BRAVO!

Without the 2nd Amendment, we have no guaranteed rights.

AMEN, Mark, AMEN.

The Brushfires of Freedom, 9/2/10: This piece is brilliant in it's simple and accurate assessment of what's wrong with this still great country.

Thank you Mark for putting it into words. When Reagan was in office, I was in college, and accepted the idea that he was a cardboard cut out of a man, filling a TV spot for the real power behind him. An actor, and a cowboy, as the leftist media both here and in Europe called him. When I grew older (and grew up) and read the prolific writings this man produced, espousing his simple and clear opinions, based on his life's experience and his innate intelligence to truly see what was going on (and had gone on countless times before, all with varying degrees of the same negative results), it was sobering to realize the level of the charade that is presented by liberals to fool young and old alike - myself included.

Thank you Mark, for putting it "on paper", again and again, for all to see.

Alex in NJ

George Washington is quoted as having stated:"Firearms are the peoples' liberty's teeth." How much more plain can one get?

When the conservatives take back control of congress, we must severity cut back the power of the federal government. Some agencies should be eliminated entirely.

Two things occur to me: First, perhaps in death you were able to chat with the founders, and thus communicate that conversation to Gerson? Just saying, it may be a possibility.

Second, there is solid evidence that Republicans who have lost their way will be thrown out. The exception is John McCain, who is held in disdain by most movement conservatives.

Today it seems that the Tea Party will not institutionalize, as the 8/28 rally suggests. It'll be up to individual patriots to make sure that is the case.

Excellent post.

Thank you for your steadfast example and inspiration! All those "Sunshine Patriots" out there should take heart and make every effort to get the vote out come November. Remember folks, "you get what you settle for..."

Probably the best put together essay of what's gone on and what's going on in America today that I can remember, anytime or anyplace. No ranting or raving, just plain common sense and history.

Ronald Reagan was the only president that I ever voted FOR. By that, I mean I voted for the man, not for the lesser of two evils. I thought W would be more like him. I suppose the alluring song of spending all that money that bites so many Washington types must have become to much for him.

Mr. Reagan would spend money when he had to, as in rebuilding our military back from the sorry state it had fallen into. But his answer to budget shortfalls was "don't spend what ain't yours", unlike our current crop of politicos on both sides of the aisle.

I foresee a new political designation arising. Not Democrat, not Republican, but Conservative, owing allegiance to neither party, but to a principle of conservatism and the Constitutional foundation of this country. Let us all work for and pray for that arising.

Thank you for reminding us why Lincoln called it a government, "By the people for the people of the people," and why limited government is the only way to live.

Marc,

Brilliant article. Goes directly to the heart of the matter.

RE: Michael Gerson,

I believe Michael to be a conservative in thought and philosophy. However, I also believe that Michael is similar to those Republicans that can 'talk-the-talk' but not 'walk-the-walk.' Perhaps he has spent too many years involved in the machinations of the government (as one of Reagan's speach writers) and he is now afraid to rock the boat. The are plenty of Republicans like that in government today that simply want to return to control and then fail to provide the rescue promised.

Those Republicans are (just naming a few): McCain, Mitchell, Boehner, Michael Steele @ the RNC, Kasich (governor of Ohio candidate), Romney, Gingrich and many others. These people are simply afraid to make any serious changes to the status quo. They have been there too long; and, that is the problem.

Then there are the 3 senators from New England - Snowe, Brown and Collins. Even calling them RINOs is being charitable. They must go; especially Brown (I know, not for nearly six years). He hasn't been in office for a year and he is already cutting deals with the progressives.

While our current situation is NOT exactly the same as 1776; our freedoms are in jeopardy. Changes must be made; serious changes to the entire governmental structure. Otherwise, Mr. Jefferson's comment about the "blood of patriots and tyrants" being shed may become a necessity.

Duke

Excellent analysis and recap. Now, let's git'r done!

Dick Reddick,

another Californian still hanging on!

AMEN on your wonderful essay Mark. I too believe we need men and women of conviction to stand shoulder to shoulder if need be to take back our country. I agree with only one statement from Obama, what we do now is not for this generation but the generations to come. I am willing if need be as with our Founding Father's, for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence I mutually pledge to all who would stand with me my life, my fortune, and my Sacred Honor!! May God richly bless you and as always, God Bless America!

