Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sarah Palin Calls Out National Organization For Women Over Their Opposition To Pro-Life Super Bowl Ad
This is pretty typical. Progressives sell their souls to the cause, nothing else matters, so it really should be of no surprise whatsoever that a group claiming to support women sells out.
For the record, I am pro-life. I find it hard to justify abortion n any circumstance, but I’ll listen to opposing arguments. However, I don’t run a group that claims to speak for all women. If NOW was all it claimed to be, it would support all women, especially those who are pro-life.
Unfortunately, NOW is progressive first, pro woman second.
As Sarah Palin recently reminded us, the women of the original feminist movement were pro-life. These were strong women, women who could conquer all. As she wrote:
The pro-life movement is pro-women, and it empowers women with the message that we are strong enough and smart enough to be able to pursue education, vocations and avocations while giving life to a child. This movement is largely run by women. In fact, many of the earliest leaders of the women’s rights movement were pro-life – women like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul, the author of the original Equal Rights Amendment in 1923, who said, "Abortion is the ultimate exploitation of women."
Today, more and more young women agree with these feminist foremothers, for they know in their hearts that the culture of life empowers women by offering them real choices. Unfortunately, rather than portray this positive message, the media often focuses on divisions among Americans on this issue.
With that in mind Sarah tweeted this yesterday: "What's N.O.W. thinking? Censoring a pro-women/pro-child Super Bowl ad? Unbelievable. Pls see my FB post on this":
Women's Rights Groups: Your Double Standard is Showing
Women’s Rights groups, like NOW, commendably call out advertisers and networks for airing sexist and demeaning portrayals of women that lead to young women’s diminished self-esteem and acceptance of roles as mere sexed-up objects.
What a ridiculous situation they’re getting themselves into now with their protest of CBS airing a pro-life ad during the upcoming Super Bowl game. The ad will feature Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mom, and they’ll speak to the sanctity of life and the beautiful potential within every innocent child as Mrs. Tebow acknowledges her choice to give Tim life, despite less than ideal circumstances. Messages like this empower women! This speaks to the strength and commitment and nurturing spirit within women. The message says everything positive and nothing negative about the power of women – and life. Evidently, some women’s rights groups like NOW do not like that message.
NOW is looking at the pro-life issue backwards. Women should be reminded that they are strong enough and smart enough to make decisions that allow for career and educational opportunities while still giving their babies a chance at life. In my own home, my daughter Bristol has also been challenged by pro-abortion "women’s rights" groups who don’t agree with her decision to have her baby, nor do they like the abstinence message which she articulated as her personal commitment. NOW could gain ground and credibility with everyday Americans, thus allowing their pro-women message to be heard by more than just their ardent supporters, if they made wiser decisions regarding which battles to pick. They should call attention to and embrace the Tebow’s message, instead of covertly and overtly disrespecting what Mrs. Tebow, Bristol, and millions of other women have chosen to do (in less than ideal circumstances).
My message to these groups who are inexplicably offended by a pro-woman, pro-child, pro-life message airing during the Super Bowl: please concentrate on empowering women, help with efforts to prevent unexpected pregnancies, stay consistent with your message that for too long women have been made to feel like sex objects in our "modern" culture and that we can expect better in 2010. But don’t let your double standard glare so vividly as to undo some of the good to which you could contribute.
And CBS: just do the right thing. Don’t cave. Have the backbone to run the ad.
To the Tebows: thank you. America is listening. We appreciate you.
- Sarah Palin
This is one of the things that really makes Sarah Palin such a special person in today’s political environment. Sarah is unabashedly pro-life and embraces the culture of life with great zeal. Never afraid to stand up for those innocents unable to stand up for themselves.
We are to be judged by how we treat the least among us. In my mind that's those with special-needs, our elderly, it's our soon-to-be-born babies. The heart of our nation shines brightly when we take care of those who are less fortunate, who have more challenges than the rest of us.
–Sarah Palin
It never ceases to amaze me how these so-called "pro-choice" groups think. They push for a "woman’s right to choose" but you damn well better choose their way, or else. Isn’t progressivism great!
Here is the original press release from Focus on the Family announcing their advertisement featuring Tim and his mother, Pam:
Focus on the Family to Air Super Bowl Ad
Commercial will feature Tim Tebow and his mother, Pam
Colorado Springs, Colo (Friday, Jan. 15, 2010) – Focus on the Family will broadcast the first Super Bowl ad in its history February 7 during CBS Sports' coverage of the game at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida.
The 30-second spot from the international family-help organization will feature college football star Tim Tebow and his mother, Pam. They will share a personal story centered on the theme of "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life."
Jim Daly, president and CEO of Focus on the Family, said the chance to partner with the Tebows and lift up a meaningful message about family and life comes at the right moment in the culture, because "families need to be inspired."
"Tim and Pam share our respect for life and our passion for helping families thrive," Daly said. "They live what we see every day – that the desire for family closeness is written on the hearts of every generation. Focus on the Family is about nurturing that desire and strengthening families by empowering them with the tools they need to live lives rooted in morals and values."
Daly added that all the funds to air the ad came from a handful of "very generous and committed friends" who donated specifically to support the project. No money from the ministry's general fund was used.
The Tebows said they agreed to appear in the commercial because the issue of life is one they feel very strongly about.
Daly chuckled at some of the "will-they-or-won't-they?" speculation in the media about whether Focus would indeed create a Super Bowl ad.
"Now that the ad has been shot, we're excited to tell people it's coming, because the Tebows' story is such an important one for our culture to hear," he said. "You won't want to miss it."
For more information, call Gary Schneeberger @ 719-548-5853 or e-mail press@family.org
You can learn more about Focus on the family here.
Maybe someday the National Organization for Women will re-think their position on all of this and join the culture of life with the rest of civilized society, and stop backing the barbaric practices of the culture of death brought about by the progressive movement.
