Caffeinated Thoughts

What to Do With Mitt Romney Now That Rick Santorum Is Out?
Lesser of Two Evils 2012
Speaking of Jesus by Medearis: FREE Kindle version today!
Rick Santorum Suspends Campaign
Interview with Nate Blair about Royce White and Orchard Place
Rick Santorum Suspends Campaign, GOP Nomination Race Is Over
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad Endorses Mitt Romney
Branstad the Iowa School Start Date Dictator?

What to Do With Mitt Romney Now That Rick Santorum Is Out?

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 11:00 PM PDT

That is a question that I have been pondering and one that will likely be hotly debated among conservatives. I've been accused by a certain media personality that I will now move on to explain to my readers why they should vote for Mitt Romney. I will do no such thing because frankly I've not totally decided what I will do in terms of the Presidential campaign. One thing I will not do is endorse. I doubt I'll even tell you who I'm voting for other than it will not be for Barack Obama. So I disagree with Adam who decided to go ahead and endorse Romney here at CT. I understand that his isn't a ringing endorsement, and it comes with many qualifications. I think that we can safely assume that Mitt Romney won't highlight it on his website.

I know that some are throwing their weight toward Newt Gingrich or Ron Paul and if you live in a state that still has to vote I would encourage you to vote your conscience. I don't think the delegate math is in either of their favor, but that shouldn't determine your vote – your principles should.

I understand that the general election is a gray area and not black and white. I also understand that my brothers and sisters in Christ may come to different conclusions on how to vote. I think there needs to be a lot of grace and deference shown here. I will not begrudge anyone who decides to vote for Romney or someone who decides to vote third party. I also understand what is at stake in this election and how bad President Obama is, and how disastrous another four years of his administration would be unchecked.

So the call to be salt and light – salt in this instance for Christians is one that we need to take seriously and prayerfully. Because of this I reject calls to "coalesce" behind the nominee – I'm a Christian first, a conservative second, and a Republican (if I still maintain my registration as such) third. Romney has done more to divide my party so the calls to coalesce ring hallow. He has much to prove as he ran the dirtiest, most negative campaign of anyone in the Republican field and has has largely ignored issues I can deeply about. So I can totally understand why some would never vote for him.

So I'm not saying no, but I'm not saying yes either. We'll see. I have my doubts about his ability to win the general election. I believe that because of the way he positioned himself if the economy were to improve he'll be sunk. But I don't base my vote on electability either.

I'm focusing on the down ticket races, and I hope that those who feel slighted by a Romney nomination would do the same. Work to get good people elected to Congress, the Senate, and state legislative seats. Romney won't have the coattails to help these people so we must.

But no endorsement for Romney from me. I'll point out where I think he's right and continue to pound on him where I think he's wrong – that will not change. I may end up voting for him, but that will likely be it. No yard sign, no volunteering, and I'm certainly not going to tell any of you how to vote. We just need to work to maintain the House and win back the Senate so if Obama is reelected we have a legislative body that will keep him in check.

Lesser of Two Evils 2012

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 07:46 PM PDT

Senator Rick Santorum has ended his race for the White House for reasons that are understandable and honorable. I have no interest in supporting Newt Gingrich for President. If I lived in a State where the election were not held, I'd probably vote for Ron Paul in order to avoid the unpleasant experience of voting for Mitt Romney twice, and I would begrudge no one else that decision or the decision to vote for Santorum or Gingrich in the remaining primaries. However, as I've already voted in the Caucus, I declare that I will support Mitt Romney for President in 2012.

I don't particularly care who Governor Romney chooses as his running mate. As long as he keeps with his commitment to a pro-life Vice-Presidential Candidate, I could care less. If I were to have any favorites, it would be Ohio Senator Rob Portman, a boring vague figure who would fit right in on the Romney ticket.

Conservatives who opposed Governor Romney are disappointed, but we have to be frank. The nomination of Mitt Romney is an event we have brought upon ourselves and which we deserve for a lack of planning, foolish divisiveness, and lack of foresight. I'll talk about how we can remedy these situations in the future–but not until after the Fall election.

I'll not paper over Romney's problems or be dishonest about the endorsement of Romney. Several people have looked like fools this cycle because last cycle that acted like Romney was a true conservative and this cycle they're declaring him anathema. Let me be completely honest, a vote for Mitt Romney is a vote for the lesser of two evils.

After Mitt Romney has been on the national stage for five years, I cannot define what his political core is, or even if he has one. I have no idea whether he's running to achieve the current program he's talking about, has a hidden agenda, or no agenda at all. The one consistent theme of Romney's political career has been personal ambition.