Having lived through the 1992 election cycle that produced Bill Clinton as president I am compelled to comment on your statement that "(Bush 41) could not match wits with Clinton." I think you have forgotten about the independant candidate Ross Perot that garnered more than his share of the republican and independant vote leaving the little known Arkansas governor to take the presidency. I think if Ross Perot would have forgone his political career (which he did after Clinton was elected) the outcome of the 1992 election would have been far different as would our life in America now. Please keep up your good work.

The Brush Fires of Freedom essay is a very great piece of work! It is an example or why I take the time to read The Patriot Post. Establishment Republicans are no different from Democrats in their elitism and lack of respect for the constitution and disdain for liberty. In light of some of the recent political decisions of National Rifle Association I am beginning to wonder if it is not leaning toward this same attitude.

Samuel Adams' quote referring to an irate, tireless minority is true, and we are alive and well in this country! However, we must never forget that progressives also see themselves as an irate, tireless minority hell-bent on advancing their agenda.

What separates us from them is First Principles vs Alinsky's Rules for Radicals, which states, in part, that organizers 'do not have a fixed truth -- truth to him is relative and changing; everything to him is relative and changing'. Whoa! Still gives me chills!

NEVER forget that it is not right vs left, it will always be Right vs Wrong.

Your posting, Brushfires of Freedom, brings encouragement beyond description.

My 11 year old grandson loves to read. Do you believe that "The Real Benjamin Franklin/Washington" books would appeal to his age group?

Thank you very much,

Julia Berry in Dallas, TX

"In the run-up to the 2000 election, conservatives had made progress toward restoring the Reagan legacy. Despite this, establishment Republicans still held sway within the Party, and by the end of Clinton's reign, they had allocated more attention to his extra-marital debauchery than the agenda advanced by conservatives. In doing so, they lost their focus and almost lost the 2000 presidential election to Clinton's lapdog, Albert Arnold Gore. Fortunately for our nation, Gore could never muster Clinton's alpha-dog hubris and gravitas."

I want to thank Divine Providence for keeping US from "the worst". As Job said, "...and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth." Job 19:20

And as Abraham Lincoln said, "....testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated; can long endure." We were brought forth by Divine Providence and we have been rescued by Divine Providence and that is Almighty God, the God of Fathers, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. We better get back to the Apostles' Creed:

The Holy Trinity

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth

And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN

This is the "Creed" that built America, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. To God be the Glory.

For God & Country

The American

Your refreshing, steady and vigilant writing is always dead on. You, Rush, Sean, Mark L and others are honorable patriots with whom I am proud to serve in these trenches of our re emerging republic.

God bless you, Mark. I pray for you daily. I look forward to shaking your hand some day and hope to live across the street from you in Glory.

Illinois voter. Live Right-- Vote Right

(We didn't send little Barry to Washington; we expelled him from Illinois. Sorry about that America. He had to be flushed somewhere. Who knew that "shtuff" flows uphill?)

Joseph, unfortunately, Lincoln was a tyrannt who suspended habeas corpus and due process of law. He spoke a good game, but his actions were less than Constitutional.

Simply perfect. I have never seen a better sumation of the problems respecting the Republican party. Members of the Swamp had better unplug their ears.

Excellent article on 'The Brushfires of Freedom'. I have just one comment that may or may not be in agreement with what you're saying (as I would be assuming some things that may or may not be true) but definitely is something that the Tea Party Movement, I think, needs to consider.

You can't have socially liberal (socialist) programs and be fiscally conservative (fiscal responsibility) at the same time. It is impossible as socially liberal programs feed off of false compassion and are designed to look as though they are making a positive difference, and may do so in the short term, but always and ultimately drain and destroy so that the system (govt) can continue to grow which will require fiscal spending (more of our tax dollars)! I understand that you can reduce programs and be fiscally responsible but unless you truly remove socially liberal programs they will eventually consume us (fiscally and otherwise) as that is their ultimate purpose!

This is certainly the ploy of most establishment Republicans (socialists at heart but cover it by claiming fiscal responsiblity or conservatism but have found it impossible to really accomplish based on statement above).

Thanks for all you do and God bless in Christ!

Greg Williams

Mark, you've recapped the last 25 years of our nation's ups and downs beautifully. And you have identified why we Americans, when faced with a choice of bad and worse in an election cycle sometimes choose worse. You have skillfully Identified the enemies of liberty as the Progressive Democrats and the Establishment Republicans, who have worked hand in hand to rob Americans of their freedoms and fortunes. We must preserve our constitutional rights, especially our second amendment rights, or these forces of enslavement will pile more chains upon us. Thanks for the clear and insightful post.