Why John McCain Deserves Our Respect
I have not always seen eye to eye with John McCain on every issue. I believe his involvement with McCain-Feingold campaign reform eventually contributed to his loss in the 2008 presidential election since it hamstrung many who would have gladly helped out a candidate limited to public financing for his campaign at a time when the "free" mainstream media was completely smearing him, his running mate and his record without any blowback. I believe that he was not as on board with the GW Bush budget plan early in Bush's administration as he should have been. I also think that his original stance on illegal immigration was a major turn off to voters that still haunts him to this day. But in focusing on the negatives instead of focusing on the positives, we are missing an opportunity to understand why John McCain deserves our respect.
John McCain was a foot soldier in the Reagan revolution. He campaigned on the same issues that Reagan did. He supported Reagan's rise to the presidency. And because of that loyalty and support, he was elected to the U.S. Senate where he was a champion for the Reagan cause and conservative principles.
As our country drifted away from the ideals of Reagan, John McCain became more of a maverick. He was not a fan of George W. Bush's neo-conservatism, and ran against Bush in the 2000 primaries unsuccessfully. He began to see himself as more of a maverick, taking a more independent role in how he would conduct himself as a senator. But he also became more of a listener, pulse taker and observer of the will of the people. As such, he was usually able to sense when he was on the wrong side of an issue and make the necessary corrections. And when he didn't do this and voted on the wrong side of an issue, he usually lost.
There were times when McCain did not tow the party line on environmental issues and social issues. However, McCain stuck to strong conservative positions on fiscal responsibility and national defense. And when voters were unhappy with his position on illegal immigration, he heard them and fixed it. He actually listened to the people, a quality we should applaud in a candidate. In explaining why he changed his position on immigration reform, McCain said that he recognized that the people wanted our borders secured and existing immigration law to be enforced properly first before we even should consider addressing new immigration laws.
What many fail to miss while criticizing McCain, is that John McCain is not a liberal, a radical or even a true RINO in the sense of the word. According to the American Conservative Union, John McCain had an 82.3% lifetime rating, which in relation to all Senators places him in the center-right column. If the ACU was to assess Scott Brown's voting record in the Massachussetts Senate, they would probably find similar numbers for him, too.
While we are excited and thrilled to elect Scott Brown to the Massachusetts Senate because we are willing to accept the pragmatic facts involved in electing Republicans in Massachusetts, we are not willing to accept a candidate in Arizona just because they aren't 100 %? This is not intellectually honest. Nor does it help the conservative or TEA Party cause at a time when we need to deflect left wing criticism that we are purists trying to purge the Republican party of those who disagree with us and that we are intolerant of being part of a party that should have a big tent.
This is in no way to be intended as an argument for moderating the party or allowing moderates and liberals to participate in the party without opposition such as in primaries, by caucuses and by county party boards. This is just a suggestion that while we should always remain committed to our conservative principles, we should not become so rigid as to make the requirements for participation in the party so stringent that good intentioned, open eared and honorable people can't participate simply because he is not 100% ideologically pure.
Allowing Sarah Palin the right to choose who she wants to support should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of Cindy McCain's position on gay marriage either. We should stand against it as an issue. If your spouse was a loving supportive person who did good things for you, but you disagreed with them on a particular issue, would you divorce them or would you simply stand firm on that one issue?
An 83% ACU rating is not exactly high, but when compared to liberals and true RINO's, it's not exactly low either. The question becomes where do we draw the line? Should we not support candidates who are 80% or under, 85% or under, 90% or under, or more?
Sarah Palin has said we should look to the planks of the Republican party platform for the standards. John McCain is pretty closely aligned with the big ones: national defense, fiscal responsibility and life. If he goes off the beaten trail on some of the lesser issues, while it's worthy of criticism and may bring his ACU score lower, it's not enough to lump him in with Dede Scozzafava, Arnold Schwartzenegger and Charlie Crist.
In our quest to oppose RINO's, we should not throw out a loyal member of the Republican party or call him a RINO just because he doesn't look as nice as the rest of the elephants. He's still an elephant, and until he votes for Cap and Trade, Obamacare, amnesty for illegals or socializing our banking system, we should consider him as inside the tent.
The best argument for John McCain is made by Sarah Palin herself who said to look at what McCain has done since the presidential election. Since returning to the Senate, John McCain has been at the front, sword unsheathed, in the fight against Obamacare. Some of the greatest moments in the fight are clips of him on the Senate floor telling the Senate that it's a scam and telling AARP members to rip up their cards. He frequently criticizes the president on matters of national security as well and is against the closing of Gitmo.
One can play Monday morning quarterback and second guess many of McCain's campaign decisions during the presidential race. We all know Steve Schmidt was a disaster. But we can also remember one key stroke of pure genius. When considering Joe Lieberman to be his running mate, McCain was principled enough and politically smart enough to listen to the people and realize that it would not be a good choice for the party. Knowing that the Republican party is a conservative party who perceived him as a moderate, he chose a running mate more conservative than he was.
John McCain is not the conservative that Ronald Reagan was. But John McCain owed Reagan and the nation a huge debt. Reagan and the conservative revolution changed John McCain's life. He instantly was elevated to the U.S. Senate and would eventually run for president on several occassions.
Would one consider McCain as selling out because he chose a running mate whose views were not purely consistent with his? Or would you consider it the right thing to do to be loyal to the wing of the party that got him into the Senate in the first place many years ago and eventually allowed him the opportunity to run for president.
I said John McCain owed (past tense) the nation a debt. He has since paid it back. In doing so, McCain fundamentally placed his mark on the history of our republic by choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate and introducing her to us.
