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"The only way to be happy, is to give happy."

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Many conservatives feel duped by George W. Bush, who campaigned from a position more to the "right" than where he governs (in particular when it comes to massive government bailouts and grants). In short, he is more of a Democrat than most Republicans bargained on. Someone said the same thing to me the other day about Barrack O’Bama; he is more to the left, and much more of a liberal, than most Democrats desire. One could make the argument that today’s Republican party holds about the same position the Democratic party held forty years ago. Meanwhile, the Democratic party has moved way to the left.

Based on the last post and the very intelligent and interesting comments that resulted, I thought I would once again ask for reader input. Here is the question(s): Is America moving consistently to "the left?" And if so, why? Finally, how is such a thing possible in a country where the average person polled is "center to right-of-center?" Let me hear your thoughts.

Posted in Current Affairs

31 responses to “A Slide to the Left”

Alpesh

October 2, 2008

I am glad that you have put up this post. I think that the Republican Party has lost it’s way to the Neo-Conservative Philosophy that began in the 1960’s that has won over a big part of the Republican Party.
Another point is that media has chosen the winner of the party and the winner of the election most of the elections in this country. With the internet becoming the media of exchange for information , Ron Paul has won over people who believe in liberty and love small government. The Republicans throughout these debates were talking about which countries to go to war with and so on, I personally believe that the founders would be ashamed to see that we have stopped following the constitution and we are going to have a better infrastructure in Iraq than we do in New Orleans. Republicans used to get elected to end wars because they didn’t believe in meddling in other people’s affairs but rather diplomatically talk about issues and not create a war, ala Ronald Reagan.
Link for a little History on Neo-Conservatives
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Conservative
Video of Ron Paul (the only real conservative in the debates)
http://tinyurl.com/22ey9l

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Jeff Kennedy

October 2, 2008

We’re certainly moving to the left. A bit reason of course is the popular media. For years we’ve been inundated by television shows and movies that have vilified corporations, the rich, traditional values, and conservatives. I consider myself a fiscal conservative but even I have to constantly fight the feelings that have been pounded into my brain since childhood that capitalism is inherently evil and government is the answer to our problems.
This has all become so possible because of the general apathy of our nation. As a whole we’ve bought into the entitlement mentality and have forgotten that this nation was built on entrepreneurialism. We’ve gone from an understanding that the constitution establishes an equal opportunity to thinking that government should provide a fair outcome regardless of effort on the part of the individual. I talk to far too many people who think the government should do this or that to make things more “fair” for them rather than thinking what they can do on their own to achieve success. We need to get reacquainted with being self reliant.

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Kerry Konecny

October 2, 2008

Chris
Thanks for opening a discussion on our culture moving left. I think our culture and national values have moved far to the left and by left I mean away from truth which is ultimately God. We have become more accustomed to having things done for us now with no idea of having to earn something, we want and expect no consequences to bad behavior, we are not outraged by injustices, we want someone else to do the work for us, etc. All of this is spelled out in the Bible(especially in Romans chapter 1 – which one Presidential candidate(Obama) who claims to be a Christian sees as an obscure book of the Bible). It seems to me that most of people who still believe in the absolute truth just don’t speak out, are afraid, or don’t think it will make a difference.
The current “bailout” is one huge example of this left attitude of take care of me now and forget the future. It’s sad that Republicans even consider this as an option. What happened to capitalism and letting the market determine what the “fair” price is for a house or anything else.
I encourage everyone to read both of the Party platforms(they are on their websites) and see the “fine print”. Two huge issues in there are the Republicans wanting to keep the government from being able to take property which I agree with and the Democrats taking away the secret ballot vote from unions which is a basic element of our democratic style of government(once it starts where does it end?) THese are both big parts of communism.
I’ll stop for now…I’m sure others have other examples of why we need to be on the TEAM system!!!

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Miguel

October 2, 2008

I just wanted to say that I appreciate you and Orrin not telling us who you are for but rather teaching us the ‘right’ principles so we can make the decisions for ourselves!
As for your question; yes America is moving consistently to “the left”. I’ll let other smarter commenters put why. Thanks to all those who posted in the last blog! I learned a lot!
Mr Brady, I would like for you to explain further what you mean by “today’s Republican party holds about the same position the Democratic party held forty years ago”.
Thanks

