What Happened to the Freedom Tower?

Where have a been the last two years? I didn’t know that the new building at Ground Zero in New York City has had it’s name changed from the “Freedom Tower” to “One World Trade Center”.

Some saw the change as being unpatriotic, since the Freedom name symbolized our fight against those who attacked us. In my mind it’s a little worse than that. The name “One World Trade Center” has a completely different meaning when there is no “Two World Trade Center”. No wonder many gave the new name an ‘interesting and warm reception’, as reported on Fox News.com . When losing the symbolism of the name ‘The Freedom Tower’, there doesn’t seem to be any admitting to the fact that the new name takes on a whole new symbolism. I’m sure all those one world government types just loved the idea.

We may share this lovely world with many countries and different peoples, but we have freedom, and a constitution that guarantees that freedom. I am not ready to concede that freedom to the inferior systems of the rest of the world. However they are welcome to join me in upholding and promoting freedom and democracy if they would like.

-Lynnae

Obama Says We’ve Gone Soft

Three days ago I read the following comment from President Obama:

“ The way I think about it is, you know, this is a great, great country that had gotten a little soft, and, you know, we didn’t have that same competitive edge that we needed over the last couple of decades. We need to get back on track.”   Foxnews.com

My first thought was that this is Obama’s ‘malaise’ moment. The sad pouty outcry of a destined to be one term president. Well, one can only hope.

Since then I haven’t been able to let go of the second part…..

‘We didn’t have the same competitive edge that we needed’

!!!!!!

Is this man blind to the fact that liberal policies are to blame for this?

How can you blame Americans for being soft when you teach them to be greedy for what they haven’t earned, and teach them that they deserve what they haven’t worked for?

How can you expect us to keep the competitive edge when you punish the winners of the competition?

Mercury Free Light Bulbs

I just heard that Nancy Pelosi during her ‘reign’ had mandated that fluorescent lights be used on the House side of congress.  They are currently being replace, by order of Boehner, with good old fashioned incandescent light bulbs.

And while I’m on the topic, the other day my husband pointed out that even though democrats have mandated that all light bulbs in the home be CFL’s by 2014, another law has been passed mandating that CFL bulbs NOT be used outdoors. It seems they pose a danger to the environment.

As for the environment in your home, who cares! Certainly not the Democrats.

I have a bright idea for you. Why don’t Americans get the freedom to choose whatever light bulb they want. We pay our own bill, let us decide if a higher power bill is better or worse than a toxic light bulb that must be saved carefully after use and disposed at a hazardous waste site.

-Lynnae

September 11th, Ten Years Later

I was still in bed when my good friend called on the phone, telling me planes had hit the World Trade Center. It was about time to get up anyway, so I hurried downstairs to watch the TV in shock while I got the kids ready for school. For a while I wondered if I should take them, but decided it was best. Before I left I remember looking at the tv and telling Jon "that building is going to fall, it looks like it's twisting." I never see that image anymore. They mostly show fast little clips.

While we were driving to middle school the first tower fell. I rushed home. I saw the second tower fall on tv and it was horrifying.

After an hour or two a neighbor called my house. The husband had been in the air at the time of the attacks and now had been diverted to Canada. He sounded very upset and had been trying to get a hold of his wife. I told him I'd have her call, slipped on some shoes and ran down to her house. The house was calm and children were playing happily. She answered the door and I told her she should call her husband and she seemed confused. She didn't have television on, and her phone was off the hook. She had no idea what had happened.

I was also in charge of a church dinner for the ladies that night and had been stressed out about it for a few days. I called the woman over me and asked if we could just cancel it, and she said she 'didn't see why.' So I went to Costco and tried to get done the things I needed to do, feeling scared and in shock. It was a sombre dinner. Maybe it was OK to have it, but I was mad at the time. We ate and sang hymns before returning to our families.

The next day, and for several days, I watched Fox news almost nonstop. I did try and turn it off whenever my four year old Jordan came in to the room, but I also remember trying to get her occupied in the playroom so I could go back and watch things unfold. I watched every news conference, and on the National Day of Prayer I prayed a lot and watched all the services. That day I felt very peaceful, and I felt like a spirit of calm and unity was over our country. It was a powerful feeling that I will never forget.

Please read this tribute I wrote two years ago.

I will forever honor the heroes of that day. The first responders, and since then, our military, who sacrifice so we can be free. Thank You!

-Lynnae

Government Overspending

I love this quote from Dave Ramsey that’s been floating around today.