Bravo! Let the last paragraph be a warning to RINOs everywhere.

Hi Mark; one of your best; thank you.

As I keep saying, I am very concerned about the upcoming election. Most current Republicans are just like the Democrats - Big Govt, Liars, Back Room Deal-Makers, Rino, non-Constitutional... no matter what they say. My main concern is that we now have multiple splinter groups under the name of "Conservative" which will break the conservative vote... No one is coordinating the conservative vote, therefore, I'm afraid, re-electing the Socialist Democrats. The Republicans have not come out with a Platform... why? Because they are still playing middle-of-the-road for political/election purposes.

The platform should state the Constitutional principles, and the steps that they will take to reduce government and restore our freedoms. They should list the steps for taking back the past 70+ years of socialist, politically correct, and freedom-give-away by both parties. The list is a long one, and they should start with basic principles.... Do you think anyone in the Republican party will do this?

Finally, why is this potus, cabinet, czars, non-constitutional congress members, and supreme court justices - NOT - being impeached (at the least), or brought up on charges of Treason - enemies of the US Domestic?? Look up the Webster's definition of "domestic" and "enemy", and you will have ample basis for Treason.

Conservative Election Coordination is needed, but not happening by anyone !!!

Thanks for listening... John.

Once again Mark Alexander articulates the words I struggle to form. He commits to words what we have experienced but haven’t been able to cleanly and concisely put on paper.

As Joe Friday would have said “All we want are the facts Ma’am” and as Mark Alexander writes all we get are the facts.

Thanks Mark.

Great. There isn't a better word to describe your essay. Thank you. I guess I was a tea partier before I even heard of Obama or the current Tea Party group "Throw all the bums out" isn't anything new, but it is the only way the political class will ever change. We do not have a representative form of government anymore, but we must work to restore it before it is too late.

Mark Alexander's essay BRUSHFIRES OF FREEDOM as well as other essays I read today are so spot on that my heart rejoices at the good sense God has given these authors. Thank God for the Patriot Post and the ongoing pursuit to reverse the decline of freedom envisioned by America's founders.

God Bless America

God Bless our fighting men and women

This was an outstanding article and very well written. As a military veteran (22 years Air Force) I firmly believe our military men and women have been harshly and unfairly exploited by the Obama administration for nothing more tha gaining political points with the anti-war left wing liberal base. Mr. Obama'speech several nights ago where he spoke for a few short minutes about the "end" of the Iraq war effort was a distinct slap in the face to our military. No mention was made of those who gave their lives for our country nor was there even a mention of the outstanding job our military had done while this war effort was going on. Those who gave their lives seem to have died in vain if you listen to anything Mr. Obama says. It is so sad that our country, which I sincerly love, is being forcibly dragged into a muddy ditch full of stagnat, putrid waste at the hands of this administration. I pray that in Novemeber we can begin the recovery and in 2012 we can complete the process.

Carry on Tea Partiers, at the very least until we remove the communist(s), in November 2010 & 2012.

If only the tea party's influence could assist in removing those entrenched socialists too (i.e., Pelosi, Frank, et. al).

Hopefully this will be an on-going political movement to move our country significantly in the "right" direction.

thank you for the truly inspiring essay. It is good to know the light I see at the end of the tunnel is not a train but a brushfire of freedom.

Thank you Mark, I am proud to have lived in Minnesota and voted for Ronald Reagan for President twice. We need that kind of leadership again and I have been waiting for years to see it. This could be the time. Thanks for your essay.

Very well written and all true but when do we get to the heart of the problems where it involves our Politicians?

Every President since the Kennedy Assassination other than RR was a plant. I think Reagan was too popular to keep out, but he sure did not accomplish what he would like to have accomplished during his presidency.

We only have to look at the history of International Banking as it has reflected on our Government since before the revolution to know that we have been under attack (our US Constitution and our Sovereignty).

It matters not who the trigger people were in the assassinations of FOUR US PRESIDENTS. The only question that needs to be answered is WHY?

The answer, I am sure you realize is One World Government and the Greed of the Bankers who seek total control.

I am sure you can not articulate these matters in the public press because of the world we live in, but I can and do.

