The No-Disaster Disaster

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1301002/BP-oil-spill-Why-claims-Gulf-Mexico-historys-worst-oil-spill-cynical-spin-campaign-ever.html

The destruction of the local economy fell to the hands of one, President Obama.  Then, in a move to help out the local tourism economy, Moochelle goes to Spain.  The arrogance of this administration is over the top.  Not only do they want to rape the economies of our children, but then rub it in our faces with many vacations and golf outings this year so far.

Tea Party's "Commitment to America"

1. Stop the massive spending that is bankrupting America. Start with no new bailouts. Roll back federal spending to 2007 levels and cap annual spending growth at the rate of inflation plus population growth.

2. Vote for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that also requires a 2/3 supermajority to raise taxes.

3. Repeal or defund the government takeover of our health care. Start over with health care reform that is patient centered and reduces - not raises - our health care costs.

4. Repeal the automatic tax increases scheduled for 2011. Vote against increased taxation, including energy taxes and value added taxes.

5. Require "sunset" provisions for every spending program passed and every agency created by Congress.

6. Legislate limits on excessive agency rule making by requiring that Congress vote to approve all major new rules.

7. Demonstrate legislative transparency. Five days in advance of a vote, post online all bills, resolutions and conference reports. Require roll call votes on all measures that spend money.

8. Hold no votes in a "lame duck" session that would increase spending, taxes or regulation. This would include, for example, cap and trade, card check and immigration.

9. Abide by the principle that any law that does not apply to Congress or its staff does not apply to the American people.

10. Provide specific citations from the Constitution for any legislation introduced.

What A Shock

According to the New York Times, our modern day Communist Manifesto, days after Iraq took over, there was a prison break of top Islamo-fascists.  The operative question is why where they alive to escape?  But, there is a deeper issue with this.  The Iraqis didn't fight for their freedom and then will within themselves to establish a democratic nation.  Their freedom has handed to them and "democracy" was handed to them.  You can't hand someone freedom without accompanying it with responsibility.  And, you can't hand someone democracy.  The idea that we are spreading democracy is a farce.  We don't even have democracy here!  How can we spread it?! 

But, I maintain that democracy is something that not be passed along - it has to be bought and preserved.  I've often said that no country in the world will last as a democracy unless it has our Constitution.  Why?  Our Constitution is the only governing document that tells the Government what it can and cannot do.  It isn't for the Government to tell the people what to do.  The freedom to vote and speak and live will fall by the way side if there is nothing there to under gird it.  The Iraqi people need to find that common spark that unites them and buy democracy and sell it not.  This would ultimately mean divorcing their religion from their government...which we know they will not do.  Therefore, to stay there to "build democracy" is pointless. 

Research

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/24/world/middleeast/24iraq.html?_r=1

Sweeping Reform Attacks Capitalism

The Obama Administration is championing their "sweeping financial reform" as a win for consumers.  Don't be fooled by this.  The very reasons our financial system is shakey is because Government has put their hands in it in the first place. 

Here's the assumption this bill makes: that corporations (Capitalism) is the enemy of the consumer and that without these "protections" the consumers are left at the mercy of the corporations (Capitalism).  This attitude neglects to see that the consumers are vital to Capitalism.  With competion being allowed to take place, companies are battling for your dollar.  But, they also know that you will spend your dollar and more of them if the service you receive is top notch.  Companies do not prey on the consumers, as our Government wants you to believe.  The idea of companies preying on consumers is counter-productive.  The fact of the matter is that Government has been preying on it citizens and then blaming it on Capitalism. 

