GZ shrine Muslims should build

We have been repeatedly and forcefully instructed to believe that, when the Left expounds the Muslims' right to build a mosque near Ground Zero, it's only about religious freedom. Those who want to build that mosque really don't seek to offend Americans nor to hurt the families of the thousands whom their Muslim brethren murdered there only nine years ago. It's only about religious freedom, see. Okay, then I have a suggestion. To demonstrate their dedication to religious freedom, perhaps those mosque-builders could instead erect a non-denominational shrine where worshippers of all religions could celebrate their faith Muslims, Jews, Christians, Unitarian/Universalists, Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Taoists, Animists, Nihilists (do Nihilists celebrate?), everyone.

How about it, guys? What could more wholeheartedly reflect your fervor for religious freedom? Show us.

Freedom rings at Tea Party

By Peg Brady (April 15) As I reached the already vast gathering at the Colorado State Capitol this morning, a speaker proclaimed, “Let freedom ring!” The crowd echoed his joyous words, [photopress:tparty_0415210a.JPG,thumb,pp_image]and the call for freedom did indeed ring across the thronged parkland. Sporting my “I Love TABOR” t-shirt (from Backbone Radio), I added my alto to their cheers.

Unnumbered bright yellow “Don’t Tread on Me” banners waved. Hand-painted posters declared people’s outrage and hope. § Read Hayak’s “Road to Serfdom” § Who is John Galt? § God only asks 10% § Capitalism creates jobs Socialism destroys them § No VAT § Give me liberty, not debt § November is coming

People from the Independence Institute circulated petitions in support of excluding Colorado from Obamacare. Matt Arnold fervently urged voters to “Clear the Bench” by unseating the four state supreme court justices seeking re-election, all liberals who believe themselves entitled to modify our Constitution through judicial rulings. Veterans and moms asked that we each take action.

By definition, we conservatives tend to be independent individuals, not much inclined to joining. That’s part of our personal strength, but it’s also a political weakness. At last, though, the tyranny and excessive taxation, the pointless spending frenzy, the attacks on liberty, the economy, reason and ethics have exceeded our quiet tolerance. We are on the move.

And I thanked God that we live in a blessed country where thousands of us can gather and declare our intent to defend our freedoms and regain our honor.

Give'em 219 pink slips

On Sunday, 219 of our supposed Congressional "representatives" approved Obamacare. This so-called health-reform bill, costing nearly a trillion dollars, commits us to a yet more devastating deficit. Cobbled together with undisclosed, unintegrated special-interest deals, the only people whose wishes it does not address are thetax-payers. You and I just get to pay.

Worse, America lost. This administration flouts the precious principle of representative government, fundamental to our republic. Monstrous deficits undermine our economy, inflating costs and decreasing jobs. No longer a beacon of freedom, our government becomes just another corrupt, deal-ridden, coercive mire.

"Leaders" ought to serve as both public servants and exemplars. That outrageous shenanigans and skullduggery were deployed to compel Obamacare votes is wrong for America.

But the November election is less than eight months away. Now we know precisely who puts party politics and petty deals ahead of our interest. Now we can issue 219 pink slips.

Party of Yes convenes at Mt. Vernon

Some ill-informed folks describe conservatives as "the NO party," suggesting that we oppose all proposed legislation without any positive plans for addressing our nation's significant public issues and dire economic concerns. Not so, as we saw this week when conservative leaders gathered to proclaim the Mount Vernon Statement, a strong affirmation of modern Constitutional conservatism. Nor did they speak only for themselves; thousands of conservatives across the land promptly pledged their support.

In clear, bold language, the Mount Vernon Statement declares Constitutional conservatism's principles. "Through the Constitution, the Founders created an enduring framework of limited government based on the rule of law," it begins. "They sought to secure national independence, provide for economic opportunity, establish true religious liberty and maintain a flourishing society of republican self-government."

Not negative but principled, Constitutional conservatism "limits government's powers but ensures that government performs its proper job effectively."

On public issues, this reasoned, mindful agenda "honors the central place of individual liberty in American politics and life." On our nation's vital economic woes, Constitutional conservatism "encourages free enterprise, the individual entrepreneur, and economic reforms grounded in market solutions."

Thus we conservatives present a united and empowered team, and all Americans can contemplate for themselves, individually, the simple yet profound and compelling logic of Constitutional conservatism.

Dems still not listening

Senator Michael Bennet has acknowledged that the Massachusetts voters' choice of Scott Brown signals their justified demand to be heard. (Denver Post, "Deciphering Voter Message," 1/21/2010) While claiming that Colorado legislators do listen to us, however, Bennet demonstrated just the opposite. He's still not listening. Massachusetts voters did indeed vigorously proclaim that governments all governments, at all levels work for us, not the other way around. That's what "representative government" means.

Missed, though, was the rest of the message. Massachusetts voters also signaled their massive rejection of the liberal agenda. Bennet didn't hear that part or chose to ignore it. Obama and all his liberal pack, including both of Colorado's senators and most our state officials, apparently are in denial.

Through op/ed letters, polls and public rallies, American voters have declared again and again that we cherish our freedoms and our open economy. We deplore excessive government spending, anti-business interference and nannyism.

At a grass-roots rally early this week a Coloradan aptly expressed his disgust, "We don't want handouts. We want hands off."

So, start really listening. Or prepare for Colorado voters' judgment in November.