quote of the day

by Mr. Bob | 4:01 pm, August 11, 2009

#tcot #quote
The President, speaking against the idea that the creation of a new government-run plan would drive private insurers out of business, and he said that UPS and FedEx were doing fine, but “it’s the post office that’s always having problems.”

Obama Town Hall on Health Care in Grand Junction

by elpresidente | 3:29 pm, August 11, 2009

Details developing . . . The White House released details of his Colorado visit on Tuesday, and said the meeting will be held on Saturday from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Central High School. The president will land in Grand Junction about a half-hour before the scheduled town hall meeting and take off about [...]

Why Global Warming Policy is More Dangerous than Global Warming Itself

by Mr. Bob | 11:54 am, August 11, 2009

#tcot #climate

Pelosi in Denver again TOMORROW to convince you…you need her help

by Mr. Bob | 10:16 am, August 11, 2009

#redco #tcot #healthcare #obamacare UPDATE…Union provided information below is a hoax or disinformation. Pelosi will not be here tomorrow. Time:	Wednesday, August 12 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Host:	Colorado Change that Works
Location:	Stout Street Clinic (Denver, CO) 2100 Broadway St Denver, CO 80204 Maps: Google Maps MapQuest Yahoo! Maps

Dr. Obama’s Health Reform and the “Public Option” Cheese Shop

by Ben DeGrow | 6:37 am, August 11, 2009

Last night as I put the elder Virtus child to bed, we looked at her stack of four Berenstain Bear books. In a rare display of 3-year-old magnanimity, she told me, “Daddy, you pick the story.” So I picked up the copy of Old Hat, New Hat and delightfully suggested, “Let’s read this one.” [...]

Using Alinsky against the left

by Rossputin | 1:19 am, August 11, 2009

I’ve noted in my brief report about the Denver Pelosi/ObamaCare protest that the pro-Obama side which turned out to support socialized medicine had clearly been more centrally organized than the “angry mob” of people (actually, no more angry than the other side and at least as well-behaved) who object to their liberty and money being stolen by this Administration.

It’s sort of amusing that the left is accusing the finally-awakened center and right of being “well organized”, in part because it’s not true, in part because it wouldn’t matter if it were true (as long as the people there truly believed in what they were supporting or opposing), and in part because organizing for political purposes has long been a strong-suit of the left.

After all, what was Barack Obama’s JOB before running for office? A “community organizer”. Obama’s main influence was Saul Alinsky, the father of radical leftist “organizing” and author of “Rules for Radicals”, a good summary of which can be found HERE.

Two of Alinsky’s tactical rules are:

2. “Never go outside the expertise of your people. When an action or tactic is outside the experience of the people, the result is confusion, fear and retreat…. [and] the collapse of communication.

3. “Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy. Look for ways to increase insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty. (This happens all the time. Watch how many organizations under attack are blind-sided by seemingly irrelevant arguments that they are then forced to address.)

This explains the blind panic of the left when they see what they believe to be actual organization against them (even if that belief has little or no foundation in reality.) Organization has been one of the left’s most effective areas of superiority over conservatives in recent years. The idea that organization might no longer be “outside the expertise of the enemy” will do great damage to that key area of tactical advantage.

Here’s a good brief take on the subject from Robert Hahn at RedState.com:
http://www.redstate.com/robert_a_hahn/2009/08/08/stop-the-madness/

Another of Alinksy’s rules:

5. “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon. It is almost impossible to counteract ridicule. Also it infuriates the opposition, which then reacts to your advantage.”

This explains a lot about why the left attacks non-leftists in very childish, personal ways, not least the “Tea Bagger” moniker. Our side needs to make clear that the juvenile insults roll off like water off a duck, and to point out which side is acting like adults.

Here’s a great example, pushing back against the moronic claims of the left that pro-liberty activists are too well dressed (video from an event for a Democratic candidate for Governor in Virginia):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfdZMrHOldI

However, don’t forget that the left is not particularly damaged by claims of hypocrisy. They don’t care. They believe, as Alinsky did, that the ends justify the means. If they can get their way by hypocrisy and lies, they will without compunction.

Alinsky’s first power rule:

1. “Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have.”