Kennedy's death certificate was Executive Order 11110

Lincoln's death certificate was in the Printing of $450 million Green Backs to pay for the Civil War, after refusing to do business with the International Bankers. (The Rothschild's)

As for Garfield and McKinley, we know they were staunch backers of the Gold Standard.

What was it that Garfield said, "Whoever controls the money of a nation controls that nation!"

What was it in the Times of London in 1862 where Rothschild stated, "That government must be destroyed or it will destroy every monarchy on the globe."

and in 1876 the German Chancellor in one of his statements about Lincoln, "The death of Lincoln was resolved upon!"

All the statement by Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln and others against the evils of the Banking Establishment led up to the 1905 Bank Failure and the 1913 passing of the Federal Plans in preparation for Woodrow Wilson's signing of the 16th Amendment.

We have watch our politicians become more and more arrogant as our country has been downgraded to a third world based on nothing more than poverty; i.e. foreclosures, bankruptcies, low paying jobs, high taxes and big, abusive government. Are we no better today than Rome:

"The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance." ~~Cicero - 55 BC

History! Is it important? Does it say anything about the human race; i.e. where we have been, where we are and where we are going?

It is amazing how little most know or understand today and it seems times have not changed since Thomas Jefferson; i.e. "My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of and which no other people on earth enjoy!

Yes, we are powerful in our opportunities but poor in our adventures spirit.

Capitalism is the most powerful weapon when used properly against the tyranny of the Bankers and / or irresponsible government.

US Army (Retired), Vietnam Veteran

Oath Keeper

New Gingrich IS an Establishment Republican!

Some of us are old enough to remember Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America" that produced huge Republican victories in both houses of Congress back in 1994. However, what did that "Conservative Revolution" (as it was called then) actually produce? The answer: NOTHING! Newt's promise of smaller government was immediately forgotten. Instead, Gingrich, along with Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, facilitated and helped orchestrate further expansion of the federal government. The "less government" theme that swept house freshmen such as Joe Scarborough, Steve Largent, Sonny Bono, Bob Barr, Helen Chenoweth, John Shadegg, and J.C. Watts into Congress quickly evaporated and this new neocon Republican Party was born.

Mark it down, if Newt Gingrich is the Republican Party's Presidential nominee in 2012, he will do to whatever grassroots conservative momentum is brought about by this year's congressional victories what he did to the "Conservative Revolution" in 1994: DESTROY IT!

http://chuckbaldwinlive.com/home/?p=1997

Samuel Adams said it right. ..."It does not take a majority to prevail...but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men...If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly unpon you, and may posterity forget that ye were out countrymen!" Even today this is true. Those in Power should remember how they got were they are in Government and the Liberty today was founded by the blood of patriots and tyrants of yesterday... and those of today... only time will tell... God Bless All,

Once again Mark Alexander exhibits the skill and courage to speak the truth. It is not un-American as a last resort to refresh the tree of liberty with the blood of patriots and tyrants. In fact this is precisely how our nation came into being and indeed it is the ultimate obligation of those who stand with the founding principles.

He is also right in his assertion that there is much more work to be done beyond the next two election cycles.

Over a period of decades a committed minority of "progressives" have seized control of virtually every one of our nation's institutions that are most influential in the formation of public opinion and policy - namely the education system, the mainstream media, the entertainment industry and the judiciary. Not until the values and the will of the people are once again respected and revered in these quarters will our work be done.

I beg to differ on your comment about the contract with America: "That majority managed, under the leadership of Newt Gingrich, to fulfill almost all the conservative commitments outlined in its Contract with America." The Republican leadership has consistently avoided making the tough decisions. The tea party exists in part because the GOP has dropped, and continues to drop the ball.

To Alexander the Great, I look forward to your ability to share what goes on inside and outside the beltway with the world through a Patriot's mind each week with brilliance, enlightenment, and jest; the Post, as a whole and within each vignette, confirms the bounty from which this nation was founded -- without such daily restoration, I dare say how are world in little old America could ever survive. Glenn Beck's rally, like the Post, confirms every man and one man can affect change. Here's to changing "the man" in 2012 and may we forever recognize our own transgressions.

That was absolutely brilliant.

Congratulations

I'm sending it to all my friends.