"If the US Government was a family, they would be making $58,000 a year, they spend $75,000 a year, & are $327,000 in credit card debt. They are currently proposing BIG spending cuts to reduce their spending to $72,000 a year. These are the actual proportions of the federal budget & debt, reduced to a level that we can understand." - Dave Ramsey

I an not an economist by any means, but this obviously wouldn’t work out.

Where would I start if I had a magic government-changing wand?

Well, You know how government bills for funds always have a ‘projected increase’ every year? Then they make a measly ‘cut in spending’ that is really just a cut in the increase they would have otherwise had? That’s what I’d put an end to.  No spending could have an increase year after year built into it, except maybe limited to inflation.

To go back to the household analogy, what if each year I said I was going to spend 5% more on my car payment than the year before, and my phone bill, and my satellite TV. And utilities, etc. It’s easy to see that in not very many years I would not have enough money.

So according to our government, the thing to then do is decrease the increase spending on one of those things to 4% or even 3%, and take out a loan for the rest.

 

Thanks for reading,

-Lynnae

Sparklers!

I’ve been so busy with my daughter’s wedding that I haven’t been posting consistently, but I did want to show you these cool photos we took on Independence Day.

We used sparklers and a digital camera on a long exposure setting. I wrote my name……

Other people did too, but they had to flip the picture. I’m the only one who can write in cursive backwards ‘cause I’m cool like that.

Then we did some cool couples photos……

Here I am with my sweetie. We had one person take the picture and two people run around us with sparklers. One person couldn’t go fast enough for the camera so we had one start at the bottom and one halfway up. The ‘runners’ don’t show up because they were moving and we were holding still.

  This picture always reminds me of that ‘Bibbity Bobbity Boo’ moment when Cinderella’s fairy godmother gives her the beautiful gown.

Ok, I know there’s a lot going on in the world that’s worth a comment. I obviously can’t replace the pundit’s out there and you all know where to find them. But I love that you are willing to stop by and hear my two cents worth or just smile at the observations and lifestyle of the average conservative woman.

Captain America

Check out these cool Captain America ‘propaganda’ style posters on WIRED.

This one is by Eric Tan

I can’t wait for the show. But these are so fun. Remember when you were a kid and you used to see ‘Go USA’ type stuff all the time? It’s sad that it’s such a rarity now.

-Lynnae

Little Conservatives

This is me on my 9th Birthday. The bicentennial was a big year for us patriots! Grandma made my birthday cake, and this dress was my first sewing project with my mom teaching me to sew. I got to choose the fabric myself!

I guess going to Independence day celebrations did make me into a little conservative! ----Or could it be that I was raised by those who appreciate our country and the sacrifices made for it? People who believe it is special, and are trying to keep it that way?

Look at this awesome poster Hobby Lobby posted on Facebook:

I thought it was fabulous and left a comment to say so, and you would not believe the whiners and complainers that are criticizing that post! You know what? If you don’t like it and say you won’t give Hobby Lobby your business then I’m sure they will do just fine without you. They know who their base of customers are. (Could be why we don’t have a store in western Washington yet…) People love that store and a lot of crafters are patriotic people. I read a lot of craft and decorating blogs and around this time you really see people’s patriotism shine. Why should we have to hide that?

Let me go down through my blog roll and see a sprinkling of what’s being posted by people who love America:

Besottment Paper Relics

Where Women Create

Brunch at Saks

Creative Itch

 

As for me, the rain has stopped and I’m going to decorate my porch for our big party.

Happy Independence Day everyone!

-Lynnae

Summer Travel, Conservative Reading

My husband was gone for another month recently for more army training. They spent some days in the field where he got to put his new uniforms to the test, not with life or death supplies like our soldiers overseas, but things important to him nonetheless. Because I have a public blog I don’t like to broadcast the fact that he’s gone, when he’s gone, but I sure am glad when he’s home again.

Things have been pretty busy around here preparing for my daughter’s wedding. One thing we did was go down to New Orleans to meet my future Son-in-law’s family. It went well. I got along great with his mom, it felt to me like we were old friends. And to my surprise and satisfaction, his dad is another one of us crazy conservative types like me. Our conversation went from the presidency to voting, to scripture to great books we’ve read. Once you’ve realized that you have many of the same favorite books, then you really know a lot about someone (i.e. they are as awesome as you are, haha). So that went well.