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John Murdock

October 2, 2008

Hi Chris,
Not to sound too paranoid, but I believe that there is a body of people who desire power over our country, its resources, and its people. There are so many “leaders” in our political system that promote more government and more control over We the People.
There seems to be a concerted effort to devalue our money, disenfrancise our vote, and remove more of our choices and freedoms.
People are so busy trying to survive that they cannot pay attention to what is going on in the world around them. They do not have enough information to make the right choices, so they guess and then they cope with the results.
I also believe that over my lifetime, more and more liberal and socialist ideals has been promoted to our society. It has been a slow integration. Ideals like political correctness, multi-culturalism, and the removal of values has slowly erroded our country.
However, I still believe that the more part of our country and its people are still center-right. We all want the same thing. Enough money to take care of the family, enough money to assure our future, and instill our values in our youth. The reason I believe this, is due to the fact that the slide is still pretty slow, though it is gaining speed.
Thank-you Chris, if I can call you Chris 🙂 for all you, your family, and your TEAM has done. Thanks for this blog as well. Your questions have been thought provoking.
The most enjoyable thing about your blog has been the stories from our country’s history and how one man’s effort can (and has) changed the course of history.
Cheers,
John

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Bert Fall

October 2, 2008

I feel that the country is definitely moving toward the left. Your statement about the GOP today being more in line with the Democratic Party forty years ago is dead-on accurate. I don’t think someone like Barry Goldwater or Robert A. Taft would be to well received by the right-wing political establishment today. Unfortunately. There are just too many people within the Republican party with Neo-Conservative views and thus tend to favor a larger, less intrusive and fiscally responsible government.
Also, part of the problem is the affect of career politicians. It used to be that government leaders were first a farmer, lawyer, merchant, etc. and then a politician out of duty and service. The bulk of their income would have come from their civilian endeavors. Today, it is not uncommon for a politician to spend his/her entire adult life holding the same seat. While I think people should be able to serve their country for as long as they want to, I also think that to many politicians have succumbed to the temptations that arise when they would do anything to be elected back into office. (This can be seen in the current bailout legislation on the hill. I’ve heard many Republicans who voted for the bailout say that it goes against their principles but something must be done. From statements like these I can’t help but interpret it as “I was to afraid to do nothing and let the market correct itself because if it didn’t do so by the time my term ended then I would lose my job.)
As far as whether or not the civilian stance is more to the left, I would answer a resounding yes. People may say they are center-right or even far-right but I would wager that many people don’t even know what that means. One cause for the leftward shift can obviously be blamed on the media. With the exception of a few news sources and film/television celebrities our media is predominantly left. I feel that this had helped shift right-wingers and center-righters to the left even though they don’t necessarily recognize it. Honestly, most people only pay attention to politics during times of election or crisis. During those times they tend to vote for whoever belongs to the party they’ve always voted for and they support the members of that party blindly when they are in office. I admit that I too was once like this. I grew up in a household that was entirely Democratic and I followed suit when I turned 18. I didn’t know why I voted for all the “D’s” other than “that’s who my parents were voting for.” Fortunately, when I was 23 I was exposed to an organization that believed in the free market, sanctity of life, and strong moral values. I had been taking a new look at politics because of the passion and common sense that Mr. Tyler Libby, one of my mentors, had and continues to have. Around that same time I saw a speech given by former Congressman Bob McEwan that really put it all in perspective. For the first time I looked at politics objectively and found the truth. Unfortunately, most people never find that and they continue to vote without really knowing how.
The only solution to this situation is to hold fast to your beliefs and principles and don’t be afraid to defend them. But if you must defend your ideals then do it in a way that would invite the other person or people to agree with you at some point. A lot of people are steadfast in their belief almost to a point of aggressiveness and end up doing more harm than good. Here’s a good example. I agree with Bill O’reilly probably about 95% of the time. However, I can’t stand to watch his show. When people try to defend their side they are berated and cut-off. I doubt this type of interviewing is really winning liberals over to thinking more like conservatives. I once heard it said “Avoid loud and aggressive people, they are vexations to the spirit.” I hope I’ve made my point clear and have maybe presented some interesting points. I can’t wait to hear what some of the other on this site have to write.
-Bert

