The Monkey Wrench Campaign

{by Meg Eakin} So much has happened in the political world since August 2011. Rick Perry entered into the race and everyone thought he would be the nominee; as a Texas native, I was convinced myself. Then, January 3rd, 2012 came. It was the day of the Iowa Caucus, and everyone thought it would for sure be a Romney win. It was the first time voters went to the polls in the primary season. No one thought the unassuming Rick Santorum, wearing his sweater vest, would be the winner, even though it took a few weeks for that to be clear. As the elections continued, we saw more and more people drop out, Michelle Bachmann, Jon Huntsman, and even the man everyone though would be the nominee, Rick Perry. For the last few months it had been a mainly two man race between Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney....

Read more ...

City on a Hill? Or Not.

{by Taylor Eckel} I recently read a blog post where conservative activist Star Parker lamented that youth no longer desire America as a “city on a hill.” The notion of our nation as a city on a hill has a nice, conservative ring to it, but what does that really mean? Should this phrase summarize the aspirations of conservative Americans? The “city on a hill” phrase originated with Puritan leader John Winthrop in his 1630 sermon, “A Model of Christian Charity” and in recent years has been used by several presidents. When Winthrop used the phrase, he was addressing a group of Christians who aspired to create a God-honoring colony in the New World. Unfortunately, the Christian commonwealth established by Winthrop and others did not last long. American History Professor Dr. Robert Spinney explains, “There...

Read more ...

Judging Wisely: Perspective Beyond Presidential Policies

{by Taylor Eckel} Since the candidates started kicking up dust on the presidential campaign trail, we’ve heard a lot about policy issues. We know where each candidate stands on important issues like healthcare, life, marriage, and the economy. But the discussion of theoretical issues has been absent. Don’t get me wrong- policy issues are important and a president’s policy decisions have broad effect on the nation. I tend to take things at face value, so I had never really thought about anything other than a candidate’s positions (and accompanying record) on matters of policy until recently. In a Constitutional Law class, my professor broached the subject during a lecture on the theories of constitutional interpretation. He pointed out that appointing justices (especially Supreme Court...

Read more ...

A Case for the Unknown: A Case for Jon Huntsman

{by Joseph Samelson} Every single time I’ve told someone that I support Jon Huntsman for the 2012 Presidential election, I get one of two reactions: shocked surprise or laughter. The former is a reaction doubting my answer, while the latter is an outright joking response that leads people to stop taking my political opinion seriously. For some strange reason that is beyond me, people cannot wrap their heads around the idea of a relatively unknown candidate going up for the Presidential election. But still, Huntsman will get my vote whether or not he wins the Republican nomination, and that is because he is the most qualified, credentialed, and experienced candidate in the field, with a proven track record that any republican would cut off an arm to have. But don’t just believe my opinion,...

Read more ...

Make 'Em Laugh ((Enough With Depressing Politics))

{by Hailey Sadler} So, I know I said I don't like political catch-phrases and soundbites and all that... But I have to say, I love cartoons! Some political cartoons can be  so funny. Maybe its because they can perfectly encapsulate a small facet of truth or saterize a common mindset you never even realized you had, in a way you had never thought of before.... Regardless, these are funny. In my opinion, of course. I hope you enjoy them, though, because politics is depressing enough to warrant occasionally having a sense of humor about it.  seriously. sometimes politicans have the most one-track minds. this made me think of SNL: KIIIILLLLLLLED Bin-Laden!! (watch it if you havent.) traumatic facebook changes.....

Read more ...

Here's to the Crazy Ones, Steve Jobs

{by a Mourning Mac Lover}  "Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently — they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world,  are the ones who do." — Steve Jobs i had to write something on this guy. He is pretty close to being one of my heroes. Due, in part, to his connection with my adorable Mac, who I love with a love that passes PC understanding.  But also due to his...

Read more ...

A Look at the World {Report}

{by Stevens M. Sadler} Global hot-spots…. In New York last week, the head of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, formally petitioned the United Nations for recognition of Palestine as a sovereign nation.  Abbas has refused to negotiate with Israel and the rumblings from Iran, Syria, Egypt and others are not particularly encouraging…. Islam on the march? There are a number of incidents in Western Europe as well as the United States where Islamic influences are being allowed to take root and even flourishing…. including a growing acceptance of Sharia law….. Economic catastrophe right around the corner? While the United States continues to rack up unprecedented and enormous deficits (annual spending exceeds tax income by more than $1,500,000,000,000) and Congress...

Read more ...

Closer Look at the Candidates: A Case for Rick Perry

{by Maribeth Barber} These next few months we’ll be taking a closer look at the 2012 presidential candidates… If you support a certain candidate, I invite you to make the case for them here! [Can anyone make a case for Obama?] As long as your writing is intellectually honest and well researched, we would love to hear your opinion. Keep in mind, however, that what is expressed during this series is just that: opinions. Part of being intellectually engaged is practicing thinking critically and respectfully disagreeing, so read analytically but with an open mind, and feel free to start a discussion, ask questions, and disagree. Thanks to Maribeth for starting us off! The Republican presidential campaign has kicked into high gear. My goodness, what a field!   We have two fiery Texans,...

Read more ...

A Single Candle: 10 Years and We Remember

{by Katie Talalas} A talented writer, enthusiastic follower of Jesus, and recently graduated law student, Katie Talalas has a bright smile and enjoys many activities from theater to swing dancing [where I met her actually] to writing poetry. She has kindly allowed me to share with you the thoughtful article on 9/11 which she wrote for her blog. All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle. ~St. Francis of Assisi Today is a day full of mixed feelings. It probably is for all Americans, especially those who lost loved ones in the terrible tragedy 10 years ago. While overseas in 2009 a young man tried to engage a friend and I in conversation about 9/11 and I remember just feeling exhausted by the topic. I didn't want to debate with him about the same old conspiracy...

Read more ...

Ten Years Ago Today

{by Brittany Sadler} So it's been ten years. That sounds so long, yet feels so short.I still remember vividly the fear, the images on TV, the church services, and ultimately the nation coming together. September 11th changed us. Changed the world we live in, and the way we view that world. For a while it even changed the way we view each other.  To all those who lost loved ones that day, to those whose worlds truly were changed forever, we say, we will never forget. In honor of the firemen, the courageous passengers on flight 93, all those who died, we say, we will always remember your sacrifice. Peggy Noonan has written a powerful and thought-provoking article that is well worth reading. God bless Ameri...

Read more ...

Duhbate: The Uninspiring, Uninformative GOP Debate

{by Hailey Sadler} It’s hard to call last night’s exhibition a debate. Having been involved in team policy debate in high school, I mourn the lack of warrants, justifications, and real plans like old friends. However, in an effort to stay informed, I watched for as long as I could... before the TV. was flipped off due to universal frustration over the perpetual lack of substance... and the result is this report for you on last night’s Republican Presidential Candidate’s Debate:     Romney vs. Perry: The majority of the debate was back and forth between these two, conveniently situated center stage, with almost the entire first 15 minutes dedicated solely to them. Interestingly, Mitt Romney was afforded 11 minutes and 21 seconds of speaking time, while five other candidates...

Read more ...