Well said, Mark. However, unlike the Carter years when we had Reagan waiting in the wings, we now find ourselves with no charismatic conservative champion, only the likes of Gingrich and Palin; political hacks more concerned with restoring power to the Republican Party than restoring Constitutional Law to the nation. I'm afraid I don't see anything to indicate that the Republicans will do anything to correct the unconstitutional errors of the past once they are back in office. I expect them to merely offer us their own version of nanny-statism. But of course it would be foolish for conservatives to abandon the Republican Party and start a new party! That would be far too much like real hope and real change! So let's just keep switching back and forth between the Democrats and Republicans every 4 to 8 years, thereby confirming Einstein's statement that "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Love your concise and insightful arguments. However, who are the candidates to be the next Ronald Reagan? As a resident of Massachusetts I admired and supported Gov Mitt Romney but he is NOT a conservative...not even close. He gave us mandated universal healthcare BEFORE Obama! As much as I believe in Sarah Palin the mainstream press will keep her from getting a majority of the vote in 2012. What is a conservative to do? We need a viable candidate to support.

Well done, Mark. We have much work to do, however:

Romans 5:3 - .....we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

This essay should be published in every newspaper in America - reprinted in every news magazine. Thank you so much for writing what is in the hearts of so many conservatives.

Great article Mark. We are poised to take over the House and possibly the Sentate in November. However, where is the truly viable candidate for President? Dole was a mistake; McCain was a joke. Who do we have out there that is not an old dog Republican who understands the Constitution and free market principles? Where, and who, is the next Ronald Reagan?

On Mark's essay on "the Brushfires of Freedom". If it takes the death of the Republican party in its current body, let it be. Let it be resurrected as something new, something built upon liberty and the essentials of a pure constitutional republic. Republicans of little faith in constitutional rule are not purveyors of liberty, but are lapdogs to progressivism. Change we must, or die.

Excellent article! The next Presidential candidate: Newt Gingrich

I am not a political person and i don't fully understand this division of left wing or right wing or conservative and progressives but i do know one thing and that is this, "I am an American." It should be as simple as that. I do not hear that spoken out loud anymore and it is sad. I also know what is right and what is wrong and i see a lot of wrong in the government today. The US Government is supposed to be there to serve the people and not the members of the government only. i have seen where they voted raises for themselves and have taken monies from programs that are in dire need of funds. I agree with the proposed amendment that says "members of congress cannot and will not vote on laws and issues that do not pertain to them also". i do not remember the wording as i saw it but the message was clear the laws in our government should be followed by the law-makers even more than by the little man because they voted the law into being. i also believe that laws are there for "everyone" and not for the chosen few. This is not the logical or American way as i see it. there are a lot of different things i can bring up but they were not covered in this post, so i will refrain from talking about them. i do know when someone is in trouble. This country is in trouble and it is coming from within. Too much politics and not enough getting the job done for and by the American people. Lets make the changes to where the government is working for us and not against us like it is supposed to be. We have too much government and we are losing too many liberties as a result.

Remember President John F. Kennedy's words, Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country....

I doubt there was anyone other than President Roosevelt was so great as president Kennedy was & not only he but also his brothers Late, Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy helped make this country what it is today..."Camelot" ended so tragically that it's never been the same since...

I hope & pray that our country remains & continues to be the top country in the world as far as Medical & Industrial technology...To have peace on earth is to begin with everyone at home enhancing freedom that our forefathers fought to establish freedom of religion, freedom of speech and etc that's outlined in our Constitution that made our country what it is today...God Bless America, my home sweet home!

Amen, Amen Mr. Alexander. Let's hope for another Regan to arise soon to challenge BHO!

Bravo! Well stated! Wish to Heaven that there were more of us in this great country. We must take our land back from the spoilers, whatever the cost. If not, the best human experiment ever undertaken will verily be given to the undertakers.

Congratulations to Mr Alexander. You have written the words explaining my feelings of over four decades. If it ever became necessary, and I pray it doesn't, I will dig out an old pair of jungle fatigues, don them, grab my AR-15 and once again defend our freedoms up to and including my death. Thank you Mr Alexander for your eloquence.

Take yourself back in time. We know who wrote the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, but who were they written for? How were they written? My answers: these documents were written for the common man in common language to be easily understood. That common language has withstood the test of time until recently. We may have strayed from them in recent times, but today their words still light fire in the belly to remind us this nation is unique in world history. I am reminded of Captain Parker's words at the Lexington Green many years ago: "Stand your ground. Do not fire unless fired upon...but if they mean to have war, let it begin here." The war has begun.

This is an excellent commentary, one that should be read by everyone who professes to be a conservative or Republican. Then they should accept and put into practice what they just read.