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Jonathon Jones

October 2, 2008

First of all, I think many Americans don’t know their left from their right anymore but instead are being tossed to and fro by any wind of doctrine or ideal that comes along. That’s why all the confusion. It is the tendency of man to assume everything is now as it always was without looking at history. This is why no other statement has recently shaped my thinking more than “There is a way that seems right to a man,but its end is the way to death.” which is repeated in the book of Proverbs.
I am in a place in my life where my responsibilities are increasing and I am forced to spend more time critically thinking through what I endorse (with my mouth and my actions), invest in (time, energy and money) and believe in. Some of the things I see going on around me can actually depress me into a state of apathy some days if I let it, if it is even possible to care so much that you stop caring.
If I could see a vision of some thing solving the problems of this country, I would sell out to it completely. I have a flame in me burning so hot over this stuff it will either consume me and eat me up inside or it will set a blaze on the solution that cannot be snuffed out.
I believe that America is moving consistently farther left because the core beliefs of the right are being diluted or compromised. Most men will say absolutely anything they think people want to hear to gain power and for the noncritical thinker it is enough to persuade them.
I also believe that the public school system has a lot to do with this as we hand over the job of raising our children to complete strangers under a system of teaching we don’t agree with to associate with people who we’d never allow in our house if we knew about them. Consider the following:
“To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.” – Thomas Jefferson
“Give me a child for ten years, and I will give you a communist for life.” – V. I. Lenin, commenting with satisfaction on the performance of the government schools in the Soviet Union
“A general state education is a mere contrivance for moulding people to be exactly like one another; and the mould in which it casts them is that which pleases the predominant power in the government, whether this be a monarch, a priesthood, an aristocracy, or the majority of the existing generation. In proportion as it is efficient, it establishes a despotism over the mind, leading by natural tendency to one over the body.” – John Stuart Mill
“The aim of public education is not to spread enlightenment at all: it is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed a standard citizenry, to put down dissent and originality.” – H. L. Mencken
And why not one more while we’re at it…
“My schooling not only failed to teach me what it professed to be teaching, but prevented me from being educated to an extent which infuriates me when I think of all I might have learned at home by myself.” – George Bernard Shaw

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Jennifer Bassett

October 2, 2008

Yes, our country is moving so far left and so quickly it’s really scary. We’ve got to hit the media war so heavy and get the right information out there. I also believe the christian community should be at the front of the pack getting into politics to make the changes we need. If we leave our country in the hands of the liberals and do nothing, then it’s our own fault and therefore we don’t have any right to complain about our politicans and where our society is heading.

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dean clouse

October 2, 2008

Liberals are very passionate about the government running the show. It’s hard for a conservative to show the same passion without sounding cold or uncaring. How else are they going to sound by saying “the government who has paid for everything has to get out of our lives”? Therefore it is easier to get people to follow a liberal who promises to do this, that and the other. Once people realize the difference and effectiveness of the liberals and conservatives, they tend to go conservative. However, many people don’t want to be educated, they just want their opinion heard. True conservatives have a hard time winning because they tend to tell people that the government is too big, therefore they must take care of themselves, and many conservatives don’t even sell the message as well as I just did, and I just did it poorly. But the main reason why the conservatives are not winning comes from the second half of a subtitle of a book by Bernard Goldberg–The Right Lost Their Spines. If no one is willing to stand up for what is right, then only the ones who stand for what is wrong will win. That is why, for the last five (now six) elections,we’ve had a liberal running against an ultra-liberal. When you get a liberal running against an ultra-liberal, the left side will win everytime. When the left side wins, well, take a look around politics and you can figure out what happens when the left wins. Everyone that I know that is right-of-center or, as in my case, right-of-right, is disgusted with this election and with the previous elections since Reagan had to hang up his hat. I’m not against the left running or even winning, but when we let them win(read that “give them”) the big elections by not even running our best against them, why should we be surprised? We need men of courage and character to reform the Republican party to what it should be–conservatives with a will to make this country great again. We don’t need another Reagan as president, although I would love to see it. We need the whole party to remember what their purpose of existence was, is, and is yet to be. To quote De Toqueville, “America is great because America is good. And when America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great”. The liberal party, by definition, will not allow us to be good because all good must flow through the government first. Government cannot be good because it is not a human with a heart. Conservatives are, by definition, good because all good must flow from individuals, from their own free will, from their time and money, from their heart and their passion to help the neighbor or friend in need. America cannot be good when the government forces us to do good. America can only be good when individuals such as us choose to do so. If De Toqueville is to be accurate about this country for much longer, we need the conservatives to win again. I want America to be great again, and for that to happen, we need more people to stand up and do much more good, and we need men to stand up and tell our government “NO MORE”! Government cannot do good with money for two reasons: first, they had to forcibly take the money, not earn it, and nothing good can come from stolen money, and second, the government is spending money they did not earn on things they will not use, therefore, to quote Bob McEwen, “they care neither about price nor quality”. We need someone to fix the Republican party and we need them to do it fast and furious.