I watch people criticize McCain. I've criticized McCain. I've gotten so mad that Brett Baier quoted this blog on Special Report, and it was quoted on CNN's Political Ticker. But I also know that since then, McCain has heard us. He has stood by Sarah Palin. He has defended her and spoken highly of her. McCain listens to us, unlike most of the other people in his profession.
Sit down with yourself and examine how deeply you feel about Sarah Palin. Isn't it fantastic that we are not hopeless and filled with despair during the Obama years? Isn't it enough that we don't have to hold the knife to our wrists or the gun to our heads every time President Obama is on TV, that we can instead go onto Sarah Palin's Facebook page or come here to be reassured that there is hope and that there is a future even as we watch the "annointed one" tearing apart our Constitution and our country?
To whom do we owe our debt of gratitude for this? We owe the same debt that Sarah Palin owes. John McCain, foot soldier to our last great one is the historical bridge between that last great one and the next great one. John McCain introduced Sarah Palin to America and it changed Sarah Palin's life the same way Ronald Reagan changed John McCain's life when he introduced McCain to the voters of Arizona and endorsed him for the Senate.
Many may be too young to remember this. Some may just have not made the connection. But no one needs to leave the Palin fold because they are expressing opinions or seeking answers. Nor does Sarah need to clarify her politics because she's supporting McCain.
Just consider this. John McCain deserves our respect not only because he is a great war hero, but because he gave Sarah Palin the opportunity to run for vice president. If Sarah Palin did not repay this debt and turned her back on him because some of her supporters don't like him, that would turn Sarah into something that we wouldn't like, an ingrate.
If there was no Ronald Reagan, there would have been no John McCain. And if there had been no John McCain, there would be no Sarah Palin.
Sarah Palin is not selling out. She does not need to explain. If John McCain did for you what he did for her, would you not support him? There's a difference between selling out and repaying a huge debt for something that has caused the future our republic be forever changed in such a positive way.
-cross posted from Liberty's Lamp
John McCain was a foot soldier in the Reagan revolution. He campaigned on the same issues that Reagan did. He supported Reagan's rise to the presidency. And because of that loyalty and support, he was elected to the U.S. Senate where he was a champion for the Reagan cause and conservative principles.
As our country drifted away from the ideals of Reagan, John McCain became more of a maverick. He was not a fan of George W. Bush's neo-conservatism, and ran against Bush in the 2000 primaries unsuccessfully. He began to see himself as more of a maverick, taking a more independent role in how he would conduct himself as a senator. But he also became more of a listener, pulse taker and observer of the will of the people. As such, he was usually able to sense when he was on the wrong side of an issue and make the necessary corrections. And when he didn't do this and voted on the wrong side of an issue, he usually lost.
There were times when McCain did not tow the party line on environmental issues and social issues. However, McCain stuck to strong conservative positions on fiscal responsibility and national defense. And when voters were unhappy with his position on illegal immigration, he heard them and fixed it. He actually listened to the people, a quality we should applaud in a candidate. In explaining why he changed his position on immigration reform, McCain said that he recognized that the people wanted our borders secured and existing immigration law to be enforced properly first before we even should consider addressing new immigration laws.
What many fail to miss while criticizing McCain, is that John McCain is not a liberal, a radical or even a true RINO in the sense of the word. According to the American Conservative Union, John McCain had an 82.3% lifetime rating, which in relation to all Senators places him in the center-right column. If the ACU was to assess Scott Brown's voting record in the Massachussetts Senate, they would probably find similar numbers for him, too.
While we are excited and thrilled to elect Scott Brown to the Massachusetts Senate because we are willing to accept the pragmatic facts involved in electing Republicans in Massachusetts, we are not willing to accept a candidate in Arizona just because they aren't 100 %? This is not intellectually honest. Nor does it help the conservative or TEA Party cause at a time when we need to deflect left wing criticism that we are purists trying to purge the Republican party of those who disagree with us and that we are intolerant of being part of a party that should have a big tent.
This is in no way to be intended as an argument for moderating the party or allowing moderates and liberals to participate in the party without opposition such as in primaries, by caucuses and by county party boards. This is just a suggestion that while we should always remain committed to our conservative principles, we should not become so rigid as to make the requirements for participation in the party so stringent that good intentioned, open eared and honorable people can't participate simply because he is not 100% ideologically pure.
Allowing Sarah Palin the right to choose who she wants to support should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of Cindy McCain's position on gay marriage either. We should stand against it as an issue. If your spouse was a loving supportive person who did good things for you, but you disagreed with them on a particular issue, would you divorce them or would you simply stand firm on that one issue?
An 83% ACU rating is not exactly high, but when compared to liberals and true RINO's, it's not exactly low either. The question becomes where do we draw the line? Should we not support candidates who are 80% or under, 85% or under, 90% or under, or more?
Sarah Palin has said we should look to the planks of the Republican party platform for the standards. John McCain is pretty closely aligned with the big ones: national defense, fiscal responsibility and life. If he goes off the beaten trail on some of the lesser issues, while it's worthy of criticism and may bring his ACU score lower, it's not enough to lump him in with Dede Scozzafava, Arnold Schwartzenegger and Charlie Crist.
In our quest to oppose RINO's, we should not throw out a loyal member of the Republican party or call him a RINO just because he doesn't look as nice as the rest of the elephants. He's still an elephant, and until he votes for Cap and Trade, Obamacare, amnesty for illegals or socializing our banking system, we should consider him as inside the tent.
The best argument for John McCain is made by Sarah Palin herself who said to look at what McCain has done since the presidential election. Since returning to the Senate, John McCain has been at the front, sword unsheathed, in the fight against Obamacare. Some of the greatest moments in the fight are clips of him on the Senate floor telling the Senate that it's a scam and telling AARP members to rip up their cards. He frequently criticizes the president on matters of national security as well and is against the closing of Gitmo.