Mitt Romney has praised Rick Santorum for running a good campaign. I wish I could sincerely praise Governor Romney for that. He's run a campaign based on tearing down men of better courage and achievement for the conservative movement. To quote Speaker Gingrich, "Romney is like a four foot eight guy who wants to play center on a basketball team. The only way he can do it is to make others smaller." When I hear Romney or his supporters complain about the negative tone of the campaign and how it has damaged the GOP, I'm reminded of the man who murdered both his parents and begged for leniency because he was an orphan.

Because of the campaign Romney won, he has left behind a GOP electorate where there are many hard feelings and he'll have to overcome that. He'll also have to overcome the record negative ratings he has earned for himself as a result of the campaign he has run. My biggest reservation about supporting Romney is that it may encourage the same gut-turning tactics by future campaigns. In addition, Romney's ascension teaches us that principles don't matter as long as you have money, ambition, and the ability to talk out of both sides of his mouth.

However, I said Romney is a lesser evil and I meant it. A Christian Pastor when referring to these "lesser of two evils" choices asked a good question, "Shouldn't Christians want less evil?"

Barack Obama has run an Administration that has sought to attack the religious liberty of the American people. He has shown that he believes there is no limit on the power and size of the Central Government. As America is on the brink of fiscal abyss, he has proposed the most outlandish budget proposals ever seen. While a Bill Clinton might react to this by proposing spending cuts and tax increases, Obama has opposed tax increases and even more spending. In Barack Obama's world, you can have $1.5 trillion deficits as far as the eye can see without consequence.

Barack Obama has stymied attempts at drilling for oil even as Gas Prices surge out of control, threatening the well-being of every American. He is making unwise cuts in our defense budget that will endanger our national security for years down the road.

Finally, Barack Obama is the most pro-abortion president in the history of this Republic. His administration's policy is to promote, encourage, and finance the destruction of innocent human life wherever and whenever it can.

This is a key issue for me. As bad as Mitt Romney has treated Rick Santorum and other conservatives in this race, it is nothing next to how Barack Obama has treated the unborn. Therefore, while I mistrust Mitt Romney, I will give him the benefit of the doubt on a few points.

Governor Romney has pledged to be a pro-life President and to appoint strict constructionist to the court. While his appointments in Massachusetts give reason for doubt, the fact is that Romney has been endorsed by conservatives such as Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice which has a major interest in arguing before the court on behalf of the unborn and religious liberties. I will, for the purpose of this election, trust that endorsement means Romney will appoint strict constructionist judges. Conservatives can take comfort in the appointment of Harriet Miers. President Bush appointed her but she was forced to withdraw when conservatives dissented and were unsure of her commitment. We have no such leverage on an Obama appointment.

Secondly, in the face of our current fiscal crisis, I will entertain the hope that once in Washington, Romney will face the fiscal crisis and the entitlement crisis head on. If he won't face it from principle, I hope he faces it from pragmatism. No one wants to be the president who sent America into insolvency. However, seriously addressing these problems requires political courage which Romney has shown no evidence of. I give Romney about 25% chance of seriously taking on the nation's fiscal future in a meaningful way. However, that's 25% higher than I would give President Obama and if Romney only makes minor changes to cover his tail and forestall the most serious consequences of our national problems until after his Administration, Romney will have still done more for the country than Obama.

Romney supporters will doubtless not appreciate the honest tone of this. However, I think that there will be enough insincere pabulum written by conservatives between now and Election Day to fill the entire Library of Congress. I hope this endorsement will speak to those who are truly displeased with the nomination of Mitt Romney. I hope that they will join me in supporting the lesser of two evils in this campaign, and hoping for the best.

I wish Governor Romney the best. For the duration of the campaign, I won't post anything negative about Governor Romney. I reserve the right to criticize Romney's campaign if it does something boneheaded, but I endorse Governor Romney as the lesser of two evils in this race.

Speaking of Jesus by Medearis: FREE Kindle version today!

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 01:50 PM PDT

Speaking of Jesus is the latest book by one of my favorite authors Carl Medearis. Today Amazon is offering the Kindle version for free. Please take the opportunity to get a free electronic copy of this book. Even if you do not have a kindle, here is a way to view it on any computer: Kindle for PC. Here is Amazon’s summary of the book:

Some of us fear moments when we need to defend our theology. Some of us seek them out. But we are seldom ready the way Jesus seemed to be ready. So how do we draw others to God in the midst of these ordinary conversations the way Jesus did?

In Speaking of Jesus, Carl Medearis draws on his experience of international reconciliation between Muslims and Christians to remind us of the heart of the matter: Jesus. Here he gives us tools, stories, and the foundation we need to move beyond "us" and "them" and simply talk about the One who changes it all.