And this is really the crux of the matter: The left thought they had all the power when it came to political activity “in the streets.” That is changing rapidly. The left can feel their power slipping away because supporters of liberty are coming to realize that we have the same power they do, or at least nearly so. One thing the left has that the pro-liberty side doesn’t is the ability to call on unions, like the evil Emperor in the Lord of the Rings calling out armies of orcs, to go intimidate (or actually beat up) American citizens who are voicing their own opinions. Even with that advantage in manpower and in willingness to use violence or threats of violence, the left’s tactical superiority in “political organizing” is diminishing.

Alinsky knew that it was critical to take opponents out of their comfort zone. By no longer ceding the streets to the radical left and their union enforcers, the pro-liberty side is making Obama’s “community organizers” very uncomfortable indeed – and it’s about time.

So when you hear a leftist talk about the organized protests against ObamaCare, first ask on what basis they believe the protests are organized and second ask on what basis they have a reason to complain even if it were true, given that the only qualification of the man they elected as President (or Messiah) was that he was a “community organizer.”

If you go to one of these protests at which both sides attend, you’ll notice one thing very clearly: The left is more organized than the pro-liberty crowd and the left is less passionate than the pro-liberty crowd. But that’s what happens when so many of their people are only their because their bosses (or school teachers) told them to go. Not only are they less interested in the issue, but many of them don’t even really understand the issue. So when you go, be passionate but also be well-informed. Alinsky’s tactics are substantially immunized against by people who are both of those things.

Senator laments lack of government dependence

by Brian Schwartz | 1:10 am, August 11, 2009

Ensuring that our kids have enough to eat during summer months is critically important, especially during these tough economic times… Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts, the number of children participating in federally reimbursed summer nutrition programs in 2008 was the same as it was 15 years ago. (emphasis added) — Senate Agriculture Committee chairman Tom Harkin [...]

Three Town Hall Conversations on Health Reform

by T.L. James | 11:30 pm, August 10, 2009

Pretty typical of the discussions at Ed Perlmutter’s health reform town hall in Brighton on Saturday.

Ryan Frazier’s “New Generation of Leadership” Merits Closer Consideration

by Ben DeGrow | 10:35 pm, August 10, 2009

Washington Times political reporter Jennifer Harper, writing from “Inside the Beltway”, takes notice of Colorado’s own Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ryan Frazier as “a man to watch” (something we here at home already knew):

While Republicans dither over party identity, one of their own has stepped forward and cut to the chase with a clear take [...]

A little word on the con the Government is trying to sell us to “cure” healthcare.

by John West | 8:36 pm, August 10, 2009

Just remember, if you think health care is expensive, just wait until it’s free!!
Indenpendance Institute\’s Take on the Government\’s Health Care Con, I mean Cure. No, I really mean con. Really.

“Anal Fissures? Not Covered!”

by T.L. James | 7:22 pm, August 10, 2009

Thanks to Jon Caldara and Independence Institute’s latest video on health reform, I have now created probably the last blog post title I would have ever expected to use.

Vandalism at the Perlmutter Health Reform Town Hall?

by T.L. James | 7:10 pm, August 10, 2009

This from our well-funded and carefully coordinated friends over at Michael “The Hutt” Huttner’s place – if this is for real, why has it not been all over CNN?  The original email includes a picture of a car with what appears to be a car mirror dangling from its mount. Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 5:25PM [...]

Ryan Frazier “A New Way Forward”

by elpresidente | 6:36 pm, August 10, 2009

Ben DeGrow wisely asks: Here’s my serious question to consider … In the 2010 campaign environment, which do you think will be more of a liability for a Republican U.S. Senate contender here in Colorado: youth and lack of experience at the federal level OR a close connection with the previous fiscally irresponsible Republican Congress [...]

Tom Lucero Discusses Health Reform, Campaign ’10

by Ari Armstrong | 4:38 pm, August 10, 2009

Finally I have succeeded in uploading to YouTube an August 6 video featuring an interview with Congressional hopeful Tom Lucero, who hopes to survive the GOP primary to challenge Betsy Markey (who took out Republican Marilyn Musgrave last time around). Lucero faces Cory Gardner in the primary.

I caught Lucero at the “Hands Off My Health Care” rally in Longmont. He discussed health policy, cap-and-trade, Ward Churchill, and the primary.

Watch the other four videos on health reform featuring the Longmont “mob,” including the popular “Longmont CO Health Ralliers Reply to Democratic ‘Mob’ Charge.”

Angry Mob Attacks Steve Crowder and Cameraman

by Mr. Bob | 3:49 pm, August 10, 2009

#tcot #mob #townhall #healthcare #nazi
Another out of control health care townhall meeting. Luckily Steven Crowder was there to document the travesty, the humanity, the anger and the Nazi paraphernalia.