One can play Monday morning quarterback and second guess many of McCain's campaign decisions during the presidential race. We all know Steve Schmidt was a disaster. But we can also remember one key stroke of pure genius. When considering Joe Lieberman to be his running mate, McCain was principled enough and politically smart enough to listen to the people and realize that it would not be a good choice for the party. Knowing that the Republican party is a conservative party who perceived him as a moderate, he chose a running mate more conservative than he was.
John McCain is not the conservative that Ronald Reagan was. But John McCain owed Reagan and the nation a huge debt. Reagan and the conservative revolution changed John McCain's life. He instantly was elevated to the U.S. Senate and would eventually run for president on several occassions.
Would one consider McCain as selling out because he chose a running mate whose views were not purely consistent with his? Or would you consider it the right thing to do to be loyal to the wing of the party that got him into the Senate in the first place many years ago and eventually allowed him the opportunity to run for president.
I said John McCain owed (past tense) the nation a debt. He has since paid it back. In doing so, McCain fundamentally placed his mark on the history of our republic by choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate and introducing her to us.
I watch people criticize McCain. I've criticized McCain. I've gotten so mad that Brett Baier quoted this blog on Special Report, and it was quoted on CNN's Political Ticker. But I also know that since then, McCain has heard us. He has stood by Sarah Palin. He has defended her and spoken highly of her. McCain listens to us, unlike most of the other people in his profession.
Sit down with yourself and examine how deeply you feel about Sarah Palin. Isn't it fantastic that we are not hopeless and filled with despair during the Obama years? Isn't it enough that we don't have to hold the knife to our wrists or the gun to our heads every time President Obama is on TV, that we can instead go onto Sarah Palin's Facebook page or come here to be reassured that there is hope and that there is a future even as we watch the "annointed one" tearing apart our Constitution and our country?
To whom do we owe our debt of gratitude for this? We owe the same debt that Sarah Palin owes. John McCain, foot soldier to our last great one is the historical bridge between that last great one and the next great one. John McCain introduced Sarah Palin to America and it changed Sarah Palin's life the same way Ronald Reagan changed John McCain's life when he introduced McCain to the voters of Arizona and endorsed him for the Senate.
Many may be too young to remember this. Some may just have not made the connection. But no one needs to leave the Palin fold because they are expressing opinions or seeking answers. Nor does Sarah need to clarify her politics because she's supporting McCain.
Just consider this. John McCain deserves our respect not only because he is a great war hero, but because he gave Sarah Palin the opportunity to run for vice president. If Sarah Palin did not repay this debt and turned her back on him because some of her supporters don't like him, that would turn Sarah into something that we wouldn't like, an ingrate.
If there was no Ronald Reagan, there would have been no John McCain. And if there had been no John McCain, there would be no Sarah Palin.
Sarah Palin is not selling out. She does not need to explain. If John McCain did for you what he did for her, would you not support him? There's a difference between selling out and repaying a huge debt for something that has caused the future our republic be forever changed in such a positive way.
-cross posted from Liberty's Lamp
Sarah Palin: Women's Rights Groups: Your Double Standard is Showing
For the past few decades, the conventional wisdom held that supporting abortion is a core tenet of Feminism. This occurs despite the fact that one of Feminism's Founding Mothers -- Susan B. Anthony was pro-life. Feminists for Life, which Governor Palin is a member of, sells mugs with this quote from Susan B. Anthony: "Sweeter even than to have had the joy of caring for children of my own has it been to me to help bring about a better state of things for mothers generally, so their unborn little ones could not be willed away from them."
Modern women's Rights groups in embracing the pro-abortion movement have strayed away from this original founding principle to the extent that the conventional wisdom holds that you cannot possibly support women's rights in any way, shape or form unless you are "pro-choice."
Governor Palin's Facebook Note, Women's Rights Groups: Your Double Standard is Showing addresses the protest by women's rights groups of CBS airing a pro-life ad during the Super Bowl.
Further, Governor Palin wrote, "NOW is looking at the pro-life issue backwards. Women should be reminded that they are strong enough and smart enough to make decisions that allow for career and educational opportunities while still giving their babies a chance at life" (Palin, 2010, ¶3). Governor Palin went on to address how these groups have been putting pressure on her daughter Bristol. They don't like that she chose life. As Governor Palin addressed in this Note, and as Adrienne Ross addressed in Bristol Palin Embraces Abstinence; Oprah Suggests Retraction?, these groups seem to take issue with her pledge of celibacy till marriage so that she can focus on her maternal, education, and career responsibilities (Palin, 2010, ¶3).
Feminism is supposed to be about empowering and elevating women. Where is the choice in "pro-choice," when the only approved choice espoused by some of these women's rights groups is abortion? Is the message really "pro-choice," or is it more "pro-abortion"? It almost appears that abortion, or support of it is a rite of passage in being considered a Feminist. They subscribe to the fanciful notion that a woman who becomes a mother is somehow having her rights trampled on. Meanwhile, women are subject to unimaginable acts of violence here and abroad; and our culture has become hyper-sexualized and women are trotted out as sexual play things, and not just by men, but by other women as well.
Governor Palin concluded by calling on CBS to do the right thing by airing the ad.
Modern women's Rights groups in embracing the pro-abortion movement have strayed away from this original founding principle to the extent that the conventional wisdom holds that you cannot possibly support women's rights in any way, shape or form unless you are "pro-choice."
Governor Palin's Facebook Note, Women's Rights Groups: Your Double Standard is Showing addresses the protest by women's rights groups of CBS airing a pro-life ad during the Super Bowl.