As Carl writes, "While others are explaining and defending various isms and ologies we're simply pointing people to our friend. The one who uncovers and disarms. Who leads people right to himself. The beginning and the end of the story. A good story indeed."

I read this book a few months ago and loved it. I hope to read it again soon so I can get a good review to the readers of CT. But here is your opportunity to read it for yourself.

Rick Santorum Suspends Campaign

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 11:39 AM PDT

Rick Santorum, former PA senator and Republican Presidential candidate just announced that he is suspending his campaign for president. The announcement occurred at a press conference in Gettysburg PA. The announcement was unexpected. Although he has been receiving pressure from pundits, other campaigns and the establishment to drop out in an effort to unify behind Romney, there was not much recent speculation that an actual decision was imminent. The decision comes on the heels of the hospitalization and release of his daughter, Bella, whom we wish the best as she continues to recover. Despite an impressive showing in several recent states, his campaign has been struggling recently and he had even fallen behind Romney in polling conducted in his home state of Pennsylvania. Three candidates remain in the race, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul. Mitt Romney is leading in the delegate count and although far behind, Gingrich and Paul have both stated they will remain in until the convention.

Interview with Nate Blair about Royce White and Orchard Place

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

This is a special piece/show from CyHawkThoughts as Steve and Chuck interview Nate Blair, one of the directors at Orchard Place, about the recent visit that Iowa State’s Royce White took to Orchard Place. Nate explains how the visit came to be along with how the kids reacted and what Royce said. For those who aren’t familiar with Orchard Place, it is a organization that helps kids with mental illness. Check out the video above and learn more about the kids, Orchard Place, and what it meant to the kids to have Royce visit.

Rick Santorum Suspends Campaign, GOP Nomination Race Is Over

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 11:30 AM PDT

Rick Santorum announced today that he is suspending his campaign. He said his daughter Bella's latest hospitalization over the weekend was a time of "prayer and thought" about the status of his campaign. He took time to recognize the stories of different volunteers, like Chuck Laudner in Iowa with his truck, and a young man in wheelchair, as well as the Duggers.

"He said it has been a wonderful story after story of people coming forward." He said people stepped up even though experts said they would never win. He said, but we did win in a different way. He realized it wasn't about his voice, but our voices.

"We painted a hopeful, positive vision for our country." Santorum said, "we wanted to share the hopes of Americans, not just the fears of Americans." He said his campaign was about who we were as Americans.

Santorum said, "We made a decision to get into the race at the kitchen table, and we decided over the weekend that this campaign is done for me, but we are not done fighting." So they are suspending their campaign effective today, but will go on to fight to make sure President Obama is defeated and that Republicans keep the House and take back the Senate.

Update: Dustin and I needed to communicate a little I guess. Yes Paul and Gingrich are staying in the race, but with Santorum out Romney now has a clear path to the nomination. For the nomination race to come down to a brokered convention it was necessary for Santorum to stay in.

2nd Update: Newt Gingrich comments:

Rick has waged a remarkable campaign. His success is a testament to his tenacity and the power of conservative principles.

I am committed to staying in this race all the way to Tampa so that the conservative movement has a real choice. I humbly ask Senator Santorum's supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa. We know well that only a conservative can protect life, defend the Constitution, restore jobs and growth and return to a balanced budget.

This will obviously boost Gingrich's performance in upcoming states, but with Santorum gone there is zero chance he can peel enough delegates away to block Romney from the nomination. I wish that weren't the case, but it's true. It was going to be difficult with Santorum in the race. Now it's mathematically impossible.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad Endorses Mitt Romney

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 10:45 AM PDT

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad held a lunchtime press conference to declare his support of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. No surprise other than it occurred more than three full months after the Iowa Caucus. Branstad represents the establishment, Romney is an establishment candidate.

He said Mitt Romney will receive the delegates he needs, and that he provides "a clear contrast to President Obama." While yes there are some differences I disagree about the type of contrast Romney will provide. I believe the other three candidates in the race provide a greater contrast than Romney would.

Branstad said he is not seeking any role after being asked if he thinks he'll be considered as a running mate. He said he is doing this because he loves his country. He said he loves Iowa and loves serving the people here. He thinks that Mitt Romney as President would help him be a better governor.

Obviously Governor Branstad is free to endorse whomever he likes, and Republicans outside of Iowa who have yet to vote are free to accept or ignore this endorsement. The primary process is healthy, there are many states who have yet to vote, and they deserve to have a choice. I'll keep saying it, but this contest is not over until Romney had the delegates in hand. Then let's have the coalescing talk, until then it is premature.

I personally doubt it will have much weight outside of Iowa. I do appreciate Governor Branstad's neutrality during the Iowa Caucus.