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Rick

October 2, 2008

Chris-
That is a great question! Since taking the time to get into the living rooms around my community, I have noticed a serious distaste that people have for the direction this country seems to be going. I say ‘seems’ to be going in that ‘left’ direction because of the heavy left media. I understand that when the media outlets (newspapers, radio, tv, magazines, etc.) began they were owned by about 50 different companies and now they are all owned by 6 larger than life companies. So, when there are fat-cat owners of the media that have personal views and agendas, there is less chance of non-bias views and coverage. So, with stock piles of money in the hands of people that are self serving, (ie media ownership) it only makes sense why there is such a view of things moving in the wrong direction. Couple the problems we know are prevalent with the media with self serving elected officials and a population of people that want hand outs, this creates a tidal wave of socialistic movement.
Now, considering how the polls indicate the average person polling to the center or just right of center, indicates to me that this is a clear sign of a silent majority. It seems that this group of people do not know where to turn. Perhaps this is due to a lack of trust in the people that are suppose to be their voice in Washington or they simply don’t want to cause conflict by voicing out.
What ever the case may be, there has never been a more important time than now to follow in the footsteps of our founding fathers and put it all on the line to save this country from the impending results of Rome…. Utilizing the TEAM system is the front line of defense. To quote the Army slogan “an Army of one” can make a difference! I have great hope that the silent majority are just looking for a place to call home and surround themselves with like-minded people. Just hold onto your saddle, cause the TEAM is on its way!
Rick
PS Having reviewed the comments from the previous post, I too would stand in favor of a Woodward/Brady ticket any day!! That would definitely be the change that Washington needs! 2 MEN that would stand-up for truth and unwaivering principles!!

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Mark

October 2, 2008

Chris,
Yes, we are moving to the left as a county, despite the fact that most of America is still more right of center on the issues.
I believe that there are two main reasons for this development:
1) The mainstream media, including Hollywood, is relentless in their attacks on conservative ideas and values.
2) The educational system in the US is run by liberals.
Conservatives right now are sorely lacking a leader who can cut through the liberal clutter.
John McCain is an honorable man, but he does not articulate the merits of a conservative government well. I follow politics, but I can’t really tell you what bold steps he is proposing to right our country.
We need a clear VISION…we need a clear direction…we need LEADERSHIP.
Now, that said, I don’t think that we will find that leadership in Washington. I think we will find it in the homes across this great country.
It will have to be a bottom-up movement.

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Matt DeMinico

October 2, 2008

I’ll start with a question. What exactly is the GOP’s “message” that is being sold to the American people? I’m a conservative/libertarian, and despise what the Democratic party has become, but I can tell you right off the top of my head the exact message they’ve been preaching and have successfully sold the American public. I bet it coincides exactly with what you think their message is, namely “We’re for the little guy, we want to help out the poor and minorities who don’t have a fair chance, and Republicans are just for the rich, and big corporations”. Not that it’s true, but perception is reality in people’s minds.
It’s been sold to us very well for the last few decades, but it seems like the GOP doesn’t have a clear, consistent, easy to understand, and truthful message that we’re constantly telling the American public. I mean, if I went down the street and said “Republicans are trying to help out the poor by helping the entire country create opportunity”, people would roll their eyes or mock me.
It bugs me, because the more I see this election, it’s a High School popularity contest. Posters of Obama’s image plastered all over the place, ads with his mug on the internet, etc. It’s all really reminiscent of posters of Chairman Mao, Vladimir Lenin, Che Guevara, and other loonies in our world history.
It almost seems as if Obama has hired a very good advertising agency to sell himself, and he doesn’t have to sell his ideas. People just say “Oh, Obama, he knows what needs to happen to fix the economy…” then you ask them “Well, what exactly is he going to do?” and they have no clue. They’re voting for a figure, not a president. They want an image of a man to lead them, regardless of his policies.
I don’t know, it seems something different needs to be done, both short and long term. Pointing out the far left’s wrongdoings doesn’t seem to make a difference. As far as this election, so far, McCain has come out squeaky-clean relative to all the dirt on Obama (Bill Ayers, Reverend Wright, ties to blatantly Marxist organizations, his wife’s comment of “for the first time in my life I’m proud of this country”, etc…) Any single one of those would have successfully sent polls to a 30% / 60% split in Obama’s favor. But, the man has the American public in love with his image.
Long term though, conservatives really need to hire a professional advertising firm to produce a brand image, and start selling it, consistently, and in a well-organized manner. We all know what Republican principles are, why they’re great, and how they fall directly in line with how this country was created, but the average person doesn’t understand these principles, or even know them, and especially doesn’t know why they’re right.

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Jim Kloosterman

October 2, 2008

In my opinion it’s a tactic the liberals call “compromise”. It goes like this. Look why don’t you conservatives give in just a little and we can come to an agreement? So the conservative in good faith takes a step forward towards the “middle ground”. The liberal however takes a step backwards at the same time making it look like the conservative didn’t move. Then the liberal repeats the process which moves the “middle ground” further and further to the left. This is what happens when you have one side of an equation working in good faith but not the other. OK so now I have ticked off all the liberals but as Bob McEwen says “being a liberal means never having to say you are sorry”.