I do not believe in the law of

hate. I believe in the law of

love.....I would like to see

a time when man loves his fellow

man and will forget his color or

his creed.----Clarence Darrow

(1857-1938)

Bravo, sir. Remember that it's not about Republican or Democrat--it's about right versus wrong, freedom versus servitude, liberty versus progressivism.

Us Liberty Loving, Constitutional Conservatives must not loose our way ever again. We, nor our children can afford to slide any further down the slippery slope to socialism as has been happening slowly and inexorably since the 1930's. Much of this has happened under the guise of a "conservative congress" which was nothing more than wolves in sheep's clothing, As you so aptly point out the Tea Party has the advantage of influence via the timeless principles of true liberty and should remain outside of the "establishment" parties. Political parties wax and wane, but truth will prevail if we do not relinquish our responsibility and begin reclaiming our surrendered ground. Thank you for standing firm,I'm with you!

mark,

I, too, am concerned that the establishment Republicans are not hearing the message, or they are hearing it, but choosing to ignore it. One of my sincere concerns is the recent remark made by former Sen. Trent Lott(paraphrasing)"We don't need any of the Jim Demint Tea Party conservatives; if they come up here, we will just "co-opt them". That is a frightening prospect.

Mark,

Great article; The Brushfires of Freedom. Would you, for the sake of your readers clarification and near future reference, print the names of those "establishment Republicans"? P.S. the Sam Adams quote "If ye love wealth..." I love it. For years I have had it taped over my computer.

Dear Mark,

Today being my birthday I was most happy to read this article. To keep my remarks in check and simple I do declare to you, sir, "Well written." I concede graciously to all that your might pen has written on your behalf for all of us. "Well Done, sir."

Well said, Sir! I will pray that every RINO reads, and possibly heeds, the comments. These 'moderates', naming themselves Republican, are not. They are RINO. And should not be on a Republican ballot. There should be no such term as 'moderate' to excuse the misfeasance that these RINO types excuse their mischief in the government.

Senator McCain is a prime example. I pray he has had a vision, seen the light, and continues on a path of the true Republican. Let us pray. Thank you.

I know that God will raise up the right man to lead us out of this mess.

My mind kept spinning after reading this article. Such a brief recap of the Republican party in the last few years is important for us now. We won't know where we are going if we don't know where we have been. Thank you for such a timely piece so well written.

WOW.........this was absolutely inspired! Well said, Mr. Alexander. Well said. I must agree with you that it is quite difficult to tell where one party ends and another begins at times. How I long for the GOP to be polar-opposite of the Democrats. How wonderful it would be to see them grow a spine, bow their backs and come out swinging for a change. I'm tired of GOP whimps and their martyer syndrome. My challenge to the Republicans would be to bring on some REAL men (and women) that we can get behind and support 100%. Allow your strong conservative leaders to step forward and represent the morals and values that the GOP used to stand for. Insist those who are RINOs step back (or retire!); do not give them a voice. Purify the party and unite all of us who hold patriotism above politics, love of country above lust for power.

Reply to Jim H.

You were critical of Ronald Reagan and G.W. Bush, listing a few bullet points, chiefly citing increased spending and government growth under their respective watches. Mark Alexander replied that that was due to "arguably the result of budgets set by Democrat congressional majorities".

Whether you are correct or Mark is, you are to be commended for lambasting government spending. On that I think we should all agree. Hence, if the biggest issue of our time is out of control government spending, then if you are true to yourself, Obama and the current crop of Democrats should be giving you chronic heartburn.

I think we should concentrate on the here and now. Obama and the Democrats have increased the national debt as a percentage of GDP in Obama's short 1.5 years, 40 times faster on average, than all other presidents and congresses in the 60 years since 1948, after the economy settled down from wartime chaos. This is a dismal record which they've accomplished by ramping up spending, creating more debt, AND stifling economic activity via the panic they're creating with all their spending, increased regulations, and looming tax increases. This in turn has reduced GDP which pushes the debt ratio higher and reflects in further trade imbalances.

