What would William F. Buckley, Jr. say?

"Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people are poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich."
William F. Buckley, Jr.

One of the most influential and prominent figures in the conservative movement was William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925-2008) He started National review in 1955 and hosted over 1400 episodes of Firing Line. He was an author of 50+ books. He was a nationally synicated journalist. He served in the Army and CIA. Also, he ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of New York City twice. This is only a small snapshot of his accomplishments.
I am not an expert on William F. Buckley, Jr. although I think he was by far, one of the most intellectual debaters I have ever heard. Quite frankly, I loved to hear him speak. I am still attempting to learn the meanings of some of the words he used. He had total command of the english language.
Having said that, what would he be talking about at this time in politics? It is in my opinion, he would be speaking out loudly and often against the Obama administration. Mr.Buckley loved and appreciated this country and realized the exceptionalism of it's people. He believed in a small government and allowing the private sector to grow our economy. Healthcare, immigration and the nationalism of industry would have him in an uproar burning up the newspapers and a main focus of National review. I guess in a sense, I am looking for a replacement for Bill Buckley. I don't see anyone that remotely has the wit, intellect and erudition of a man of his character. I don't see a Republican politician that could come near Mr. Buckley, nor anyone in the private sector. The Republican party has become a bunch of McCain type whimps. I've received many emails with strong conservative based writings by Lee Iococca, Bill Cosby and Charley Daniels.
I know those three are very different people, however, they are patriotic Americans and they are fed up with the path of the country's idealogy and economy. Talk radio is growing by leaps and bounds because the talk show hosts are not afraid to tell it like it is. I believe Conservatives are looking to the Limbaughs, Hannitys, Ingrahams and Levins because no one has stepped up to the plate. I don't consider myself a Republican anymore. I am a Conservative. I pray to the Lord above (sorry, that is not allowed anymore) that someone emerges as the Wiiliam F. Buckley, Jr. conservative. That person would ascend quickly to the top of the Conservative party. I hope that person materializes soon.

Healthcare Bill-Call your Representative!

As I learn more about this healthcare bill, my fear increases tenfold. My sainted Mother (78 years old) had triple bypass surgery last November. She also had mild cancer. Would this healthcare bill dictate she is too old and has too many ailments? Would President Obama put her out to pasture? I can tell you that since she had these surgeries, she has such a increased quality of life and is more active than ever. I think the hospice counselor is going to have a long wait to see her. I really like my primary Doctor, he is great and he takes time with me. Our insurance is great. I don't need much more. I don't want a bureaucrat select a doctor for me and tell me what I can have done. Also, I don't want to pay for abortions. Private insurance will go away and we will be herded into the healthcare nightmare that Socailist countries have embraced. We need to scrap this bill and start over. In the meantime, this is what we need to do. Unite! When you're Representatives return home on their August recess. We must unite and coordinate a full-court press relating to calling and writing your House & Senate representatives. When thousands of their constituents bombard their phones and mailboxes, I believe they will understand how passionate we are about our healthcare. Also, this isn't just about healthcare. This is about our freedoms and liberties. The current administration wants to control every aspect of our life. Banking, insurance, automobile manufacturers and now, healthcare? I am not going to drive a smart car or wait a year for a MRI. I happen to think this is the greatest country in the world and we have "American exceptionalism." Who would want to become a doctor if they know they are going to be a federal employee? That will pay off the school loans! I ask you to contact your representatives and more than one time. The American people defeated the Immigration bill and we can beat this healthcare disaster. Go to http://www.congress.org/ and click "find your officials" under the banner, to the right. Put in your zip code and you have the information you need. We, the American people can defeat this and any bill that isn't in the country's best interest. Say "no" to H.R. 3200.
"I predict future hapiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
Thomas Jefferson

2nd Amendment - Citizen Concerns

Over the weekend, I went to a large gunshow in Virginia. It was overwhelming to see how many citizens purchasing firearms & ammunition. I believe many people think that they are all a bunch of stereotypical males buying their 25th firearm. On the contrary, it was a lot of females and couples purchasing, most likely, their first firearm. I made it a point to speak with as many different attendees as possible as research for this article. Everyone had a unique reason for being there. I spoke at length with an attorney who was there with his wife and 2 children. In the past 4 months, he has purchased 3 firearms (handguns) for target shooting and home self defense. His wife goes to the range and has become a competent shooter. I followed up with why? He mentioned a neighbor who had a break-in and messed up their house badly. He travels often and his wife is home with the kids alone, of course, I suggested a good alarm system. He laughed and said his was very expensive. I also spoke to a young married couple. They were buying their first firearm and videos on self defense. He mentioned that they live in an apartment complex and would feel safer with a fiream in their home. Lastly, I met a wonderful older couple. They live in the country and can target shoot on their property. The gentleman mentioned in all his years, including two wars, he has never been so worried about our freedom, liberties and our way of life, ever! They were spending a lot of money there, especially on ammunition. He mentioned we should start enforcing the estimated 2,200 gun laws and not impune the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. I could not substantiate that number of gun laws. In closing, it is in my opinion, if the government took away our right to keep and bear arms, wouldn't the criminals be armed and the law-abiding citizens unarmed? Guns do not kill people, people kill people. What would be after guns? Knives, baseball bats or fists?

2nd Amendment
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.