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kckarate

October 2, 2008

If you notice Chris, the Associated Press writes the content of the majority of local newspaper articles and TV news shows on the most common TV channels. And they can still barely get a 50/50 split with all their lefty propaganda. That means that really closer to 75% of people lean to the right. If we had as much air time as the AP; then we would be more like 90%. Let’s go big and buy them out.
Also the majority of movies and sitcoms pull people toward the negative by showing characters with hateful attitudes and more hateful attitudes. This constant negative education develops people’s thinking to ignore facts/principles and basically bounce from one extreme attitude and emotion to the next.
The good news is like the stories of Daniel and the three Hebrews. One Anointed Christian is far more powerful than hundreds of Liberals.

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Jean Albert Aucoin

October 3, 2008

I believe the US has been drifting to the left due to the “entitlement” mind-set that many Americans have taken on. Democrats have promised more government to rein-in the “greedy rich” who make more money & don’t pay their fair share of taxes (a myth promoting class warfare to elect more Democrats.) I believe the media, our education system thru the NEA, the union leadership, and unfortunately some “Christian” leaders in America have promoted this entitlement to the point that there’s not much drifting left required to institute socialism (kind of like welfare, health-care insurance required in Mass – a heavily Democratic state, and other “we’ll take care of you programs).
Surprisingly, most citizens don’t realize this drift to the left. They see it as the “government” looking out for the little guy.
We’re slowly letting our responsibility for our lives, families, and income opportunities be “govern” by Big Brother. The Democratic party would love to be our Big Brother. They’re just looking out for us <:) ……

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Miguel

October 3, 2008

Just wanted to share this with you all. It’s a great informative and factual video!

If it’s been removed just type this in youtubes search box; Burning Down The House: What Caused Our Economic Crisis?

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BCK

October 3, 2008

Isn’t this TEAM for everyone? I don’t have any problems with people discussing politics, however I feel that many TEAM members are pushing their (republican) opinions on me. Not necessarily the top leaders, but members of my TEAM and noted commenters on this blog. I am a democrat. I feel like an outsider in TEAM with regards to that. I love TEAM. But this is one area that makes me personally feel uneasy. Chris, I would like to hear from you on your thoughts on this. THANK YOU!

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Mark

October 3, 2008

A quick anecdote to confirm what some had mentioned before…that many people who vote for Democrats really don’t know why they are voting Democrat.
They don’t even know the difference between D’s and R’s when it comes to policies.
I’ve taught thousands of high school students over the years. Most of my students, including those in very poor-typically Democratic areas, are in fact conservative in their views.
Should a man be able to defend his family from an intruder by using a gun? My students almost always say yes!
If you win a million dollar lottery, would you want the check to be worth $800,000 or $500,000. My students ALL choose the $800,000 and they seem pretty angry that they have to pay taxes at all!!
These are just two issues…I can name many others.
Unfortunately, even though most of the answers to these questions are conservative, if you ask my kids who they are voting for, they say “Obama” or whoever else is the Democrat du jour.
They can’t tell you why…except to say that he cares for minorities…or he cares for the poor…some of my students can’t even articulate that message, a message that I strongly disagree with.
They have no idea what the Democrat stands for.
As for why these students don’t have a better understanding, consider that most school teachers are liberals…and MTV and Hollywood stars and most musicians are liberal too.
On a side note, I want to add that liberal policies continually fail, and to a liberal, the answer to the failed program, is more liberal programs and more money. It is a never ending, ever-growing vicious cycle.
Look at California. Liberal ideas are bankrupting the state. That means MORE people need help. That results in more government programs. That leads to higher taxes. That leads to more business and more rich people leaving. That leads to more poor people. And the cycle continues.

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Chris Brady

October 3, 2008

BCK:
Great questions. First of all, this is not a Team blog; it is my own personal blog, and there are hundreds of readers who are not affiliated with the Team at all. Secondly, I will never push my opinions on anyone, nor will any of the leaders affiliated with the Team. If they do, they are off track. I want the best America possible, but I don’t have all the answers. The comments on this blog teach me a lot. My question in this article revolves around the apparent difference between campaign positioning, and actual governance. It also gets to the question of just how far apart the two parties actually are. Many have charged that we essentially have a one party system that is moving together to the left. That is the focus of this posting, and the resulting comments from readers. Debate is a healthy field in which knowledge can grow, if both sides behave themselves and seek first to understand. All opinions are welcome here. However, there is only one truth. All of our debate and discussion should be in an effort to arrive at that truth, not convince others that we somehow have a lock on knowledge.

