AmericaSpeaks

Last year I participated in an AmericaSpeaks Townhall meeting, with Arnold Schwarzenegger, regarding 'Healthcare'. Recently I received a request, from AmericaSpeaks, to complete a survey regarding my experience. They also requested comments and I thought I would share my thoughts with you and solicit your arguments or further comments.

'I believe corrupt politicians & special interest groups threaten democracy for us all. I believe that our government promotes welfare mentality to deprive our young of ambition & accomplishment. I believe that the phrase "politically correct" has eliminated our ability to speak out as individuals. I believe that diversity has been labeled as bigotry and discrimination.'

Diversity: the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness.
Bigotry: stubborn intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own.
Discrimination: treatment of, or making a distinction in favor of or against a person.

Does this mean that there is no such thing as reverse-discrimination but only intended and/or unintended results? Let me know your thoughts.

Sharron

Prager Roast at Nixon Library

I'm not really sure how serious I would be about going to this - but if more people were interested in attending, it could be a fun night.

Click here for link to the site: Prager Roast

Another book recommendation

A memoir about a secular agnostic New Yorker who devotes himself to following the Bible to the letter (red and otherwise) for a year. What ensues is a deep quest for knowledge and understanding of the application of biblical law and tradition to secular life. This includes telling the truth, not coveting, multiplying, and even stoning adulterers (with hilarious results). The tone of the book is respectful, inquisitive, and follows the Dennis Prager law of "first tell the truth, and then give your opinion". I won't give away too much, but the rule of cognitive dissonance does hold sway. I got a Borders gift card from my grandmother for my birthday, and I finally got around to using it. After walking around aimlessly for a while I came across this book in the "recommended by staff" section, and haven't put it down.

Krauthammer article mentioned by Dennis 2/15/08

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/14/AR2008021403105.html?referrer=emailarticle

what is a " true conservative"?

I'm very much looking forward to discussing this. Also, I'm looking forward to others insights on the latest Republican controversy. What are peoples thoughts on what Ingraham, Hannity and Dobson said about McCain? I'm looking forward to some lively discourse on these themes.

Book Recommendation

I just finished an interesting book:
The Siege of Mecca: The Forgotten Uprising in Islam's Holiest Shrine and the Birth of al-Qaeda by Yaroslav Trofimov.

I recommend this book if you are interested in learning more about our enemy.

January Meeting

Our last listener’s meeting was a small group of 7 or so members in attendance. Although limited in numbers, we were not limited in spirited discussion. With the elections so close, one of the topics, of course, was the candidates. We discussed the ‘Change Agenda’ of Obama, the inevitability of a Clinon nomination. At the time of our meeting, we had a wide range of Republican candidates as well. I am sure we will all find the results of ‘Super Tuesday’ interesting.

The other major topic of discussion was, ‘Cheating: can it ever be moral?’ This was a recent Dennis Prager topic and I believe our discussion was lively as the one with Dennis and his callers.

The final topic we discussed was the meetings. With over 40 members listed, we have never had more than a 25% attendance. Considering that our members are from Grass Valley to Vacaville to Lodi having a meeting to include everyone may not be realistic. It has been suggested that we consider breaking out into smaller groups with meetings more strategically located. We have tried to have monthly meetings, but maybe every other month would be easier. I believe Bob is looking for suggestions to help make our listener meetings interesting for everyone. Please use this Blog to offer your ideas.

Thanks!