Who do you fear?

by Mr. Bob | 3:24 pm, August 10, 2009

#tcot #redco #healthcare #teaparty

I came to the conclusion a long time ago that the difference between “liberals” and conservatives, between socialist embracers and free marketer embracers is that the Liberal fears business much more than they fear the government and visa versa.

Today’s Rasmussen survey asked likely voters an interesting question: when it comes to health care decisions, which do you fear more–insurance companies, or the government? By a 51-41 percent margin, respondents said they fear the federal government more. This seems right to me; I really don’t understand why anyone would be afraid of an insurance company. The breakdown is interesting, too. People who actually have health insurance are much more afraid of the government, but people who don’t have health insurance fear insurers more than the government.

HT Powerline Blog, read the rest here

The reason I put “liberal” in quotes is because classic liberalism is libertarian. Modern liberalism is socialism, bordering on the embrace of Marxism and solidifying government power over poeple…there is nothing “liberal” about it.

Quote of the Day

by Mr. Bob | 3:21 pm, August 10, 2009

#tcot #hhrs #redco
In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress. — John Adams

Rep. Mike Coffman Wrong to Demand More Insurance Controls

by Ari Armstrong | 1:04 pm, August 10, 2009

In a July 30 article for the Denver Post, Rep. Mike Coffman criticizes “increasing the government’s involvement in our health care system.” Why, then, is that what he promotes?

Coffman wants politicians to “require health insurers to cover those with pre-existing conditions.” But prior political interference is precisely what created the problem. Tax policy pushed many Americans into the expensive, non-portable employer-paid system. Lose your job, lose your insurance. Politicians burden insurers with reams of ever-changing controls, undercutting their ability to offer long-term policies.

Forcing insurers to ignore pre-existing conditions only encourages people to wait to get insurance until they get sick, leading to Massachusetts-style mandates.

Coffman is right to want to limit frivolous legal suits and ease the tax burden for individual purchases of health care. The solution is not more political control but liberty.

(Note: The Denver Post declined to publish the above letter. I’m sure it is merely coincidence that the Post’s pro-Obamacare editorial content has vastly outweighed the material critical of Obamacare, particularly in the letters.)

Health Reform

by Jon Caldara | 12:59 pm, August 10, 2009

In less than 90 seconds this new health reform video highlights the upside-down priorities of Oregon’s Medicaid system. Lobbying groups have used the political process to push coverage for special-interest causes like substance abuse and weight loss treatment ahead of treatments for some kinds of cancer on the priority list.

If you’d like a more [...]

Government Controlled Health Care Plan? What Say YE?

by Mr. Bob | 12:51 pm, August 10, 2009

#tcot #hhrs
Let’s look at where it’s been tried here in the U.S. already.

Informed citizens speak out…the left is getting really annoyed and plans to pass this anyway.

New I.I. Video Exposes Another Danger of Obama-Style Health Reform

by Ben DeGrow | 12:11 pm, August 10, 2009

My employer, the Independence Institute, has released another great video. Find out in less than 90 seconds why Obama Care is like a game show you don’t want to be a contestant on:

I suppose introducing this video to you makes me “un-American” …
Anyway, add the new I.I. health reform video to the YouTube pantheon on [...]

I’m Invading Eagle County

by Jon Caldara | 9:58 am, August 10, 2009

Maybe not so much invading persay, but definitely causing a mild disturbance.  I’ve been asked to speak at the Eagle County Republican Lincoln Day dinner. I’m going to touch on several topics, including but not limited to:  my “read before you vote” campaign, health care, the tea party movement, liberals v. socialists, 401k’s, and much [...]

Colorado Town Hall Meetings – Be Heard!

by Jon Caldara | 9:31 am, August 10, 2009

Want to be heard about what matters most to you? Health care perhaps? Maybe government spending? Well, our legislators have been gracious enough to tell us when they will be appearing in town halls and other public functions. Please don’t let them get away with just softball questions! Here is [...]

Obama Care Astroturfing

by Ben DeGrow | 5:12 am, August 10, 2009

The Left has grown so mixed up in its own deceit and self-delusion — as they try to distract from the substance of Obama Care’s open door to socialized medicine and government rationing — it’s hard to know where to begin. How about trying to drive the meme that citizen protests against Obama Care are [...]