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Mark

October 3, 2008

A quick anecdote to confirm what some had mentioned before…that many people who vote for Democrats really don’t know why they are voting Democrat.
They don’t even know the difference between D’s and R’s when it comes to policies.
I’ve taught thousands of high school students over the years. Most of my students, including those in very poor-typically Democratic areas, are in fact conservative in their views.
Should a man be able to defend his family from an intruder by using a gun? My students almost always say yes!
If you win a million dollar lottery, would you want the check to be worth $800,000 or $500,000. My students ALL choose the $800,000 and they seem pretty angry that they have to pay taxes at all!!
These are just two issues…I can name many others.
Unfortunately, even though most of the answers to these questions are conservative, if you ask my kids who they are voting for, they say “Obama” or whoever else is the Democrat du jour.
They can’t tell you why…except to say that he cares for minorities…or he cares for the poor…some of my students can’t even articulate that message, a message that I strongly disagree with.
They have no idea what the Democrat stands for.
As for why these students don’t have a better understanding, consider that most school teachers are liberals…and MTV and Hollywood stars and most musicians are liberal too.
On a side note, I want to add that liberal policies continually fail, and to a liberal, the answer to the failed program, is more liberal programs and more money. It is a never ending, ever-growing vicious cycle.
Look at California. Liberal ideas are bankrupting the state. That means MORE people need help. That results in more government programs. That leads to higher taxes. That leads to more business and more rich people leaving. That leads to more poor people. And the cycle continues.

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ASD

October 3, 2008

One previous post mentioned that he was a democrat and most posts on this site seems to be Republican and he felt that the republicans were talking down to him. This is not a Democrat/Republican issue at all.
Since the Republic was created by the founding fathers history notes that certain foreign forces have been at play to undermine the constitution of the United States. From that time these powers have been successful in slowly but surely eroding the liberty granted to the people of the land by the Constitution.
They first took control of the financial system by illegally creating the Fed. They oppressed the people into accepting the Fed. by artificially creating the Depression. They continue to do this today through successive cycles of booms and recessions.
The Patriot Act effectively takes all of ones liberties away. Very few people realize this.
The “Bail Out” which just got passed effectively gives the Fed. and the executive branch all powers it needs to annex the coveted assets of financial institutions at artificially depressed prices. The Bail Out legislation wipes out a lot of wealth from the common man. And its passage also represents a step closer to loss of financial liberty.
Democrats and Republicans take their turns in office helping destroy the Republic created by the Founding Fathers. The Democrats and Republicans then blame each other. Meanwhile the controlling powers consolidate their power and continue to get their agenda promoted. It doesn’t matter to the Controlling powers who is in power. Their agenda goes forward because most Americans are asleep.
I was aghast to see some representative vote for the bail out bill despite the fact that 95% of their constituents called them /emailed them and asked them to vote NO. The representatives claimed that the common man did not understand the complexities of the issues involved and therefore they voted YES. When this is happening before your eyes does it really matter who you vote for? Democrat or Republican? Your vote does not really count? Does it? This is why America is constantly moving to the left. Even though America is a country where the average person polled is “center to right-of-center” the persons view are blatantly ignored by their representatives in government. And after the election the American people go back to sleep while all kinds of liberty-robbing, socialist legislation gets passed. The people wake up momentarily when artificially created crisis occur and wonder what is happening. They then go back to sleep again. The deadly cycle repeats itself.
In the last 18 months I am encouraged by the work of Ron Paul and his Campaign for Liberty. I am not an American citizen. However, I have a deep respect for the United States of America for the principles that the founding fathers stood for. They fought off the British tyrants. Since that time the tyrants have been reversing the gains of the founding fathers while we (Canada is no different) have been sleeping.
I believe that the USA WAS the ONLY free country in the world. The USA is now on the verge of being completely enslaved just like the rest of us.
This is not about money. The Fed. can print money at will. This is about control and slavery. They think they know what is best for us. They will stop at nothing to control the common man. They are successful because common man is lulled to sleep by entertainment, high taxes and debt. This is where the TEAM is waking up some segments of the population.
America, it is time to take a stand and prevent the slide into slavery. We are all watching because when America sneezes the rest of the world catches a cold.
Wake up brothers and sisters!
Who are the controlling powers you ask…. (to be continued).