Speaking of favorite books, the long out of print “An Enemy Hath Done This” by Ezra Taft Benson is back in print by a company named Freedom-Books. As a former Secretary of Agriculture under Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ezra Taft Benson fought against farm subsidies from the government in order to preserve a free market farming system back in the 50’s. He later became the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Ezra Taft Benson warned against forces in society that were seeking to overthrow the freedom of this country. This book contains many speeches to the Boy Scouts Of America and other organizations, on constitutional topics and is very relevant today, though the facts and figures have changed dramatically over the years. (I think most of the speeches were given in the ‘60’s). I ordered a new copy recently because I had given mine away. I need a few more! So if you haven’t heard of it or read this book, check it out. It is one of my ‘MUST READ’s’.

-Lynnae

My Husband Said…..

…..that today President Obama laid a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier for Memorial Day, before going golfing.

I said “I hope he left the cemetery first”.

Photo: CBS

-Lynnae

Atlas Shrugged Part 1

Opening night at Atlas Shrugged was great. We went to Lincoln Square in Bellevue Washington. We got there early and it’s a good thing because the house was packed. I wore my Atlas shrugged tee shirt and a chain bracelet, though it wasn’t like the modern bracelet designed in the movie.

My friend and I have read the book . I’ve read it three times now.  Our husbands hadn’t. So they had an interesting take. They could follow the story well and liked it a lot. I liked it, because I’m a fan, but missed a lot of things from the book. (For example, a said ‘It left out their entire childhood’ and my husband got thins look of horror in his eyes and said ‘Thank goodness!’) So their you go. The adaptation made this book accessible to a lot of people, and I’m sure many will go on to read the it.

The movie avoids the  atheist aspects of objectivism, and greatly downplays the sometimes violent sexuality that is hinted at, though not described in detail, in the book. Occasional conversations had to contain information that is set up over several chapters in the book, so occasionally the dialog seemed a bit unnatural.

Most the things I didn’t like were changes made for no reason as far as adapting the novel to film. Some of these are…..

Hank Rearden found the motor, instead of Dagny finding it when they were visiting the factory together.

The bracelet scene. Lillian's disgust for the bracelet was evident, but she wasn’t making fun of it too here friends at the party like we read in the novel. She said she would trade with anyone but there were no takers. The Dagny confronts her and trades the bracelet for her diamonds. That is one of my favorite scenes in the book, and in the movie it seemed to be just a hint that Dagny liked Rearden, not her appreciation for the intelligence, work, and prosperity Rearden Metal represented.

Fransisco just wasn’t cool enough. He looked sloppy. My husband thought he was perhaps some kind of anti-Che type character, which in a sense is right, but in Atlas shrugged he is tall and lean, and the chubby faced sloppy look is reserved for the looters and the moochers.

And over all I would have preferred a 1940’3 period piece.

What I loved…..

Dagny was great. I wish she would have been brunette like in the book, but she was still great. Rearden and Jim were also very well cast.

If you have to adapt it to present day, they did a great job explaining why the trains were still relevant.

The government, the regulations, and the crooked businessmen who are dealing with politicians rather than relying on the quality of their products are portrayed so well.  So is each blow to Rearden as he tries so hard to be successful and is crushed at every turn by each new government bill. It made my heart ache with frustration.

Rearden’s family and Dagny’s brother Jim were just great in their awfulness. What a slimy bunch!

That last scene. Oh-it was great. It really captured the sense of frustration and futility Dagny was feeling.

So there’s my review. Soon my daughters will be home from college and I’d like to take them to see it too. I’m so glad this movie was finally made. I loved the applause at the end of the show.

When does part two come out????

-Lynnae

Mercury Free Light Bulbs

I am desperate to keep incandescent light bulbs legal. I know there are many other more important things going on right now, but this is just one of those little things…….

Please help me in my quest. From now on lets refer to incandescent light bulbs as ‘Mercury Free’.

Just a simple catch phrase can help us turn the tide.

Read my older post on the topic.

-Lynnae

It’s Good to Love Reagan

A friend came up to me on Sunday at church and said they had recently visited the Jelly Belly jellybean factory. “And who do you suppose was one of their biggest fans?”

“Ronald Reagan” I said with a smile.

“I saw these and I thought of you.” She said, pulling out a little box of Ronald Reagan presidential Jelly Bellies.

Now if that isn’t sweet I don’t know what is. I know this friend is a devoted democrat, and she saw those and thought of me, which was pretty nice. So I had to share. Standing up for our beliefs we are often on the defensive, and I think its important that we still have a kind and respectful attitude in our day to day lives.