Update: Branstad's official presser

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad today endorsed Gov. Mitt Romney for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.

Branstad says it is time for the party to come together and devote their attention to victory against President Obama as Republicans gear up for the November election.

"I purposefully withheld my endorsement until now, because I wanted my focus to be on uniting the Republican Party going into the fall.

"I want to commend all of the candidates who participated in the Iowa caucuses. Once again, Iowa did its job in winnowing the field. The top four finishers in the Iowa caucuses remain the four candidates in the race. Now, more than three months later and after a vigorous campaign, I believe the time has come to coalesce around one candidate.

"All four candidates have worked hard. All four candidates demonstrated why they would be better than the current White House occupant. I consider all four of the remaining candidates my friends, and I am proud of the campaigns they waged in Iowa. They fought hard, and shared their ideas for our country. In the end, we knew one of the top four finishers out of Iowa would be our nominee, and I am excited to elect a Republican president who got their start in Iowa.

"Now that dozens of caucuses and primaries have occurred, the process did what it was supposed to do, and that is produce the candidate who will capture the needed delegates: Mitt Romney.

"Today, I am enthusiastically endorsing Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination for president. In Mitt Romney, Americans will have a clear contrast with President Obama in November. Gov. Romney is committed to cut out-of-control spending, unleash the private sector to create jobs, and ensure that future generations have the opportunities we have enjoyed due to the American free enterprise system.

"There is a lot at stake in the upcoming election, and Republicans in Iowa are energized. One need only look at the surging Republican registrations to understand how motivated our party is heading into November. Republicans are in a position to carry Iowa for just the second time since 1984, and we will not let this opportunity slip away. Mitt Romney is going to be a strong general election contender, and I will work every day to unite Republicans and attract independents and disillusioned Democrats to elect a president who will restore the American dream and unite our nation."

I wonder, I'm not certain, but I would bet Democrats are going to make a stink out of this endorsement being made from the Iowa Statehouse, a presser being done from his Administration’s office, etc. I'm sure they had their ducks in a row, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a complaint filed.

2nd Update: I guess Branstad has great timing. I didn’t expect Rick Santorum to announce that he was suspending his campaign.

Branstad the Iowa School Start Date Dictator?

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 10:15 AM PDT

Looking at the education policy wasteland in Iowa we have a House bill that was passed by a majority of Republicans who evidently checked their local control principles at the door, but it at least doesn't expand the Iowa Core. We have a Senate bill that was just passed yesterday on a party line vote which does expand the Iowa Core. I'm not sure what the final version of the Senate Bill does for non-public schools as the House bill was better in that regard. The verdict needs to be withheld until after the conference trying to reconcile the two bills, many lawmakers believe education overhaul is unlikely. Which I with careful optimism say would be preferable to what was in Governor Branstad's original education bill, but we still may end up with a horrible bill.

Sausage-making is ugly business.

Today the Iowa House is debating the issue of school start dates to which I say (predictably I'm sure) let schools, not the state, decide. Governor Branstad seems to think it is best for him to decide however. He said in his weekly press conference that he'd consider acting to stop schools from having earlier start dates.

Branstad said in his weekly press conference Monday morning that he shared those concerns, and would be willing to direct the Department of Education to stop granting start-date waivers if lawmakers fail to enact restrictions into law.

"If the Legislature fails to act, I think that might be something that we would seriously look at," he said.

Now he can direct the Department of Education to do that if he likes, he has the authority current state law allows it. It would seem pretty heavy handed and again be a slap in the face of local control. I mean really? We can't trust elected school boards and accredited nonpublic schools to make a decision on when to start school? I don't always agree with Des Moines Dem at Bleeding Heartland, but she made a good point today, "Branstad has a long history of putting business interests first, but even I’m shocked he would take a stand against early school start dates when he’s been urging legislators for months to make boosting student achievement a top priority."

It does seem counterintuitive. I understand the reasons behind the bill. I personally think it is ridiculous for a school to start before the State Fair and then to spend money taking a field trip to the Iowa State Fair. I don't believe schools need to start super early, but since the Iowa State Fair ends on August 19th, what's the problem with schools starting on the 20th? Why do they have to wait until September 1st? Then again if the school board, teachers and parents want to start earlier than that what I think is irrelevant.

Anyway back to my point is that it is better for school boards to decide, and not have the Governor dictate their start date to them. If they want to wait until September 1 good for them. If parents don't like an earlier start date they can take it up with the school board whom they elected. They however have no recourse if they want to start early but have their school district's waiver denied by some nameless bureaucrat in the Iowa Department of Education.

Governor Branstad has the authority to make such a decision, but he'll just look like a bully and a dictator if he does.

Horoscop

miercuri, 11 aprilie 2012

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