A recent Time magazine (not sure which month) contained a glowing report of all the wonderful initiatives by Obama and the Democrats. And I must admit that some of them do sound good. The article stayed glowing all the way. There was no downside mentioned. But in reality, there is, if you think beyond the story. Obama and the Democrats are mortgaging the country. They are making government regulations to build infrastructure and policy to meet the needs of a robust American economy that doesn't exist. They are essentially borrowing and spending money on all the materials needed to make widgets, in an economy so depressed that no one is buying widgets. You cannot increase sales of a product or service by ramping up your overhead to make more of your product or service, in an economy where no one is buying hardly anything! yet this is essentially what they're trying to do instead of allowing private sector demand to incrementally push development to achieve respective incremental efficiencies and economic growth. And the sinister, very dirty little secret, is that they're guaranteeing failure with all the advanced government spending. The debt will weigh down the economy like an anchor and the economy will not grow. We'll end up in debt up to our eyeballs for the expense of building a road, but we'll never have the money to buy a car!

Yes, agreed, 100%. But.....where is the Reagan of 2012? Not any of the current group of wannabe's or any of the rejects of 2008. Not Sara Palin, bless her heart, although she could certainly provide spark on the campaign trail. Newt? Too polarizing. Haley Barbour, and I really like the guy, no because, unfortunately, being from Mississippi would kill him. So who? Who can lead us, provide the believable message, inspire the nation and then not become a Rino? He, or she, is out there, but they had better come forward right damn now!

Bravo!

Mr. Alexander, you have succinctly stated why I have remained an independent and not joined a political party. Like others have stated, President Reagan was the only President I voted for. Will Rogers wasn't joking when he said most Americans only vote "against". And Ann Coulter wasn't joking, either, last night when she warned against getting hopes to high, and not underestimate the ability of the GOP pooh-bahs to blow this golden opportunity to turn back the anti-Constitutional, big Government tide. It only took George H.W. Bush one term to undo much of what Reagan accomplished in these areas.

I am a veteran, a conservative, and a Patriot. I haved lived as an ex-patriate in Germany and seen the effects of the socialist health-care system and the apartheid guest-worker program. If the GOP returns to the Reagan, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, & Henry principles, I might consider joining them, and perhaps contributing funds. As of present, my motto is, "Don't give money to politicians, it only encourages them." As long as the GOP powers continue to support establishment candidates, e.g. Murkowski, Snowe, Collins, over true conservatives, they betray their core principles, which is to maintain a power base, rather than represent We, the People. That should have been the lesson of the 2006 mid-term election; instead, we get John McCain. Keep showing us candidates who run on "reaching across the aisle" and we'll keep showing you the door. What do you gain when you compromise with the evils of statism? I certainly wouldn't call it liberty, and I hardly call it prinicipled.

Show us the leadership, integrity, and Constitutional priniciples, and the support will be forthcoming.

I recently made a pilgrimage to Boston, Lexington, and Concord. We should never forget the reason that Paul Revere and William Dawes undertook their rides. To warn the populace that "the Redcoats are coming" to confiscate the arms and ammunition from the citizenry in Lexington and Concord. The British regulars were coming to take away the guns. We pray that it might not come to it, but I fear we may soon have another "shot heard 'round the world".

@Harry, you don't need a Ouija board or a seance to read the clear text of the Declaration of Independence: "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

The Founders pledged their Lives, Fortunes, and Sacred Honor to their understood DUTY to throw off a tyrannical government. Lexington and Concord were in April 1775, the Declaration not until July 1776. The Founders said what they meant, and they meant what they said. Would that Providence provide us with such men again at these troubling times.

Mark, you nailed The Brushfires of Freedom. I am so glad that you and others have the ability to so forcefully and gracefully articulate First Principles. We are facing one of the most important elections of our lifetimes right now, one in which we will begin to take back our country. These next two years will be crucial in building the case for restoring Federal constitutional government, AND in emerging the next generation of conservative leadership. The core is there - Paul Ryan, Michelle Bachman, Eric Cantor, Sarah Palin, Jim DeMint, Tim Pawlenty, there are others. We have to nurture conservative purity and drive out RINOs. No more moderate, "electable" candidates. Purity in principles, purity in message, consistency in actions. God help us.

Allow me to comment on an item that has gained substantial popularity in it's transformatiom into a rather homogenized, peace loving protest symbol. The "Gadsden" flag, that yellow banner with the coiled rattler proclaiming "don't tread on me" began it's life as a militia flag during the revolutionary war. The patriots that fought under it were not members of the continental army but the militia. They were the militia regarded as necessary to the security of a free state in the subordinate clause of the second amendment. I think it's worth mentioning that when we fly the Gadsden we should understand, that from a historical perspective, we are identifying ourselves as that miltia and are proclaiming to those who would defy our will just how committed we are to restoring our constitutional republic. The Gadsden is first and foremost a battle flag. So if the Gadsden flies when you put your flags out this holiday weekend, please give some thought to what it really stands for. It isn't meant as a mild mannered party favor or protest logo. Something named after "LIpton" is better suited for that. The Gadsden is the flag of revolution and that meaning should not be taken lightly.