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Kevin

October 5, 2008

Thanks for the post Chris. This is a very astute question and one I’ve wondered often, just in a somewhat different context. I think there is a parallel between lost values and moving left, and not knowing politics that well, I’ve better observations on this country’s value collapse instead. I honestly think much of is related simply to the liberal (non-political use of the term) use of sensationalism. This is a broad subject and argument, and one that I’m more of an observer than a student of, but sensationlism seems to me to be rampant in the media, and I mean in all kinds of media whether it’s a movie, a billboard, a magazine ad, or a primetime news segment. Just about everything you see or read one could argue is sensationlized to some extent. This can be graphical or rhetorical, and it simply is because it gets people’s attention, period. It SELLS. Now, I wager you could easily graph out parallels of the amount of sensationalism (if that can be measured) vs. the amount of media available. Now where am I going with this? Well in the past 10-15 years we’ve seen the ability of information (media) through technology (you seen the billboards that flip?) increase so immeasurably fast that we now have sensationlism on our cereal box and our Hallmark cards. Think about it! What is happening is we are so inundated by it that unless we voluntarily block it out by not going to that R-rated movie that is ALL the rage, or not subscribing to that 10 dollar a year pin-up magazine, or not getting caught up in propaganda (of any sort) because it’s sensational baby and because that comedian or that news host, or that actor is motivated and it just sounds right! Now, these examples are pieces of cake because it happens all the time. There are probably much better examples that demonstrate left-leaning-ness, but what I believe is happening with this country (and the world for that matter) is people’s inputs are unwittingly affected more and more by this sensationlism. Why this has affected our country’s move to the LEFT, I cannot say, but I thought I was about to. I’m sure there is a connection, and the victims are widespread, all the way to how this country is governed. People register generally more on the right/centric scale though because the short-term of sensationlized inputs hasn’t overcome the decades and decades of right-leaning values, and that’s why it’s preached during the campaign! It’s amazing really, and it’s all happening right under our noses.

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sue in kalamazoo

October 5, 2008

I believe it is as simple as- The further we move from God…away from our Judeo-Christian values…the further we move left.
I think that is why I find the TEAM “culture” of such great value and so compelling!
Keep up the great work and the great message!
May God continue to BLESS and LEAD this TEAM!

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Dave Nelson

October 6, 2008

It doesn’t matter. Republicans or Democrats. Left or right of the TRUTH will always be on the wrong side.
Let’s mix Politics with belief in Lord Jesus Christ. When the USA follows the Laws of the Living God, then everything is real good. When the USA turns it’s back on the Living God, times will be much more difficult. Seperating anything from GOD ( the Jewish one, the only one) is a mistake.
We know the US Government cannot buy its way out of this money thing. It’s doomed to failure. LBJ proved the Gov’t cannot cure poverty. The cure is in your head not your wallet.
Just like TEAM dont grow if you dont duplicate yourself, God’s plan for your life dont go anywhere if you dont find others who want to believe. It doesn’t stop at being “saved”.
The answer is to do what Orrin and Chris and TEAM have been telling you to do. Take responsibility for your actions. Start doing the things you know you should do. Obey Laws. Dont just listen to CD’s, take action, execute.
Do you want to be destroyed or have more abundant life?
Forget the people who know they are doing wrong and pretending everything will be okay. They will reap what they are sowing. It may look like they are winning, but the final judge has not presided over the case yet.
Does anyone else claim to be the Gatekeeper? Maybe it would be wise to make friends with him. We could be closer to finding out other things in the Bible becoming fact.

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Brent Campau

October 6, 2008

Oh come on Chris!!!….the comment posted by “sue in kalamazoo” on Oct. 5 basically said the same thing as my comment a few days ago about Satan leaving you alone when you do his work. She was perhaps a bit nicer and less offensive, but I am compelled here to file a discriminatory suit. Just kidding…you rock. Thanks for not posting my message. It just felt good to write it and get it off my chest. Kind of like that Abraham Lincoln lesson about writing that letter to the general and then destroying it…or something like that.

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Paul Windemuller

October 6, 2008

Chris,
I think every American should listen to a Cd that came through the TEAM system a while ago by Kirk Birtles “Adopt a No Entitlement Attitude” SOL 308. If people have this Cd listen to it and then pass it along to others!
God Bless America!!!