The ad will feature Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mom, and they’ll speak to the sanctity of life and the beautiful potential within every innocent child as Mrs. Tebow acknowledges her choice to give Tim life, despite less than ideal circumstances. Messages like this empower women! This speaks to the strength and commitment and nurturing spirit within women. The message says everything positive and nothing negative about the power of women – and life. Evidently, some women’s rights groups like NOW do not like that message (Palin, 2010, ¶2).
Further, Governor Palin wrote, "NOW is looking at the pro-life issue backwards. Women should be reminded that they are strong enough and smart enough to make decisions that allow for career and educational opportunities while still giving their babies a chance at life" (Palin, 2010, ¶3). Governor Palin went on to address how these groups have been putting pressure on her daughter Bristol. They don't like that she chose life. As Governor Palin addressed in this Note, and as Adrienne Ross addressed in Bristol Palin Embraces Abstinence; Oprah Suggests Retraction?, these groups seem to take issue with her pledge of celibacy till marriage so that she can focus on her maternal, education, and career responsibilities (Palin, 2010, ¶3).
Feminism is supposed to be about empowering and elevating women. Where is the choice in "pro-choice," when the only approved choice espoused by some of these women's rights groups is abortion? Is the message really "pro-choice," or is it more "pro-abortion"? It almost appears that abortion, or support of it is a rite of passage in being considered a Feminist. They subscribe to the fanciful notion that a woman who becomes a mother is somehow having her rights trampled on. Meanwhile, women are subject to unimaginable acts of violence here and abroad; and our culture has become hyper-sexualized and women are trotted out as sexual play things, and not just by men, but by other women as well.
My message to these groups who are inexplicably offended by a pro-woman, pro-child, pro-life message airing during the Super Bowl: please concentrate on empowering women, help with efforts to prevent unexpected pregnancies, stay consistent with your message that for too long women have been made to feel like sex objects in our “modern” culture and that we can expect better in 2010 (Palin, 2010, ¶4).
Governor Palin concluded by calling on CBS to do the right thing by airing the ad.
References
Feminists for Life's Covetable Stuff (2009). Feminists for Life. Retrieved January 27, 2010 from: http://www.feministsforlife.org/covetable_stuff/index.htm
Palin, S. L. H. (2010, January 26). "Women's Rights Groups: Your Double Standard is Showing." Facebook, Sarah Palin. Retrieved January 27, 2010 from: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=268722553434
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Metaphorically Speaking...
Adrienne Ross wrote an excellent, hard-hitting blog this weekend about how Levi Johnston is parlaying lies, attacking his son's family, and making excuses for not adequately supporting his son. Her post is filled with metaphors, comparing Levi to a dog that won't lie down and shut up but just keeps running around barking and biting. In her last paragraph, she used the words "put down" metaphorically to say that Levi needs to be told to shut up.
Two of the Sarah Palin-hating blogs intentionally misunderstood Adrienne's metaphor and tried to spin it as saying that Adrienne wanted to put Levi down as in euthanization. This was the farthest thing from Adrienne's mind and would be totally inconsistent with the statement she made in the immediately preceding paragraph:
Since the hater blogs chose to misinterpret Adrienne's metaphor by using a definition for "put down" that is totally inconsistent with Adrienne's intentions, I decided to check an online dictionary. And here are the meanings for "put down" that are constistent with Adrienne's intentions.
From Merriam-Webster:
But then that is what we have come to expect from the evilmongers who habitually use lies and distortions to attack Governor Palin and her family.
Adrienne Ross is a valued member of the excellent team of authors on the Sarah Web Brigade blog and Sarah Palin Information Blog. She is also an author on US4Palin, C4P, and SarahNet. In addition, she is in a leadership position with the 2012 Draft Sarah Palin Committee. Like Sarah Palin, she loves her God and her country and walks the walk with her conservative values.
It is sad to see people so filled with hatred that they will turn the truth into a lie. But that is what is happening on a daily basis on the blogs that attacked Adrienne. However, the truth will prevail, as it always does in the end.
Two of the Sarah Palin-hating blogs intentionally misunderstood Adrienne's metaphor and tried to spin it as saying that Adrienne wanted to put Levi down as in euthanization. This was the farthest thing from Adrienne's mind and would be totally inconsistent with the statement she made in the immediately preceding paragraph:
I believe there's hope for Levi; I really do. And I hope he grabs ahold of
it soon because he's treading on very thin Alaska ice.
Since the hater blogs chose to misinterpret Adrienne's metaphor by using a definition for "put down" that is totally inconsistent with Adrienne's intentions, I decided to check an online dictionary. And here are the meanings for "put down" that are constistent with Adrienne's intentions.
From Merriam-Webster:
to bring to an end : stopSo Adrienne's use of the word "put down" was totally appropriate for its context. It is to the haters' discredit that they attempted to turn an innocent remark into something that it was not.
disapprove, criticize
to make ineffective : check
But then that is what we have come to expect from the evilmongers who habitually use lies and distortions to attack Governor Palin and her family.
Adrienne Ross is a valued member of the excellent team of authors on the Sarah Web Brigade blog and Sarah Palin Information Blog. She is also an author on US4Palin, C4P, and SarahNet. In addition, she is in a leadership position with the 2012 Draft Sarah Palin Committee. Like Sarah Palin, she loves her God and her country and walks the walk with her conservative values.
It is sad to see people so filled with hatred that they will turn the truth into a lie. But that is what is happening on a daily basis on the blogs that attacked Adrienne. However, the truth will prevail, as it always does in the end.
Bristol Palin Embraces Abstinence; Oprah Suggests Retraction?
By Adrienne Ross - www.motivationtruth.com
When I was a kid, I had the utmost respect for Oprah Winfrey. I admired her generosity, her sense of humor, the faith she seemed to hold dear. I was inspired by her story and how she overcame incredible odds as a child. I was so excited when I got accepted to Tennessee State University, for I soon learned that Oprah went there. I eventually chose another school, but for a while I loved the idea of attending Oprah's alma mater, especially since at that time I had some of the same dreams in my life as those that had become realities in hers. Yes, as a kid, I really admired Oprah.
