A Valuable Message

I know this video is well known by now but there may be a few of you who have not seen it. MEP Hannan articulates a transcendent message that all conservatives should be advocating. I wish we had more eloquent leaders like this in the GOP caucus.

A New Anthem

What a song. When I first heard this I knew it would immediately gain popularity. John Rich strikes a chord that all Americans can relate to. I predict this will be the new GOP anthem.

Notre Dame, Obama, and Life

The past couple of weeks I have received numerous emails, Facebook messages, and community alerts notifying me about the "Notre Dame Scandal". Notre Dame's president Fr. John Jenkins C.S.C has invited President Obama to speak at the universities commencement ceremonies in May. I have numerous friends, classmates, professors, alumni, and fans of the university that have voiced their opposition or support for this invitation. I have never witnessed this level of activism at the University or in the community. At the center of the controversy is the big 'A' word... abortion.

Notre Dame, arguably being our nations flagship Catholic university, would only rise to such levels of polarization when this subject rears its ugly head. Obama being an advocate for pro-choice policy and Notre Dame as a Catholic institution being morally opposed to abortion would, of course, stir things up a bit. I have many liberal friends at ND who are in disbelief of the uproar it has caused. I would like to remind them that they would have been burning effigies of Bush if he had come to Our Ladies University. President Bush's social and foreign policy was so corrupt( in their eyes) that they would have probably done unspeakable atrocities to block a similar invitation had it been extended.

On the other hand my ultra conservative and religious friends are up in arms against the universities administration. They have for years felt the 'Catholic identity' of the university has been in decline and an invitation to the 'baby killing' darling of the left Obama would be the last straw. As a conservative and devout Catholic I slightly share more empathy for their argument but their extreme emotionalism is hypocritical because it mirrors the ridiculous attitudes of the radical liberals. Establishing reasonable dialogue with those who do not share ones perspective is a simple step to finding pragmatic solutions to the problems that veil our modern society. It is questionable whether it is appropriate or not to host this dialogue at commencement but a dialogue must be set by an institution like Notre Dame with liberal leaders of our nation.

I neither support or oppose Obama speaking at Notre Dame. While I oppose Obama and his misguided policies I believe the hollowed academic setting and Catholic identity of Notre Dame is a perfect place to debate the morality and constitutionality of abortion. What is more important than protesting Obama or protesting the protest is to pray for our leaders who are in the position to make life and death decisions for the born and unborn in this country.

Here is the petition in support of the invitation http://www.wesupportnotredame.org/

Here is the petition in opposition to the invitation http://notredamescandal.com/

Here is a prayer for our elected leaders and judges http://www.priestsforlife.org/prayers/courtsandjudges.htm

Public Eductation and Teachers Unions

The Truth about Teachers Unions from Union Facts on Vimeo.

This subject which I know very little about interests me very much. I believe education should be the most important topic, subject, agenda for our elected officials to advocate for. Education is directly linked to our economy, national security, and a prosperous future. I found this video on teachers unions and thought it provided important perspective from teachers that may be overlooked in the ongoing unions and education debate.

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A Real Class Act

Speaker Ben Lujan's juvenile tantrum calling Sen. John Arthur Smith a 'racist SOB' among other things wins him this years 'Real Class Act' award... sarcastically speaking of course. This type of behavior is not acceptable, especially from the Speaker of the House. Lujan sets a bad example for young people and the Hispanic community. I can understand some anger on Lujan's part but his public comments in the chamber degrades his position and the integrity of the round house. As a Hispanic and New Mexican I am ashamed of Lujan's actions and words. I hope this serves as a lesson to future politicos how not to conduct business in the roundhouse. Mr. Speaker you are a real class act.

The Tragedy of King Bill

In elementary school I found myself browsing the encyclopedia for historical figures, curious of who they were and what act landed them in the encyclopedia. I grew fond of the classical tragedies found in Greek and Roman mythology as well. The rise and fall of conquerors, empires, heroes, and antagonists gave me a glimpse of the real political condition of our world. I realized the greatest of men can stumble and the worst of men can rise but both eventually meet their own mortality, in death or while alive.

I was always interested in the story of Bill Richardson. My grandfather spoke highly of him when he was then Congressman Richardson (I was raised a conservative Democrat). In 2009 grandpa, like many New Mexicans, is not pleased with the Governor and they have a multitude of reasons not to be. I am no supporter of King Bill but I remain interested in the public and private Bill Richardson.

Most of the political and business circles of New Mexico are aware of the hearsay rumors, gossip, and 'platicar' describing Richardson's not so flattering private character. The Richardson chatter over the years never proved to be true or false but the Governors recent political turmoil has laid some credence to the negative perception that many hold of him. Santa Fe writer Sally Denton compiles a short but accurate account of the rise and fall of Bill Richardson at The Daily Beast today.

While her article offers no significant news to New Mexico, Denton offers to the nation

” For the man whose credo is “it's about doing what's right, no matter where, or for whom,” the tailspin from national limelight to political disgrace carries a sad poignancy for the people of New Mexico."

Richardson's long tenure in public service and self promotion will assuredly land him in the encyclopedias. His story, like many before him, will serve as another reminder of what not to do while serving the people. His 'political disgrace' is still developing but it looks as if New Mexico may be the final resting place of Bill Richardson's political career.

Photo by Joe Raedle/ Getty Images

Keynesian Economics 101

As an economics major I find myself following the current stimulus and economic mess more closely than most twenty one year old college students. I am fascinated by the naivety of government officials when it comes to spending. Government can't fix a problem when they are the problem. I hope this video brings some clarity to fellow politicos who may not understand why Keynesian economics (Obama's and even Bush's stimulus) is misleading and simply wrong.