The Steamboat Institute’s Inaugural Freedom Conference

by Rossputin | 1:22 am, August 10, 2009

Talk about trying to do something about a problem (in the case the problem of the ongoing assault on liberty and fundamental principles of the American Founding.) I’m extremely proud of my colleague from the Leadership Program of the Rockies’ Advisory Board, Jennifer Schubert-Akin who has not only founded The Steamboat Institute, a pro-liberty organization in Steamboat Springs, but has also organized their first (hopefully of many) Freedom Conference which will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 28 and 29.

The speaker’s list is tremendous, including Michael Reagan, Grover Norquist, Dan Mitchell (from the Cato Institute), Tony Blankley, and many more. (In fact, the list of speakers got so good and so big that I was booted from an early speaking invitation – a boot which I was glad to receive because it says so much about the support the conference is getting – but I will still speak for a few minutes, including introducing Grover Norquist.)

As I said, the Conference is Friday and Saturday, August 28th and 29th in Steamboat Springs (Colorado) and they have arranged for great room rates at the Steamboat Grand Hotel (where I’ve stayed before. If you’re going, I love their condominium rooms…) You can contact the hotel directly and mention the Steamboat Institute conference to get the group rates.

The registration link for the conference is HERE.

I encourage everyone with an interest in lively political discussion and a belief in liberty and free markets to join me and the great speakers at what I expect will be a thoroughly enjoyable event.

Friday Funnies – Special Sunday Edition “Gone to the Dogs”

by CTBC Director | 11:56 pm, August 9, 2009

Welcome to a very special (and somewhat late) edition of the Clear The Bench Colorado Friday Funnies – a full-color Sunday Special!
And what better to mark the passing of the “dog days of summer” than to introduce our “Gone to the Dogs” spokespup Nola in the first of a series of “biting” commentaries on our state [...]

Boulder government: getting fat on taxpayers’ dime?

by Amy Oliver | 1:32 pm, August 9, 2009

Boulder city government has an expanding waistline. The Daily Camera reports that “Boulder taxpayers shelled out more than $230,100 for government food last year, representing a 13 percent increase over 2007 and 19 percent over 2006 food expenses.”
The paper offered further explanation:
The costs are for a wide range of snacks and meals for employees, officials and [...]

“Healthcare Is a Right, Not a Privilege”: A Bit Unclear on the Concept

by T.L. James | 9:53 am, August 9, 2009

I guess Ari’s example is rubbing off on me – I saw this young woman’s sign, and I just had to interview her. Sadly, this was typical of the level of understanding of first principles I heard all afternoon from the collectivists promoting Obamacare.  There was much discussion about “social justice” [sic] and emotion-based “arguments” [...]

A thought for Jared Polis

by Rossputin | 2:19 am, August 9, 2009

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO, and my representative in Congress) held a townhall-like meeting yesterday. I was unable to attend (but will attend a future meeting), but was glad to see some coverage and video of the event.

Here’s part of a note I sent to Congressman Polis in response to some words I heard him speak in that video:

You’re missing a HUGE point about ObamaCare.

It is not single-payer on Day 1 but is designed to become that by forcing people into “government-approved” plans. You’re ignoring the fact that ObamaCare will likely be able to use other parts of government to collect their money (i.e. the Treasury) and thus avoid the fund-raising costs that the private competition have and therefore have a lower apparent cost to insurance buyers (even though the actual cost won’t be lower, it will just have shifted to your tax bill). You do note that the “public option” has to break-even or better, but do you really believe it will? If so, you’re not paying attention to how government works. And unlike private plans, it will just take taxpayer money to plug the hole when it doesn’t. In other words, it is in the long run not an “option” when it has so many competitive advantages that it will be impossible for a private company to compete. It is without a doubt the first giant step toward complete government-run health care, and I do not say that out of some sort of anti-gov’t paranoia though I’m clearly no fan of government most of the time. (By the way, I’m sure you’ve seen the clips of Obama and especially Schakowsky saying they want or expect to eliminate private insurance companies.)

Obama Care: Yes, facts are stubborn things

by Brian Schwartz | 1:30 am, August 9, 2009

Hello comrade!  You can help the Executive Branch of your National Government by sending “fishy” claims of “disinformation” about health insurance reform to a whitehouse.gov e-mail address!   Don’t worry about research estimating that millions of people would switch to government insurance because their employer chose it.  And don’t worry about what President Obama says really [...]

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