But I'm not a kid anymore.
Oprah still gives as generously as she always has, and her personal story is still just as inspirational. However, now that I've matured, I guess it takes more to impress me.
I had my issues with her refusal to allow Governor Palin to sit on her couch during the 2008 campaign, but I won't rehash that. We all know how it turned out: Oprah now is quite glad to get the governor to appear on her show, and when she does, Oprah's ratings fly through the roof. So, as they say, moving on. Besides that, Oprah's worldview simply doesn't line up with mine in some very key areas, so I don't spend my time listening to her talk anymore--haven't done so for many years now--unless the governor is on.
However, my dwindling appreciation for the former Queen of Talk took a nosedive last Friday when she interviewed Governor Palin and her daughter, Bristol. Bristol has made the admirable, and correct, decision to remain abstinent until marriage. Rather than encourage Bristol to do just that, Oprah seemed to want to talk her out of her commitment. To me, Oprah's unique position as a role model to so many is incongruous with her belittling of Bristol's decision--and yes, I did sense some belittling going on.
At the start, I didn't realize the interview was headed that way. Oprah offered some good advice at first, which is advice that I have shared with single Christian women committed to waiting until marriage, probably saying something close to what Oprah advises.
Oprah tells the girls in her school in South Africa:
I was thinking, Great advice, Oprah. I have always believed that we make decisions about how we want to act in particular situations before those situations arise. We'd be surprised how many things we could avoid altogether if that strategy were faithfully employed.
So I was with Oprah right up until a few seconds later when she said she "bristled" when she read in In Touch that Bristol stated, "I'm not going to have sex until I'm married. I can guarantee it."
Apparently Bristol's guarantee of abstinence is what alarmed Oprah, and she asked, "You don't think you're setting yourself up?"
At this point I'm thinking, "setting yourself up" for what? My confusion rested, in part, in having just heard Oprah say that she tells the African girls to do exactly what Bristol had just stated she did: make up her mind ahead of time.
Oprah's rationale was media pressure, that every guy she dates will be harassed with questions about whether Bristol had or had not remained true to that commitment. My thought here was, Hey, let the media blow it up. Better the dudes find out where I stand now than later. Better any interested guy should know where I stand before they even step to me. That way they can keep on stepping if they can't handle my plan. Truth be told, you can weed out a lot of guys from the jump that way and spare yourself the agony of dropping the "no" bomb on them later. They can't say they didn't know, can they?
Oprah, whose young adult life was not without its share of drama, trials, and tribulations, should have sincerely said to her guest, "Good for you, Bristol." Instead, she asked Bristol if she was setting herself up?! With a steely glint in her eyes, Bristol, who to me looked a bit annoyed, said, "No, I don't."
Oprah didn't say it, so I will: good for Bristol for standing by her commitment, for not backing down, for not allowing the pressure to cause her to cave in to Oprah, who appeared put off by Bristol's bold declaration of abstinence.
Had I been Bristol, however, I would have answered that question in the affirmative. When asked if I was setting myself up, I would have said, "Yes, Oprah. I am setting myself up...to achieve my goal. I'm setting myself up by doing exactly what you tell the girls in Africa: 'make the decision before the moment arrives.'"
Hey, if it's good enough for Africa, it's good enough for America.
So which one is it? Is Oprah encouraging the girls in her school to strategically choose abstinence, or when they say they have, does she pause five seconds for them to retract or ease their choice? It sounds like double talk to me. Either Bristol is supposed to stick to her guns, or she's supposed to back out. Again, which one is it, Oprah--a little of both?
When Bristol chose the former, Oprah--chuckling--said, "All right, good luck to you on that!" Belittling, demeaning, and frankly, disempowering.
I get sick and tired of people who purport to be all about the power of women and their ability to accomplish anything, except when it comes to both abstinence and giving birth to a child in less than ideal circumstances. I do not respect trying to talk a teenager, who is already raising a child, out of taking a stand on the issue. If women can do anything, they can do anything--including practicing abstinence.
Months ago, when Bristol once used the term "unrealistic" in reference to teenagers remaining abstinent, people jumped all over her. Friday, Oprah said about abstinence, "Obviously she's already had sex. So I'm just wondering if that is a realistic goal." When Bristol indicated that it is realistic for her, Oprah "bristled." This is Exhibit A of "you can't win for losing." This is why one must simply live by the courage of her own convictions as Bristol has purposed in her heart to do--and bump everybody else who doesn't believe you can. When Oprah shared the statistic that 1 out of 3 teenagers is sexually active, Bristol was unmoved. Her face seemed to say, "Well, I'll be one of the two." It may not be easy, but nothing valuable is--and she's worth it.
Abstinence is a touchy, uncomfortable subject for those who feel safer teaching birth control over abstinence. "It doesn't work," the statisticians say. News flash: abstinence, when employed, always works! It's when it's abandoned that it's rendered powerless. Besides, it seems Bristol realizes something that we could all stand to discover: though birth control protects from pregnancy sometimes, there is no birth control potent enough to protect your heart, soul, and mind from the effects of giving yourself to someone who has not given himself to you--through the commitment of marriage.
I say to Bristol in all sincerity, rather than the snarky way Oprah said it, "More power to you."
When I was a kid, I had the utmost respect for Oprah Winfrey. I admired her generosity, her sense of humor, the faith she seemed to hold dear. I was inspired by her story and how she overcame incredible odds as a child. I was so excited when I got accepted to Tennessee State University, for I soon learned that Oprah went there. I eventually chose another school, but for a while I loved the idea of attending Oprah's alma mater, especially since at that time I had some of the same dreams in my life as those that had become realities in hers. Yes, as a kid, I really admired Oprah.