We need sweeping Governmental reform - reform that protects us from the Government.  Oh wait, we have that, it's called the Constitution.  (Also known as a viable toilet paper alternative to Obama)

Research:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/07/21/borger.obama.finance/index.html

How It Is

President Obama swung into view, riding a tidal wave of garbage wrapped in shiny paper.  The extent of his Administration reaches no further than the "What's Wrong?" page in Highlight's Magazine.  However, people loved him.  Like never before, people came out and voted for Obama.  People were tired of having to work or find work and Obama provided such an outlet for the Government to be the all-powerful genie.  The experience he brings to the White House is now being made manifest in the hard work he is doing to help in the Gulf.  His Communist rhetoric vomits from his mouth like Old Faithful with the American people there to catch it on their faces.  So, what is a President with no experience to do?  Exactly what anyone in that situation would do - appoint someone else with no experience to the Supreme Court.  Obama was the worst President in history, even before he was elected.  But now, he is cementing this for the history books.  The Jimmy Carter of our lifetime is moving this nation, not towards a beacon of hope for the world, but to the dung heap. 

When he was sworn in, he was under oath when he said, "I...swear to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States; and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States..."  Has he preserved, protected, or defended the Constitution?  No - he's taken occasion to shred it and ignore it at every turn.  So, he has essentially lied under oath.  Lying under oath is a felony.  Article 2, sec. 4 of the US Constitution states that a President can be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors.   Is a felony a greater offense than a misdemeanor?  Yes!  I think you know where I'm headed with this.  Let's hope when both houses are retaken for Conservatism this November and, if we can't impeach him, we can stop his legislator tornado on the spot.

The End Result Of Democrat Compassion

Remember this kid?  Good thing Janet Reno sent him back to Cuba so he could get a *good* education

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/elian-gonzalez-joins-communist-union/c44d2bef8c5ffd6abd2bc44d2bef8c5ffd6abd2b-61720298222?form=msnlfa

Washington's Failure To The Gulf

Great information chronicaling the great incompetence of President Obama.  I make a motion for a vote of no confidence.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=128429927189353

More Predictions Coming True

I posted back in January that 1 of my 5 predictions had actually come true:

Just days after my 2010 predictions hit the blog, we have some fulfillment. Here is a brief recap of the 5 predictions made:

1. Universal Health Care will finally be agreed upon in both houses of Congress and will be sent to the President's desk by the summer.

2. Republicans will take back both houses of Congress in November.

3. We will sustain more terrorist attack plots like we did in 2009. With some happening while the terrorism trials take place in NYC.

4. Obama will further his plans to develop his own Waffen SS

5. If Health Care passes, these grass roots tea parties will put heavier pressure on the Government, in so much as we may see skirmishes break out.

#4 is our winner today! See my post on the Federalization of the National Guard (http://theconservativeanthem.blogspot.com/2010/01/more-chains-from-obama.html)

Concerning #2, don't expect the media to report on the attitude of the country. They will report what they want you to believe in hopes of swaying your vote. This country is angry! This Congress isn't off the hook yet!

So, now it is June and we have more predictions that have either come true or will come true.

#1 came to pass must sooner than I expected - health care passed, America lost

#5 We haven't seen the Tea Parties behaving disorderly, but we have had Democrats attempt to insight disorderly behavior by the Tea Partiers.  In fact, we've even had Democrats make up lies about racial slurs shouted by the Tea Partiers.

#2 We are still a ways out from November, but we already are getting a glimpse as more and more primaries happen

#3 I'm going to make a prediction that the BP Oil explosion was an attack foisted internally and the reason Obama isn't doing anything about it is because he needs this disaster to shut down oil drilling in this country and push further legislation down our throats.

Once #2 comes true, I'll have a few new predictions to offer.  

Assumed Speeding Is Now Worth A Ticket

So, now the Ohio Supreme Court has decided that Due Process is just a misnomer.  This week, they upheld a cop's testimony that he observed the assailant speeding.  What was used to determine this massive break of the law?  Was it radar?  No.  Was it the cop speeding without his lights on and this guy blew by him?  No.  Did the driver drive by the cop and yell out his speed?  No.  The cop simply just "witnessed" him speeding.  The just eye-balled it.  So, the Court decided that was enough to convict this menace to society.  So, now a cop doesn't have to prove anything about speeding.