To Major Stu:

You're correct. We need conservatism, adherence to the founding principles, and rule of law in America, not political parties filled with those solely concerned with perpetuating their political careers and lining their pockets. Bravo to you!

Fortunately we no longer live in the 1700s, we are a country which has grown, time and again, with the influx of immigrants from all nations, all faiths, all political philosophies. and this is what makes America great, not, fear of others, not regarding those who differ with you as unpatriotic. You may try to rewrite history, particularly the Regan era, but the majority will not let you pull us back to the dark ages. You may what to call care for those who are downtrodden as socialist, I call it progress. Are the Tea Party participants ready to give up their social security, their medicare, the housing opportunities given to veterans under the GI bill, and on and on. It is patriotic to fight for the progress of thecommon man. It is not the constitution that is in jeprody in this land. It is the freedom of those who dare to think progressively, who truluy look to the future protection of all individuals, not just a few who wrap themselves in the flag, and tote their gun on their hips to prove their insecure manhood.

Beautiful and right on point.

I respectfully issue this to all and lets get the truth out there: THE BIGGEST SCAM IN HISTORY.mht everyone including Fox News (and) Rush Limbaugh "skirt" around the foundation of our problems. Fear is the issue here and the truth has to come out.

"If The People Knew Of This Scam There Would Be A Revolution Tommorrow"!

Tory

This essay, this message, must get out now, and repeatedly, until our resident socialist in the White House is removed. These are words of truth that can return us to freedom. In response to the woman who paints Ross Perot as a spoiler in the 1992 election I would point out that it was the old Republican guard who arrogantly dismissed Perot until it was too late. His position on free trade had great appel to those with vision and the sense to look further than P&L opportunities and short-term econonomic fixes via cheap foreign labor. Looke where THAt ulimatgely got us. We can, and must rebuild our contry; but it will be much harder considering production is now only about 13% of GDP.

Much has been made of Beck's 8-28 rally and it is well deserved. But we have been planning a rally since the last September 12 march where a million were in attendance. We'll be paying tribute to the 9-11 victims on 9-11 at the Washington Monument in DC from 8:45 (when the first tower was hit) to 10:30 (when the last tower fell)!!! THEN we are going to March On DC in the afternoon. www.MarchonDC.org THEN we are having a Sunday morning worship service and in the afternoon a Remember In November rally with Freedom Works. The whole weekend is 'Unite In Action'! Can't wait!!!

Great article Mark, as usual. I wholeheartedly agree that the establishment GOP had better wake up to the feelings and emotions of the Tea Party movement or they also will be washed aside in favor of another unknown true conservative like Joe Miller from Alaska. Americans are upset with the 'hope and change' BS and feel they were hoodwinked by 'The Annointed One". Hopefully, enough of them woke up and will exercise their right to vote once again come Nov 2,2010, and vote the Marxists out of office.

Semper Fi,

Joe

USMC 1958-1964

so many of the founders quotes are so excellent. are they collectively available in a book(let)?

Aye. Aye, Mark. ALL of America needs read this and move quickly!

Very well written. To the point, it lays it all out clearly. Thanks. Now, Lord, please send us a messenger to lead your nation again. There is an army ready to do battle. Who will be our new leader?

We no longer need a Federal Government, each State is now powerfull enough to stand alone in the world. A large central gevernment is easy for foreign entities to take control of, which of course is exactly what has happened.

It really means a "Great Deal" to the heart of some one that "SEE's" America and the great people of this land to start standing up for GOD, Country, Family and those who have and are still serving their Country. Their famlies should never be forgotten for thr sacrifices they are going through. Thank you "Alexader's Essays - PartiotPost.US for the "OUTSTANDING" work that you do. Our Country MUST get back to the basics and a start is in progress. I have seen too many fallen and wounded soldiers for life that have paid a tremendous price for "FREEDOM" to see it being taken away. ALL OF YOU KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK ! GOD BLESS AMERICA and Keep the Foundings Fathers who were guided and set this GREAT NATION up by our CREATOR.

finally the american people are standing up and doing something. Thank You America