But I'm not a kid anymore.
Oprah still gives as generously as she always has, and her personal story is still just as inspirational. However, now that I've matured, I guess it takes more to impress me.
I had my issues with her refusal to allow Governor Palin to sit on her couch during the 2008 campaign, but I won't rehash that. We all know how it turned out: Oprah now is quite glad to get the governor to appear on her show, and when she does, Oprah's ratings fly through the roof. So, as they say, moving on. Besides that, Oprah's worldview simply doesn't line up with mine in some very key areas, so I don't spend my time listening to her talk anymore--haven't done so for many years now--unless the governor is on.
However, my dwindling appreciation for the former Queen of Talk took a nosedive last Friday when she interviewed Governor Palin and her daughter, Bristol. Bristol has made the admirable, and correct, decision to remain abstinent until marriage. Rather than encourage Bristol to do just that, Oprah seemed to want to talk her out of her commitment. To me, Oprah's unique position as a role model to so many is incongruous with her belittling of Bristol's decision--and yes, I did sense some belittling going on.
At the start, I didn't realize the interview was headed that way. Oprah offered some good advice at first, which is advice that I have shared with single Christian women committed to waiting until marriage, probably saying something close to what Oprah advises.
Oprah tells the girls in her school in South Africa:
Make the decision before the moment arrives because when the guy is licking on your ear, it's hard to make the decision! So make the decision before the moment arrives.
I was thinking, Great advice, Oprah. I have always believed that we make decisions about how we want to act in particular situations before those situations arise. We'd be surprised how many things we could avoid altogether if that strategy were faithfully employed.
So I was with Oprah right up until a few seconds later when she said she "bristled" when she read in In Touch that Bristol stated, "I'm not going to have sex until I'm married. I can guarantee it."
Apparently Bristol's guarantee of abstinence is what alarmed Oprah, and she asked, "You don't think you're setting yourself up?"
At this point I'm thinking, "setting yourself up" for what? My confusion rested, in part, in having just heard Oprah say that she tells the African girls to do exactly what Bristol had just stated she did: make up her mind ahead of time.
Oprah's rationale was media pressure, that every guy she dates will be harassed with questions about whether Bristol had or had not remained true to that commitment. My thought here was, Hey, let the media blow it up. Better the dudes find out where I stand now than later. Better any interested guy should know where I stand before they even step to me. That way they can keep on stepping if they can't handle my plan. Truth be told, you can weed out a lot of guys from the jump that way and spare yourself the agony of dropping the "no" bomb on them later. They can't say they didn't know, can they?
Oprah, whose young adult life was not without its share of drama, trials, and tribulations, should have sincerely said to her guest, "Good for you, Bristol." Instead, she asked Bristol if she was setting herself up?! With a steely glint in her eyes, Bristol, who to me looked a bit annoyed, said, "No, I don't."
Oprah didn't say it, so I will: good for Bristol for standing by her commitment, for not backing down, for not allowing the pressure to cause her to cave in to Oprah, who appeared put off by Bristol's bold declaration of abstinence.
Had I been Bristol, however, I would have answered that question in the affirmative. When asked if I was setting myself up, I would have said, "Yes, Oprah. I am setting myself up...to achieve my goal. I'm setting myself up by doing exactly what you tell the girls in Africa: 'make the decision before the moment arrives.'"
Hey, if it's good enough for Africa, it's good enough for America.
So which one is it? Is Oprah encouraging the girls in her school to strategically choose abstinence, or when they say they have, does she pause five seconds for them to retract or ease their choice? It sounds like double talk to me. Either Bristol is supposed to stick to her guns, or she's supposed to back out. Again, which one is it, Oprah--a little of both?
When Bristol chose the former, Oprah--chuckling--said, "All right, good luck to you on that!" Belittling, demeaning, and frankly, disempowering.
I get sick and tired of people who purport to be all about the power of women and their ability to accomplish anything, except when it comes to both abstinence and giving birth to a child in less than ideal circumstances. I do not respect trying to talk a teenager, who is already raising a child, out of taking a stand on the issue. If women can do anything, they can do anything--including practicing abstinence.
Months ago, when Bristol once used the term "unrealistic" in reference to teenagers remaining abstinent, people jumped all over her. Friday, Oprah said about abstinence, "Obviously she's already had sex. So I'm just wondering if that is a realistic goal." When Bristol indicated that it is realistic for her, Oprah "bristled." This is Exhibit A of "you can't win for losing." This is why one must simply live by the courage of her own convictions as Bristol has purposed in her heart to do--and bump everybody else who doesn't believe you can. When Oprah shared the statistic that 1 out of 3 teenagers is sexually active, Bristol was unmoved. Her face seemed to say, "Well, I'll be one of the two." It may not be easy, but nothing valuable is--and she's worth it.
Abstinence is a touchy, uncomfortable subject for those who feel safer teaching birth control over abstinence. "It doesn't work," the statisticians say. News flash: abstinence, when employed, always works! It's when it's abandoned that it's rendered powerless. Besides, it seems Bristol realizes something that we could all stand to discover: though birth control protects from pregnancy sometimes, there is no birth control potent enough to protect your heart, soul, and mind from the effects of giving yourself to someone who has not given himself to you--through the commitment of marriage.
I say to Bristol in all sincerity, rather than the snarky way Oprah said it, "More power to you."