Once again, the Court is over stepping its bounds to forward an agenda.  

http://www.examiner.com/x-15044-Truck-Industry-Examiner~y2010m6d5-No-Radar-needed-in-Ohio--For-Speeding-Tickets

Wal-Mart Fires Employees That Display American Intuition

When has America turned into a nation that is afraid of self-defense?  Wal-Mart is leading the charge.  Here are a few stories that might interest you, nay, infuriate you.

1.  An elderly Wal-Mart greeter is fired for defending himself

http://www.truecrimereport.com/2010/01/walmart_greeter_ed_bauman_fire.php

2.  Wal-Mart employee apprehends a shop lifter only to lose her job

http://blogs.kansas.com/haveyouheard/2010/05/24/wal-mart-employee-foils-a-shoplifter-and-loses-her-job/

3.  Wal-Mart employee chases after a shop lifter

http://www.ocala.com/article/20091021/ARTICLES/910211015

I guess we can suffice to say that if Wal-Mart was in charge back then, America would still be under the British Throne.

Obama Goose-Steps To Arizona

In yet another attempt to force Arizona to forsake its sovereignty, Obama is going to meet with Governor Jan Brewer.  The amazing thing about this whole ordeal is that Arizona passed a law that the Feds already have on the books and just won't enforce it.  Obama, because he absolutely detests anyone circumventing his absolute authority, is going to try to persuade the good Governor that she is out of touch with reality.  See, reality to democrats is a world of make-believe.  Obama is going try to convince her that these people she's keeping out of her state have rights.  But, they may have human rights, but they do not have Constitutional Rights and they are not protected under United States law.  Now, CNN is making it seem like there is this massive onslaught against Arizona's new law.  They want you to think America is against this law.  However, according to a Rasmussen Poll, 70% of Americans favor this law.  So, taste it Libs.

Research

1. http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/03/obama.arizona.governor/index.html?hpt=C1
2. http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/65340
3. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/26/napolitano-takes-aim-at-arizona-immigration-law/?iref=obnetwork&fbid=DnipZkBs8ze
4. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/29/thousands-descend-on-phoenix-to-protest-immigration-law/?iref=obnetwork&fbid=DnipZkBs8ze
5.http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/arizona/70_of_arizona_voters_favor_new_state_measure_cracking_down_on_illegal_immigration

America Will Rise Again

Countries do not attract immigrants based on the amount of Socialism or Communism it has.  In fact, Communistic countries have to use military forces to keep their people in - hence the former Berlin Wall.  Ronald Reagan said that America was the shining city on a hill.  A hill makes the city rise above the rest.  The light that shines from it reaches far and wide.  What shines about America?  Is it a Government that subsidizes its citizens?  Is it the amount of "intellectuals" it has?  Is it the amount of tolerance and racial diversity?  No.  It never was about that nor will it ever be.  

America shines because its citizens realize that they must look to themselves and exhibit innovation.  Progress in America isn't measured by how many minorities gain favorable status by the State.  Progress is how the American economy and spirit thrive on the fuel of freedom and liberty.  Progress is America, not only being the best country on Earth, but marching forward to lead the world.  

Hopefully this November, America will drop the cargo cars it has been pulling these past few years and just motor full steam ahead to restoring the exception country, that is America.

Obama Takes Attention Off Of Arizona

Recently, President Obama announced that he was going to send 1,200 National Guard troops to help protect the borders.  I'm not sure how 1,200 will make any different, but he's going to do it.  Why?  Because he loves America?  Hardly.  Because he wants to secure the border?  No - he's lose more voting base.  Because he cares for the lives of Americans?  You're nuts if you believe that!  The only reason he's doing this is because he's angry that Arizona is showing Washington what to do. 

At the beginning, Obama was upset with Arizona, but in an odd move, he seems to be listening to the people and the people like what Arizona is doing.  Obama, the spoiled brat that he is, can't be shown up by a measly little state, so he thinks of a solution.  "Why not send some troops to the border?"  "Oh man, they are going to love me again!  I can't wait to share...what was that honey?  Oh...ok...I'll get back to the vacuuming."