And for heavens sake, smile now and then.

-Lynnae

P.S. I just added the picture, and I'm laughing at my den. The flag’s not out due to constant rain, the pull-up bar is for my ‘Army Man’, though my 14 year old daughter has set a goal to do a couple every time she comes in to sit at the computer, and the Bowflex….well, I don’t know why there are Mardi Gras beads on it.

Choose Life!

 

This anti abortion billboard was removed due to pressure from liberal groups. Maybe because it forces them to face the truth about what they are defending.

I heard about it on Rush this morning and had to find the picture for myself. Look at the beautiful child. Think of how many just as precious to us and God are destroyed every day.

African American groups were planning to protest this billboard. This is so backward! Or as Rush said, It’s racist to defend African American children now.

-Lynnae

Atlas Shrugged Movie Trailer

The movie trailer for Atlas Shrugged Part One has been released. This is a much anticipated movie and I hope it can live up to the novel.

Watch now…..‘Atlas Shrugged Trailer’.

( My biggest disappointment in the movie is that it isn’t done in a late ‘40’s style. Ahhh, well.)

Even though I have a few core arguments against Objectivism in general, I think the philosophy regarding government controls of the market is spot on. I am sick of the moochers and looters.

I am a Christian and do believe in helping others, which you may say is contrary to the philosophy in Atlas Shrugged. However I would say that the detrimental effects (on both the giver and the receiver) come when you are forced or coerced to support someone else. Helping others because you wish to is barely touched on in the book, and not very thoroughly handled in my opinion. But the main themes are excellent. I love the appreciation for hard work, ideas, and the genius that makes the country great. It’s sad to see that drive squashed in Atlas Shrugged and realize it’s happening today in real life.

-Lynnae

Happy 100th Birthday, Ronald Reagan

Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Ronald Reagan. We celebrated coming home from church to a feast of Hot Wings, Chips and dip, and a football game that happened to be on. But I had to write and spread a little love for the Gipper.

And for all those young people who hear the comparisons of President Obama to Reagan, Let me tell you something. Obama is no Ronald Reagan.

Reagan was a great speaker. This has been conceded by members of the media now that Reagan has passed into the history books and been found great. But even that concession is an effort to downplay what really made him great….The CONSERVATIVE MESSAGE!

Government is not the solution to out problems, Government IS the problem!

-Lynnae

Atlas Shrugged Video Contest

Check out this brilliant winner of the Atlas Shrugged video contest!

By Reg Schickel

For other runner-ups look here.

-Lynnae

2011- Constitution Fetish-HOT, Pelosi-NOT

Adios Nancy Pelosi.

Image from FreedomWorks

A lot of buzz today because MSNBC legal correspondent Dahlia Lithwick described Republicans as worshipping the Constitution and having a ‘Constitution fetish’. It was only a few days ago when MSNBC contributor Ezra Klein said no one could understand the Constitution because it was “over 100 years old”.

What is the matter with these people? Are they idiots? I know they’ve hated the constitution for a long time, but what has emboldened them to be so forthcoming about it?

The constitution is the law of our land. Do you think this country is great because we are a bunch of cool people who are nice and have good ideas?

There are plenty of good, hardworking people in other struggling countries too. They just have not been BLESSED to live in a country with a legal structure that supports them in their efforts to live a good life. Without a legal system that enforces contracts you have no economy and no prosperity, but simply are left to drift at the whim of a king or dictator or what have you.

Your efforts would be futile unless you personally had the power to enforce your own security.

But in the United States this is not the case. And all this is made possible by this incredible document and those who defend it.

And to say that the existence of amendments show the weakness of the constitution is just ridiculous, since the very system for ratifying amendments is part of the constitution.

I thank God for our constitution!

-Lynnae

Props for Reagan

Yesterday I watched the Rose Parade, a New Years Day tradition. I was pleased to see a float commemorating the life and achievements of Ronald Reagan. What touched me more was that quite a few people on the grandstand stood up as it passed.

Float Honoring Ronald Reagan

Toward the end of the parade there was a similar moment when a float honoring the firefighter rescue workers of September 11th passed, which got even more people on their feet.

Rose Parade float concept drawing

The completed float was very nice. In the center stands an actual hydrant from ground zero. The float creators had permission to leave this as is, one of the only items allowed on any float not covered in flowers or plant materials.

Moments like this really touch me and it’s comforting to know that other people remember and care. A simple action can say so much.

Happy New Year.