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ASD

October 6, 2008

In my post on Oct. 3rd I promised to shed some light on the powers that are really in control of the banking system and therefore the political system. Here it is. Please view the video at the following link and you will be amazed. This is just an introduction. I encourage you to do your own research and take appropriate action.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6507136891691870450

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Charlie

October 7, 2008

Chris,
WARNING: I AM A HIGH ‘D’ SO BE PREPARED!!!!!
America is moving left for one reason only: people are IGNORANT!! Sorry, but that is the way it is!! Let’s look at some facts to show people how ignorant they are if they vote in NOBama!
Fact: Obama doesn’t believe in wearing the American flag on his lapel. He was also preached and taught hate on the Western world in an islamic school. His father was an islamic extremist from Kenya.
Fact: Obama doesn’t put his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. Says, “He doesnt believe in it.”
Fact: Our media is liberal, so what kind of ideology is being fed to our brains?
Fact: Obama’s first finance campaign manager in Illinois was found guilty on 16 counts of corruption, which leads to….
Fact: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac contributed to Obama’s campaign more than ANY other politician, not just presidential candidate. Isn’t that one of the top causes of the financial crisis? HUH?!
Fact: Obama had to return $33,000 dollars back to Palestinians, you know, the guys who hate Isreal, the land where Jesus came from! Shows he doesn’t hold Christian values…Islamic ringing in your ear now.
Fact: Obama will not disclose where he recieved over $200 million for his campaign. Why?
Fact: Sarah Palin’s 17 year old daughter is pregnant. Obama’s campaign has been drilling that as bad parenting. Obama’s mom was the same age when she had him!!
Now since the mainstream media is liberal, you don’t hear this stuff! Obama preaches change, he is absolutely right he will be the best candidate for change because that’s all you will have in your pockets when he is done with you.
There is some info that should show why the left is wrong, and the right is right! Don’t let the media educate us, do it on your own. Research isn’t biased, the media will be.
Check out this site to see something scary about Obama:
http://www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=2036
May God Bless America, and May God Help us if we vote in the wrong person. Sorry to be so straight forward, but our lives have never been in more jeopardy than they are now.
God Bless,
Charlie

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Michael Malone

October 7, 2008

Well, I’m of the belief of some of the other comments I’ve seen below. We are a society of too many “followers” and not enough “Leaders.”
In today’s society, we are comsumed by media (which we use to our advantage too). We are bombareded with images from the media, statements from “celebrities,” and internet blogs.
Far too often we see these “celebrities” interviewed on our favorite celebrity news tv show or internet blog. Well if my favorite celebrity says “this or that” then they must be right!! Right??????
There are too many followers of the media and celebrity icon that there is not enough leaders to pull them the other way.
I think we will be headed down the “left” path until something drastic happens that makes us decide that it’s time for another change.

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Lynda Varada

October 11, 2008

It’s been a slow fade to the left because people no longer seek to govern themselves. They don’t look inside and in their community relationships to solve their problems, they look to something bigger and in exchange they give up their freedom little by little. It takes guts and courage to be a free people and it’s a daily thing. If we are not willing to govern ourselves, our children and our communities then who are we to complain about the State of the Union? How many among us know the names and backgrounds of the people running our cities and districts or even our state? My point exactly. Now that America is no longer considered a Christian country, but a post modern one, the divide is easily seen. Those who would look at politicians and issues through the lens of Scripture will see a totally different picture than those who wish not to conform to any other god than the god that they fashion. Proposition 8 stands on the California ballot and it is trailing in the polls. This is a very significant piece of legislation. We californians have already voted a super-law (prop 61) to define marriage as between a man and a woman and our courts have overturned that. Now, if prop 8 does not pass, churches that refuse to wed same-sex couples will be sued and most likely lose their tax-exempt status. There is already one church in socal that is in this very predicament. Most churches do not have the resources to go through legal battles and if they lose their tax-exempt status they won’t be able to keep their doors open. This is serious folks. Whoever wins the White House is an afterpoint. What about what your local school board is voting on to teach in your classroom to your child this year? If we want to push against the trend we will have to stand up to the pressure in our communities and govern ourselves first. Share the TEAM message with everyone! People who do not want to be involved in our business can still subscribe to LLR.

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Dave Nelson

October 15, 2008

Hi Chris,
In the words of Robert Kiyosaki “you can’t do that”. I believe many people have it in their minds that most solutions to their problems are just not possible. The only solution, in their minds, is working more hours, and they know it will not solve their problem.
We have a one party election system and both candidates are in the same party. It’s the party of industrialization. Bush, Obama, and Mclain all provide solutions in an industrialization mind frame.
More jobs.
We have a two party economic system. One party is the people who believe in jobs and working by the hour. They are the ones who are poor,broke,in debt, like paying taxes, who take no responsibility for their situation.
The other party believes in the new ideas on business ownership, responsibility, performance, leadership, group building, success thinking, and they are working and living on thought processes. They are creating the “rich” class but not in the sense of industrialization or a job.
Would it be safe to say that everything outside your reality is imaginary to you. To the JOB person, Team and Monavie, are imaginary. They are outside the beliefs of the poor Job person. It must be illegal or everyone would be doing it. They dont realize it takes learning and performance. We cant confuse hard work (industry-job) with learning and performance ( believers, thinking, taking action ).

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