Levi: Put Up, or Shut Up! A Post by Conservative Girl with a Voice
There is a little angel who lives in Alaska who has two parents. One of this little angel's parents gets up early everyday to take care of him. She doesn't just care for him, but she works and goes to school too. Then, there is this little angel's father, who is approaching life in a totally different way. Instead of caring for his little angel, this young man is venturing out to Hollywood and New York, posing for magazines like Playgirl, doing interviews with gossip shows like Entertainment Tonight and on an endless search for his next big deal. You all probably know who I am talking about here. Little Tripp's parents, Bristol and Levi. Like many other conservative bloggers out there, I have repeatedly said that I am not going to use this blog as a platform to discuss Levi Johnston. Although I have said this, there comes a time when individuals like Levi need to be called out for their questionable actions and lies. Levi, or "Ricky Hollywood," as I guess he prefers to be called now, is out and about roaming the lower 48 while the mother of his child is in Alaska doing the right thing.
Bristol is a strong, mature young woman who should be commended. Instead of doing countless interviews and photo shoots, she is is caring for her child, nurturing him during, what are perhaps, the most important years of his young life. While it is not secret that Levi would rather spend time in some Hollywood studio, it is also not secret that little Tripp is so blessed to be surrounded by Bristol and the entire Palin and Heath clan. Bristol is so lucky to have the parents she has. In Todd and Sarah, Bristol has that support system and true role models. In Track, Willow, Piper and Trig, Tripp has aunts, uncles and playmates. I am so proud of Bristol. With integrity and strength, she turned what I'm sure had to have been a difficult circumstance into a positive. This isn't all. Now, she is using her own story to educate other young girls and young women about the importance of abstinence. Bristol has not glamorized her situation, not by a long shot. She is not afraid to say that being a teen mom is difficult and at times stressful, which further illustrates her strength and resilience. I know that I am older than Bristol, but I still look up to her for all she has accomplished and the good she is doing as a mother and advocate.
In choosing life, Bristol illustrated the values her mother and father instilled in her. Just like her mother, she not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. It is so easy to see just how well adjusted and loved little Tripp is. Look at the way he beams at his mommy, smiles at his grandma and grandpa, and reaches out for his Uncle Trig in photos and videos. This is a well adjusted little baby boy who has his mommy to thank for that. Doesn't Levi know that the choices he is making now are going to affect his son in the future? Of course he does. Levi is not some little kid who is unaware of the big world around him. He is 19 years old. He is old enough to join the military for goodness sake. We have young men and women who leave their families to fight for a cause greater than self. I am sick and tired of individuals out there who are blaming Levi's actions on the fact that he just some 19-year-old kid. Give me a break. This man, yes he is a man, is old enough to know right from wrong. Since Levi has no problem shelling out money to fly first class around the United States, he should have no problem going to Walmart or Target and shelling out some money on diapers. After listening to Levi's attorney/ acting buddy Rex Butler on Eddie Burke's show about a month ago, Levi was supposed to start paying Bristol on a regular basis for their son's necessities. As of today, Levi still has not done that. Instead, he gives excuses, saying Bristol never shows up to pick up the money or she doesn't answer his calls. My response to this: "Even if you say your accusations are true, I'm not buying them, you have a shiny new truck, 'Hollywood.' Have you ever heard of hopping in it and taking a drive over to the Palins? You still know where they live, right? After all, you bragged about living there for two whole months." I'm not holding my breath, though, in terms of this happening any time soon.
There is going to come a day when little Tripp is old enough to see the pain his daddy has caused his mommy. By then, I hope Levi comes to his senses and has made amends. How could Levi be so cold and uncaring toward Bristol and the Palins? Is he forgetting everything they did for him? The Palins represent a family unit that sticks together through thick and thin. Although it is so easy for us to see this, Levi is more concerned about his next meal ticket than the very people who took him under their wing. Unlike this coward, Bristol has never spoken ill of little Tripp's father. When Tripp is old enough to understand what is going on, he is going to realize this. He is going to see the intense love and dedication she has for him. Tripp is also going to have to deal with the images of his father printed in an adult magazine, the interviews he conducted with the various gossip shows, and perhaps most unfortunately, Tripp is going to have to deal with the awful things Levi has said about his mother. We can only hope and pray that "Ricky Hollywood" wakes up and realizes the damage he has caused and begins to change his ways.
Sure, Levi, the money you are making right now many be nice, and you are jet setting around the world in first-class style, but eventually, those who are using you right now are going to outgrow you. The Rex Butlers, Tank Jones and unhinged Alaska bloggers of this world are going to move on to another individual whom they can latch onto and use to gain fame and notoriety. The question is: Is Levi smart enough to realize that he is being used? Is Levi smart enough to know that he needs to drop those losers and come back down to earth to live with us mere mortals? And if he does, will he see the priceless gift that he has sitting right in front of him before it's too late? Tripp is living the most important years of his life in terms of connecting with those around him. While he is too young to know what is going on around him, it is just a matter of time before he begins to take notice.
Step up, Levi! Step up in the name of Tripp! Step up and start cherishing your son and respecting your baby's mother, an amazing woman. You look like a fool parading around the world, wearing sunglasses inside airports, posing for stupid magazines, and making "b-rated" commercials. Step up, Levi, and be the father your precious son deserves. Stop flying first class and start buying him some diapers and supporting Tripp financially because when the fame rubs off, and the leaches rid themselves of you, who will be left standing? I pray that Tripp WILL be waiting there with open arms, reaching up to be held by his daddy. It is up to you, Levi. Which path are you going to choose?
-I encourage you all to visit my good friend and Sarah Sorority Sister, Adrienne Ross' blog, Motivation: Truth and read her latest post Levi: When Lying Dogs Won't Sleep.
-Please visit another good friend of mine, Patrick Adams' blog Unsheathed and read Levi Johnston is a Pawn.-
-And to top it all off, visit another on of my Sarah Sorority Sister's, Camille Friend's blog and read The Levi Tales: A Jive Turkey, Mama Bears, and a Tank in a China Shop.
(Click here to visit Conservative Girl with a Voice. Click here to follow me on Twitter.)
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