Don't let this fool you, he is trying to steal the attention away from Arizona and get it back to himself.  He can't survive but in the limelight.  But, we can feel confident when 1,200 troops show up to help protect the border from the invasion of illegals.  I'd say send another 1,200 to Washington to prevent the invasion of Democrats.

Obama's 100 Million Spending Cut Amounts To Nothing

This is great.  Obama's budget slashing is nothing more than a nail clipping

http://www.wimp.com/budgetcuts/

The Fed Ignores State Sovereignty

I knew it wouldn't take long.  Arizona recently passed an immigration law that basically enforces what the Federal Government has failed to enforce.  Now, the Federal Government is entertaining the idea of suing Arizona.  Obama and his Cabinet of Hitmen want nothing more than for this country to fall off of the pages of history.  You think that's extreme?  Look at his policies - look at what they are doing to America and then you tell me if that is extreme.  So, why is the Fed so upset with Arizona?  Because Arizona will stem the tide of votes Liberals in Congress will get.  According to CNN.com, Attorney General, Eric Holder said that the Justice Department is considering a lawsuit against Arizona.  There are concerns that this law may violate civil rights.

Rights of the citizenry are not universal-global rights.  These are rights of American citizens.  Civil Rights are nothing more than what are spelled out in the Constitution, in my opinion.  Not that the Constitution grants these rights, but that it reminds the Government to back off.  Constitutional rights are only available to Americans.  People from other countries that come into our country illegally are breaking the law (hence "illegally.")  One of the basic duties of the Federal Government is to protect our borders.  If a nation's borders cannot be maintained, what's the point of a nation?  If someone cannot respect the most basic law of sovereignty, what makes you think they will obey any other laws of our country?  Now, you might argue that this position isn't fair to those people.  OK, well, the next time someone breaks into your house (doesn't respect the sovereignty of your property) I expect you to not call the police; to not attack the intruder; I expect you to welcome him, allow him to take what he chooses (representative of our tax dollars paying for their health care, etc.) and ultimately accept him into your home as a family member (citizen).  You probably think that is crazy.  But that is exactly what happens to our country.

So, Arizona, amidst more colloidal failure from the Federal Government, decided that they would enforce the sovereignty of their State.  Yes, States have sovereignty as well.  Remember when George Bush was criticized for his "delayed" response to Katrina?  The Governor of Louisiana wouldn't let the Federal help come into the State until 3 or 4 days after the fact.  The President cannot just send troops/help into a State without the State's permission.  Arizona is tired of illegals flooding and devaluing their economy and blatantly ignoring their sovereignty that they did something about it.  In fact, the 10th Amendment to the Constitution gives them this authority.  Each State has the right to protect and defend themselves.  Except, when Obama's President, no State is safe.  All must bow before the image of Obama.

I think this is going to be an answer to the Obama regime.  I know we need desperate turnover in Congress but if the States would stand up to Obama, we could really shut down his agenda.  I would love to see a Governor tell Obama that as long as National Health Care is law, you won't be seeing any Federal Income taxes sent from my State.  Furthermore, if the IRS has an office in my State, I will shut it down.  And, if you want to do something about it, I'll have the National Guard waiting for you.

Let's tell the Fed that they have no power except what is given them by the States.  If they think they can just walk over the States, then it is time for the States to rise up and enforce what the Fed should be doing anyway.

Research:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/05/09/holder.arizona.immigration/index.html?hpt=T2

Precept Without Penalty Is Only Advice

In this age of sensitivity and tolerance - which is just an excuse to castrate masculinity - we wish to find the reasons why people commit crimes rather than simply punishing the action.  Murderers are not at fault anymore, it is the fault of the influence from their alcoholic parents.  Rapists aren't at fault, it is because they were abused as a child. The parents of the murderers aren't at fault because alcoholism is a disease.  Where does this line of thinking come from?  Obviously, there is a general apathy towards personal responsibility and this attitude is being ingrained into the minds of our children.

Instead of dealing with a child's rambunctious ways, we want to drug them under false diagnoses, with false medical conditions (ADD, ADHD, etc.).  What child doesn't have a problem, at one time or another, giving undivided attention to their teacher?!  We want to say they aren't at fault for their behavior - so children get drugs.  Teacher's aren't allow to command control of their classrooms anymore because liberal parents do not recognize them in loco parentis which means "in place of the parent."  For many years, teachers were viewed as the authority over of the children while they were at school.  This authority was viewed with as much importance as the parent's authority.  This even extended to the area of discipline.  Teachers had the authority and the responsibility to discipline their students.  This even meant spanking.  Teachers had paddles and would use them to warm the cheeks of the unruly bunch.  Now, spanking if far out of the question.  Furthermore, as reported in the Boston Globe, red ink for grading is just "[too] frightening" for the students.

Schools have been strangled by liberal parents and now we are raising generations of men with lace on their britches and generations of women that places more importance on a career rather than children and a family.  But alas, perhaps Texas will lead the way in restoring spanking back into schools.  What reason does a kid or an adult have to obey the law if there are no repercussions?  The penalty of misbehaving must out-weight the joy of misbehaving.  Until we get back to this principle, in our homes and in our schools, don't expect future generations to fair any better.

Research

http://www.fightforkids.org/facts.html

http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/In+loco+parentis

http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2004/08/23/harshness_of_red_marks_has_students_seeing_purple/

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/05/06/dnt.tx.bring.back.paddling.wfaa?hpt=T2

http://www.bringbacklicks.com/

Obama's Katrina: It Must Be Bush's Fault

Well, now it isn't a hurricane that is threatening the Louisiana coast, it is an oil spill.  I wonder how long it will be before Louis Farrakhan blames Bush for this as well.  In the spirit of fairness, let's examine the timeline, thus far, for this disaster.

April 20th, the oil rig Deepwater Horizon explodes.

April 21st, BP moves into action to contain the oil

April 22nd, a second explosion, rig sinks

April 23rd, Coast Guard says no oil is leaking

April 24th, Oil is found to be leaking at a rate of 1,000 barrels/day

April 25th, a 600 sqmi oil slick is heading North in the Gulf of Mexico towards the coast

April 26th, oil slick is now 80 miles wide, provisions are being put into place to catch the oil

April 27th, setting fire to the slick is considered.  Homeland Security Minister, Janet Napolitano, is beefing up efforts to investigate the cause of the explosion

April 28th, BP says a controlled test burn was successful

April 29th, Federal assistance is mobilized

Why list all of this?  It is interesting that President Bush had given miserable failure, Ray Nagin, a phone call days before Katrina would hit - he called and encouraged him to get his people out of the city.  Nagin, a true compassionate, did nothing.  Before the aftermath of Katrina could be observed, Bush was in action.  The oil rig exploded on April 20th and President Obama doesn't go into action until April 29th.  9 days afterwards!  Now, I'm not saying that a hurricane and an oil rig explosion are of equal magnitude.  But, Bush was responding to the hurricane before it hit and was ridiculed he didn't respond fast enough.  Obama, with this disaster, responds 9 days later and do you think he'll be criticized?  Absolutely not!  Where's the media outcry against Obama?  But to be fair, it is difficult to be President and respond in a timely manner when you're stuck in the sand trap on hole 13.





Research

http://deepseanews.com/2010/04/the-gulf-of-mexico-oil-spill-a-timeline/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Hurricane_Katrina

Lincoln vs Reagan

After a recent mini email debate, I want to fully expound upon the debate topic. I took the position that Ronald Reagan was the greatest President in US History and, until I'm elected, he will be the only one in that status ;) The other position said that Abraham Lincoln was a better President than Ronald Reagan. The post today will evaluate the Lincoln presidency and the Reagan presidency.

The Lincoln presidency is highlighted by the Civil War. The Civil War saw the potential division of the nation resolved to maintain a Union of all states. So, what did Lincoln bring to the table?

One could argue that the Civil War was a result of Lincoln's election. He was hated in the South because of his opposition to slavery. South Carolina seceded first after the election. In 1863, Lincoln gave his famous Emancipation Proclamation which was supposed to be the freedom the slaves were longing for. In actuality, this did very little to free the slaves. It didn't apply to any southern areas that were already controlled by the Union and didn't apply to the states of Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, and Delaware. The Proclamation stated, "all persons held as slaves...are, and henceforward shall be free." In return, the South gave the illustrious one-finger salute. In my opinion, the Emancipation Proclamation was the single event to prove that Lincoln had no control over the entire country nor had the ability to maintain it. Remember, Lincoln didn't win the war, Grant did. Now, you might argue that the Emancipation Proclamation changed the view of black men. They were allowed to join the Union Armies and Navies. What?! They were finally allowed to join the UNION military?! How does that discrimination of the North differ from any of the South? Now, before we go on, it would be good to read http://theconservativeanthem.blogspot.com/search/label/Slavery to study the full, historical account of slavery in the US.

What other accomplishments of the Lincoln presidency are often overlooked because of the Civil War?

1. The Homestead Act of 1861 - a Federal subsidy program for land

2. The Morril Act of 1862 - a Federal subsidy program for education

3. Revenue Act of 1861 - Hello Federal Income Tax

4. 1862 - Hello IRS!

5. 1862 - Lincoln suspends Habeas Corpus without Congress' approval - later deemed unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court.

6. 1863 - Lincoln institutes the draft

Contrast this to Reagan's time in office. The election of Lincoln fueled the South to secede from the Union. The election of Reagan - the very day he took office - saw the end to the Iranian hostage situation. Reagan defeated a formidable military force in the Soviet Union without firing a single shot. Lincoln defeats his own countrymen after 600k Union soldiers give their lives. Reagan takes top marginal tax rates from 70% to 28% and the economy roars. The Federal Treasury's intake doubles from 450 billion to 900 billion because of the tax breaks. Reagan stands in Berlin and gives an "Emancipation Proclamation" of his own to free those enslaved by Communism, but again, without requiring 2 more years of bloodshed, Reagan ends the Cold War and brings freedom and liberty to eastern Europe.

 

If Lincoln fails, we have a divided America. If Regan fails, we have no America. To me, the choice is obvious - Reagan wins, hands down. Unfortunately, if Obama keeps rolling back the Reagan Revolution, those in the future won't be honored to realize its benefits.

In There Own Words: Nancy Pelosi and Obama

Nancy Pelosi has no idea what's in the health bill.  Well, yes she does - she knows what's in it will kill this country.  The details are irrelevant to her.  Glad to hear we are in good hands!





Obama thanks the wonderful people of Sunshine, Florida.  Sunshine, Florida is inland from the Cape Coral area (South-West Florida).  However, when he thanks Sunshine, he is doing it from Sunrise, Florida which is near Ft. Lauderdale (South-East Florida).  Oh to be so smart!




Here's one of my favorites from the Originator of Optimal Oration





Obama admits he has no experience and has no place in the White House.  All this just 4 years prior to getting into the White House.  "I'm a believer in knowing what you're doing"  That's garbage!  I'm a believer in doing what's right!  A murderer knows exactly what he's doing, but it isn't right. 



This is a horrible rendition of the National Anthem, but a fitting demonstration of Obama's true "respect" for this country.

From The Tea Party

What Happened with Hannity

Dear Fellow Citizens and Taxpayers,

I hate to write this email, because this controversy detracts from the message and the purpose of our rallies. Our goal with everything we do is to spread our message of our shared values - free markets, fiscal responsibilty, and limited government. Regardless, Chris and I have been getting bombarded with questions and I want to share with you what we know.

First, a bit of history. We were already underway with planning for this event when we learned that Hannity was coming to Cincinnati for his book tour on Tax Day and was planning a separate event. We were ready to sign a contract with UC for the arena and we paused because of the risk of competing events. We were concerned with our ability to cover costs for the event if Hannity drew people away.

Chris made contact with Fox producers and we agreed to work together. He would cover our event for Fox and would broadcast his show from Cincinnati. It worked out for everyone. We got a media spotlight on our message, they got a great backdrop for them to do a show.

We executed our contract with UC and then Fox did the same. While we coordinated schedules for the event, they had no contract with us, nor any financial interest in what went on. At no point was money exchanged between Fox and the Cincinnati Tea Party or Hannity and the Cincinnati Tea Party.

This was the root of the controversy. Earlier today, George Soros-funded Media Matters jumped on the fact that we sold tickets to cover the cost of the event as evidence that we and Fox were "profiting" on the event.

Despite knowing clearly that this was not true, Fox caved and pulled Hannity back to New York.

About 4:30 tonight, I was standing talking to people in line for the book signing when I heard people start saying that Hannity was not coming. I tried to find the source and I found out that local media was reporting that Hannity had been deverted while in route and was heading to Lunken Airport. I went downstairs to find Chris and we found that the Fox producers had locked themselves in their "green room" and that we were not allowed in.

Eventually we were allowed into the room where we spoke with two Fox producers. The senior producer explained that Hannity had gone back to New York for an emergency and that he couldn't tell us anything more than that. He was very apologetic and strongly hinted that it was a personal emergency. He even said they had a guest host on standby for his program tonight.

Given the explanation, we believed them. We asked about getting some of his show guests to speak and Joe the Plumber was added to our lineup. Even if we were skeptical, we didn't have time to wait - UC Police were insisting we announce information to the restless crowd in the concourse. We then made the announcement to the crowd with the information we had and moved forward with the show.

We continued to work to gain information while the show was on as we were hearing more rumors that Fox had pulled him because of the controversy above. Eventually, Chris spoke to a Fox VP who took responsibility for pulling him because we charged for tickets.

The Fox staff we worked with planning the event knew exactly how it was structured and it was no surprise to anyone that we charged for tickets. In fact, Hannity was well aware as he plugged the event and reminded people to get tickets multiple times on his shows.

I want to point out a couple of things in response.

First, Hannity promotes conservative causes/organizations/groups/events all the time - this is nothing new.

Second, I reject the accusations of "profiteering" from the event. Cincinnati Tea Party is a non-profit, political organization, and 100% volunteer. Not a single person has ever personally profited from anything we do. In fact, we each donate hundreds of hours of our time trying to build this movement and spread our message.

This event cost (numbers aren't final - we will get billed by UC for security, cleanup and other costs) over $50,000 and took thousands of man-hours to get done.

None of us are event organizers or promoters. We are ordinary citizens with jobs and families who do this in our spare time because we love our country and passionately believe in our values.

I've already recevied angry emails from some who are disappointed that Hannity did not come. We will honor all refund requests. We will have a process setup within the next 48 hours to get that done. In the meantime, I need to get some sleep and prepare for my day job.

I understand the frustration - I really do. Keep in mind that this is what the left wants. This is why Media Matters attacked us and Hannity and started the chain of events that led to Fox pulling him out - it's because they fear the power of our message.

Instead of talking about what a wonderful event it was, I'm talking about a completely manufactured controversy. And it was a great event. We had almost 10,000 people show up and listen to a great lineup of speakers and music. We sang our national anthem and ended with God Bless America.

I know I speak for the 300+ people who volunteered their time to help make this Tax Day Tea Party a success when I say that we will not be intimidated, silenced, or bullied. The fact that we were the targets of a leftist attack today or that Fox stupidly gave into pressure just adds to my resolve to fight onward.

Our message is too important and too powerful to do anything less. Our freedom and our country are worth fighting for.

Sincerely,

Mike Wilson

Founder, Cincinnati Tea Party

http://www.cincinnatiteaparty.org/