you that are getting off your duffs and doing something . . . Bravo Zulu.  Now let's take a round turn on our efforts and get this state shaking, shall we?

Want to know what I'm doing?  This past Thursday, I participated in the Michigan Fair Tax Association conference call to discuss strategy for the 2010 campaign.  (I'll see if I can get a piece drafted and posted before Monday.)  I'm going to encourage each and every one of you . . . that's you reading this right now . . . to get involved with MFTA's efforts.  It isn't complex, and a little effort and education now will go far two springs from now.  Additionally, Mike Huckabee will be passing through Michigan on his book tour; any who think that the Michigan FairTax Proposal is a good idea should show up and circulate some support and education.

Additionally, the Kent County Republican Committee Executive Committee Meeting, with County Convention following, is happening on the 25th of November.  I submit that every regular contributor here who lives within driving range (this includes you, Nick) ought to show up.  If nothing else, you'll get to meet me face-to-face.

In the meantime, let me point out that the crap that we're up against isn't anything new.  To prove my point, have a gander at these two Reagan speeches.

Ronald Reagan Speech - 1964 Republican National Convention:

Ronald Reagan Speech - 1980 Republican National Convention: