The puppies are here!!!

Well, the puppies have been here for almost a week! She had them sometime during the night last Saturday/early Sunday. We didn't hear a peep out of here. When we awoke, they were cleaned and there were three precious little boys. One was already dead though. So House and Wilson (named after HOUSE MD) are eating well and doing just fine. Mama is taking extremely good care of them and not allowing Meadow or Abby cat even near the bedroom door. They are just precious. Thought I'd post a few pics of them for all to see. Of course, the hard part for me is that we won't be keeping them. I designed a 4 page adoption application that anyone that is interested in adopting one of the puppies has to fill out. I don't want them going to an abusive home or to be neglected in anyway. You all know how my rescue instincts are! As for Meadow, yes, she is currently living here with us. She never went home after Thanksgiving break.

Pugs is living up the road a ways where he can roam free. It was a tough decision to make, but he was happier than anything to be around all the other animals.

As for the rest of things around here, all is still the same. I hear from about 3 or 4 people religiously and the rest are still upset because I chose to live my own life. It hurts, but everyone reaps what they sow eventually. The thing I don't understand is why my parents seem to always take sides with my ex-husbands when they never even associate with them when I'm married. Go figure!! I pray for them daily and pray they will come to their senses to realize that blood is thicker than water, that I am their daughter and that I am the one that needs my family. But I do have family to count on like my cousin and uncle and an entirely new family here. I'm happy..........happier than I have been in a very long time.

Well, enjoy the pics!!! Let me know if you want a pup, I'll send you an application! hehe

Post Thanksgiving Day Blues

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends. I went all out as usual with the turkey, pies, stuffing, potatoes, green bean casserole, you name it! I'll be eating leftovers for a week or more. But I enjoyed doing it and it made me feel focused and not depressed. Meadow and Pugs are with me for the week-end while the boys and Eric went to his parents. It's been hard not spending the holiday with the boys, but Christmas will soon be here and it will be my turn.

I'm finding out more and more what an arrogant jerk I married. When I came home Thursday evening from visiting some friends, I noticed my back tire was getting flat. Well, Eric had plugged it ON THE SIDE (which I found out yesterday at the tire shop isn't ever suppose to be done). To top that off, my jack wasn't even in my vehicle. Now, let's say I was driving around and my tire blew with my boys in the vehicle. It's the perfect illustration of how much he doesn't give a dang about taking care of me as his wife. When I called and asked him about it last night, of course, he was all cocky since I'm sure his mom was sitting by his side. He said it was "no big deal" and all I had to do was go buy another tire. Sure Eric........I can pull $132 out of my pocket for a tire when I'm trying to make ends meet when you have over $46,000 in your dang checking account alone!! JERK!! I'm glad that I've decided to divorce him. He's always been stingy. What ever I needed I had to purchase with my own earnings. Now, teaching preschool part time doesn't bring in all that much money. Not to mention lately, most of it has been put in the gas tank. But I'm happy with my job and love where I am. God has blessed my life with new folks. But, Eric is the same way with the boys. If they get birthday money, they need to pay their own way to camp or whatever. He refuses to financially take care of his family.

Of course, my family thinks he's a saint. It's okay that he abuses his wife and makes her go without.......do you know that my parents specifically called Eric to wish him a happy thanksgiving but they didn't call their daughter.........I have never been so hurt in all my life as I am right now. I've never turned my back on them when they needed anything.......or just when my mom even needed to vent about problems. Not once have I turned my back on them. I guess that my sister and I just aren't that important to them. We both aren't good enough. But that's okay because I'm finding out that people only care about themselves, their reputations and that family basically means nothing. Yes, it makes my life lonely, makes my therapy more intense, and makes my time alone depressing, but it's meant to be for a reason.

I do know one person that hasn't left my side or condemned me for anything and that's my Savior. One day, everyone will reap what they sow for abandoning me and causing me so much more pain. When your daughter cries out for help you'd think you'd want to help her, not her dang soon to be ex-husband. Funny though because they did the same thing with my first husband. Hated his guts and wouldn't even allow him in their house for the longest time. But when we divorced, he was a dang saint. I pray for them daily and hope that God deals with them before they have to stand before him.

Well, I just needed to vent. Dr. M says it's the best kind of therapy. Write it down and let it out.

Mike Huckabee's new Book Tour

I just hung up from a conference call with Gov. Huckabee about his upcoming book that will be released tomorrow, November 18th. The title of his current release is: "Do the Right Thing: Inside the Movement To Bring Common Sense to America." To check out Mike's official book tour please visit www.mikehuckabee.com.

So far, the book has received positive and favorable ratings from such sources as Politico and Time Magazine. Gov. Huckabee is scheduling media appearances such as an interview with Sean Hannity this afternoon, as well as an appearance on Hannity & Colmes tonight and taping the View tomorrow. His book tour consists of 56 cities and will be for three weeks. Just look for the bus!!! If you get a chance to meet Gov. Huckabee, you will be impressed by his sophisticated demeanor.

Many questions were asked by other bloggers during the past hours conference call. "Where does the Republican party and conservative movement need to go from here?" Gov. Huckabee suggested that we need to continue to focus on the principles such as the sanctity of life and same-sex marriage.

The book is an honest, behind the scenes type of book. Stories from the campaign trail and its very insightful journey. Inside stories about people that really made the campaign happen. Photos are included as well.


Mike hopes this books causes discussion. He knows that some will hate this book and continue to criticize him like they did in the campaign. But he challenges them to SHOW him where he is wrong! The book is not only provocative but will have a basic point for some bits of discussion. As you read it and hear criticisms.....you'll find out it's simply not true.

Of course there is a chapter devoted to the Fair Tax Plan. If you haven't read the Fair Tax book by Neal Boortz yet, you're missing out there as well. If we could get the Fair Tax Plan passed, our economic situations would be almost obsolete. A few other chapters that Gov. Huckabee revealed to us are: The Politically Homeless; Let Them Buy Stokes (which happened to have been written and edited before June of this year); Welcome To Washington, D.C.: The Roach Motel, and of course the very first chapter of the book: I Love Iowa.

The reviewers will take the most controversial pages of Gov. Huckabee's book and reduced it to a paragraph or two and say that's what the book is all about. Their spin factor. People knows Mike will shoot straight with them. He could not tell the story about what was going on in the GOP party with out some candor. He is very specific in the book for a purpose because it would have been easier to repute things. He is specific about times, date, places and specific comments and if someone wants to challenge those facts they may do so, but they will be challenging a fact instead of an opinion.

That is not the focus of the book though. There are people who want to present themselves as true conservatives, but they may not be that way, they may be more libertarian. Gov.Huckabee is trying to put into context why the election turned out the way it did. As people read it for themselves, they will see it as an encouraging and uplifting story of how ordinary people overcame some specific odds to help get the campaign to the position it was at.

Also, former campaign manager Chip Saltsman is in the GOP chairman's race. Chip Saltsman has our support and he can operate a very frugal operation. He is good and understanding of using technology and knows how to create a party of the future. He was one of the secret weapons that helped make Mike's campaign happen. Did you know that there were over 150 bloggers in Mike's campaign alone? That's not including those that worked the phone banks, HQ's, or went door-to-door.

Energy is discussed in the chapter: "Big Ideas Don't Necessarily Mean Big Government." It's very important that we recognize that there is no such thing as being able to separate the morality of the country with the economic underpinning of that country.

There was a lack of focus on educational issues during the debates.....is talked about a great deal in book. It was frustrating for Gov.Huckabee to go through 11 debates and not have one question raised about education. We need to include music and arts into our schools so we do not leave kids behind with a left brained education. They need to be challenged by their unique talents. It has got to get back into our debates for national policy. It effects every single American but yet, was not raised in any debate in this presidential election.

There is so much more information that Gov. Huckabee shared with us today. The best thing I can suggest is to hit the stores tomorrow and check out www.mikehuckabee.com for tour listings and grab a copy of his book for yourself. The last two books he has written: Hope to Higher Ground and Character Makes A Difference were phenomenal. Character Makes A Difference was by far my favorite book of all times. We need to get the Republican party back on its feet. We need to begin some where and Gov. Huckabee has not steered us wrong thus far. I still believe he should have been our nominee for the Republican party, but I also believe that day will come soon.

Yes, it's been a while again..........

But life has thrown challenges my way. Of course, we always have challenges to face, but this time, I seem to be facing them alone. Nothing I do seems to be the right thing to anyone else. So, I've decided to put myself first for once. I have always taken care of everyone else, made sure that everyone else had a shoulder to lean on during their times of trouble, offered opinions and advice, and now, I'm finding out that not many are willing to offer that in return.

I have taken a leave of absence from preschool right now as I currently search for answers and try to work out some decisions with my therapist. It is not easy for me to be away from my boys and big pups right now (Mia is accompanying me on this adventure). But I have to do something to keep me healthy and put things back into perspective for me. I'm not happy in life right now. No matter how much I do to keep busy and make myself "seem" happy, I'm not getting there.

This election isn't helping me out much either. McCain needs to pull ahead and soon! Well, hope to catch up on better topics at another time. I'd appreciate your prayers right now and that you all understand that sometimes we have to make choices that others may not agree with, but it is not them walking in our shoes.

Chatham County GOP Opening Ceremonies

Old Glory flying free!

Our Chatham County GOP Logo & Sign

Well, it's been a long, eventful day thusfar. We opened up our HQ's around 10 a.m this morning and it was pretty successful. I've posted a few pictures of the day and will have tons more information in the upcoming weeks during the election. Everyone stopped by wanting their McCain/PALIN signs. She has affected the ticket tremendously and really sparked a fire with conservatives. Everyone is thrilled about her. If you happen to live in Pittsboro, stop by and see us. We sure could use a few more volunteers as well.

Lipstick on a Pig??

Thanks for clarifying this Gov. Huckabee! You know, I really wish I had been a hockey mom..........hehe


Lipstick on a Pig
by Mike Huckabee

Last night, while on Hannity & Colmes I cut Barack Obama some slack on his reference to "lipstick on a pig." Now I personally don't think he was referring to Gov. Palin, but if he was he should apologize immediately.

Almost twenty four hours into this new controversy and the accusations are continuing to fly from both campaigns. That's too bad. Let's shift back to the issues.

Barack Obama released an education proposal yesterday that has plenty of faults. Lets talk about it instead. Republicans have been arguing correctly for choice in our schools and adding accountability. Lets spend our time and energy focusing on what we stand for. There is plenty to talk about.

Where is the discussion on the continuing rise of healthcare costs in the nation? These costs are crippling families and combined with the high cost of gasoline, making it almost impossible for working class families to save, with many pushed further into debt as they struggle just to get by.

Republicans should be trumpeting our openness to drill, conserve and use alternative sources of energy. Republicans should promote our focus on preventative care to help cut health care costs in the long term. We need to advocate policies that will encourage the private sector to seek innovative ways to bring down costs and improve the free market for health care services. We have to change a system that happily pays $30,000 for a diabetic to have his foot amputated, but won't pay for the shoes that would save his foot.

Republicans know we can make health care more affordable by reforming medical liability; adopting electronic record keeping; making health insurance more portable from one job to another; expanding health savings accounts to everyone, not just those with high deductibles; and making health insurance tax deductible for individuals and families as it now is for businesses. Low income families would get tax credits instead of deductions. We don't need all the government controls that would inevitably come with universal health care.

A return to the issues is what the American people expect and it is a mistake to think that our Republican ideas somehow can't compete with the Democrats. And frankly, if anyone tells you otherwise, that dog won't hunt.

First Pics of the New PreK Year

I know that you all have been waiting patiently to see pics of this year's preschool class. It's been such a busy week and a half that I haven't had an opportunity to take many of our surroundings, but know that my mom is just dying to see all the decor I made.

This is the front door....of course, our doors are cut in half so it would have been a better pic had I closed the door all the way!! Our theme this year is "Preschool is More Fun than A Barrell of Monkey's!"

I have to admit I have an outstanding and wonderful class this year. I am so amazed at how well they have adjusted. Especially my 2 year old class.........I have only had one child have a little separation anxiety and she seems to be getting better each day. So, here ya go...........my preschool monkeys!!

Our Vine of Helpers & Our Reading Corner

My Little Monkey Helper Name tags (yes, I made them myself........duh!)

Of course, I was the one that brought the flag into the classroom

It's never too early for our children to learn about our country and beautiful Old Glory. If we don't teach it to them now, they may never have that opportunity to learn about it again.

This is our Birthday Wall for both my classes & yes, once again, I made all the little cakes myself. That's one of the fun kickbacks of being a preschool teacher! :o)

McCain Camp ‘Rescues’ Flags From Obama Rally

I was watching FOX News a while ago and Carl Cameron was reporting that they found over 12,000 flags thrown out after Obama's DNC speech last week!!!! How dare they toss "Old Glory" away like a dirty napkin. Read the following article for the rest of the story. Just another reason to get on board with McCain!

Democrats are not caring for their Stars and Stripes. At least that’s the message out of John McCain’s campaign.

McCain supporters, claiming they rescued 12,000 miniature American flags from the site of Barack Obama’s nomination acceptance speech last Thursday, redistributed the orphan flags to audience members ahead of a McCain campaign rally in Colorado Springs Saturday.

They say the flags were recovered from Invesco Field in Denver after the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention. A vendor supposedly discovered trash bags full of flags in and nearby dumpsters, and turned them over to the McCain campaign.

Boy Scouts were sorting 84 bags of flags in Colorado Saturday morning, before a McCain supporter had veterans distribute them to the audience.

“We want to find good homes for these flags,” he said, adding that whatever flags remained would be placed at memorials throughout Colorado.

Audience members waved the flags and chanted “U.S.A” ahead of McCain’s arrival at the rally.

Obama has faced questions about his patriotism since the beginning of the Democratic primary, and has set up a Web site specifically designed to fight such charges.

The McCain campaign has denied questioning Obama’s patriotism, and even released a statement Friday calling Obama’s most recent comments on the matter “hysterical.”

Obama said Friday that Republicans are trying to make the election a personality contest, and that “what they’re really saying is ‘we’re going to try to scare people about Barack. So we’re going to say that you know, ‘Maybe he’s got Muslim connections or we’re going to say that, you know, he hangs out with radicals or he’s not patriotic.’”

It’s unclear exactly what Democratic convention organizers should have done with their used flags after Obama’s nomination acceptance speech. U.S. Code says the proper method for disposing of an American flag is actually burning, provided it is “no longer a fitting emblem for display.”

The United States Flag Store, which sells full-sized and miniature flags, says on its Web site that flags can also be put in the trash, when they are “worn, damaged or tattered beyond repair.”

Gov. Sarah Palin scored at last night's RNC...

If you missed you, you missed an incredibly bold speech. She was electric! Fantastic! I was cheering and shedding tears at the same time. This woman is not afraid to stand up to our opposition and speak for what she believes in. The comment that touched me the most was when she stated that she would be an advocate for all the special needs families. Being a teacher, I know how difficult it is for families of a special needs child to feel their voice is heard, let alone be accepted by others. Sarah Palin is a female "Huckster"! She is comfortable in her own skin and ready to face this challenge head on. I am invigorated and excited about this election once again. Below is her speech from last night if you missed it. I do encourage you to read it and remember that history has just been made just a few minutes ago once again by the official nomination of the first woman on a GOP ticket! Gov. Sarah Palin!



I'd like to speak on the issue of her beautiful daughter Bristol though. I know exactly what she is going through (to an extent). I am sick of hearing the democrats whining that abstinence wasn't taught in the Palin home. Well, they don't live there so they don't know that to begin with! I was 17 when I had gotten pregant and believe me, I heard from both of my parents all the time about abstinence. There was no talk of controception, just ABSTINENCE!! Yes, I wish I would have heeded that advice, but I knew everything and married the father and have a beautiful daughter as a result. BUT, my point is, Bristol is a teen-ager and her mom cannot be there to hold her hand for every move she makes. I wish you all would just lay off of this family over this personal and private situation!!! She not only has to face her peers, which is hard enough to do....she has to face the entire world. Now, put yourself in her shoes before YOU speak or judge someone else!



"Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens: I am honored to be considered for the nomination for Vice President of the United States...I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.

I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election... against confident opponents ... at a crucial hour for our country. And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions ... and met far graver challenges ... and knows how tough fights are won - the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.



It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost - there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war. But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.



They overlooked the caliber of the man himself - the determination, resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better. And maybe that's because they realize there is a time for politics and a time for leadership ... a time to campaign and a time to put our country first. Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by.



He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight. And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way. Our son Track is 19. And one week from tomorrow - September 11th - he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country. My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.



My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children. In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between - my strong and kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper. And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.



That's how it is with us. Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys. Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.And children with special needs inspire a special love. To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.



I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House. Todd is a story all by himself. He's a lifelong commercial fisherman ... a production operator in the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope ... a proud member of the United Steel Workers' Union ... and world champion snow machine racer. Throw in his Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry, and it all makes for quite a package. We met in high school, and two decades and five children later he's still my guy. My Mom and Dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town. And among the many things I owe them is one simple lesson: that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity. My parents are here tonight, and I am so proud to be the daughter of Chuck and Sally Heath. Long ago, a young farmer and habber-dasher from Missouri followed an unlikely path to the vice presidency. A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.



I grew up with those people. They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town. I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better. When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.



Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.



And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.



We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco. As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.



Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests. The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.No one expects us to agree on everything.But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart. I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network.Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve. But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up.And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.



I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law. While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay. I also drive myself to work.



And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef - although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her. I came to office promising to control spending - by request if possible and by veto if necessary. Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.Our state budget is under control.We have a surplus.



And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes. I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged - directly to the people of Alaska. And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.



As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history. And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.



That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart. The stakes for our nation could not be higher.



When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.



And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil. With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.



To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas. And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we've got lots of both.



Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already.



But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all. Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more nuclear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources.



We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers. I've noticed a pattern with our opponent.Maybe you have, too.



We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers. And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate. This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it. Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit.



Terrorist states are seeking new-clear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions.Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights? Government is too big ... he wants to grow it.Congress spends too much ... he promises more. Taxes are too high ... he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific.



The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes ... raise payroll taxes ... raise investment income taxes ... raise the death tax ... raise business taxes ... and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars. My sister Heather and her husband have just built a service station that's now opened for business - like millions of others who run small businesses. How are they going to be any better off if taxes go up? Or maybe you're trying to keep your job at a plant in Michigan or Ohio ... or create jobs with clean coal from Pennsylvania or West Virginia ... or keep a small farm in the family right here in Minnesota.



How are you going to be better off if our opponent adds a massive tax burden to the American economy? Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election.In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.



They're the ones whose names appear on laws and landmark reforms, not just on buttons and banners, or on self-designed presidential seals. Among politicians, there is the idealism of high-flown speechmaking, in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things. And then there is the idealism of those leaders, like John McCain, who actually do great things. They're the ones who are good for more than talk ... the ones we have always been able to count on to serve and defend America. Senator McCain's record of actual achievement and reform helps explain why so many special interests, lobbyists, and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency - from the primary election of 2000 to this very day. Our nominee doesn't run with the Washington herd.



He's a man who's there to serve his country, and not just his party. A leader who's not looking for a fight, but is not afraid of one either. Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the current do-nothing Senate, not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee. He said, quote, "I can't stand John McCain." Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps no accolade we hear this week is better proof that we've chosen the right man. Clearly what the Majority Leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain. That is only one more reason to take the maverick of the Senate and put him in the White House.



My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of "personal discovery." This world of threats and dangers is not just a community, and it doesn't just need an organizer. And though both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have been going on lately about how they are always, quote, "fighting for you," let us face the matter squarely. There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you ... in places where winning means survival and defeat means death ... and that man is John McCain. In our day, politicians have readily shared much lesser tales of adversity than the nightmare world in which this man, and others equally brave, served and suffered for their country. It's a long way from the fear and pain and squalor of a six-by-four cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.



But if Senator McCain is elected president, that is the journey he will have made. It's the journey of an upright and honorable man - the kind of fellow whose name you will find on war memorials in small towns across this country, only he was among those who came home. To the most powerful office on earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless ... the wisdom that comes even to the captives, by the grace of God ... the special confidence of those who have seen evil, and seen how evil is overcome. A fellow prisoner of war, a man named Tom Moe of Lancaster, Ohio, recalls looking through a pin-hole in his cell door as Lieutenant Commander John McCain was led down the hallway, by the guards, day after day.As the story is told, "When McCain shuffled back from torturous interrogations, he would turn toward Moe's door and flash a grin and thumbs up" - as if to say, "We're going to pull through this." My fellow Americans, that is the kind of man America needs to see us through these next four years. For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words.



For a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds.If character is the measure in this election ... and hope the theme ... and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause.



Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States.



Thank you all, and may God bless America. "

Mike Huckabee's Speech from the RNC

Gov. Huckabee @ RNC

Well, last night was one incredible night!!! It first began with Mitt Romney, followed by Mike and then Rudy & Gov. Palin. I was very disappointed that FOX News was not broadcasting Mike's speech. Especially since he is a part of their staff now. But anyhow, I found it on C-SPAN and was moved to tears (as I usually always am when he speaks). I was more moved by the actions of the veterans sitting in the audience. Several wiped away tears as Mike shared the story about the teacher in Arkansas removing the school desks from her classroom and challenging the kids to figure out why. The answer........you'll have to read his speech to find out (included below).

"As much as I appreciate the opportunity to speak tonight, I really was originally hoping for the slot on Thursday called the acceptance speech. But I am delighted to speak on behalf of my 2nd choice for the Republican nomination for President, John McCain -- a man with the character and stubborn kind of integrity that I want in a President.

I grew up at a time and in a place where the civil rights movement was fought. I witnessed first hand the shameful evil of racism. I saw how ignorance and prejudice caused people to do the unthinkable to people of color not so many years ago. So, I say with sincerity that I have great respect for Senator Obama's historic achievement to become his party's nominee -- not because of his color, but with indifference to it.

Party or politics aside, we celebrate this milestone because it elevates our country. But the Presidency is not a symbolic job, and I don't believe his preparation or his plans will lift America up. Obama was right when he said this election is not about him, it's about YOU.

When gasoline costs $4 a gallon, it makes it tough if you're a single mom to get to your job each day in the used car you drive. You want something to change. If you're a flight attendant or baggage handler and you're asked to take a pay cut to keep your job, you want something to change. If you're a young couple losing your house, your credit rating, and your American dream, you want something to change.

John McCain offers specific ideas to respond to this need for change. But there are some things we never want to change -- freedom, security, and the opportunity to prosper. Barack Obama's excellent adventure to Europe took his campaign for change to hundreds of thousands of people who don't even vote or pay taxes here.

It's not what he took there that concerns me. It's what he brought back. Lots of ideas from Europe he'd like to see imported here. Centralized governments may care for you from cradle to grave, but they also control you. Most Americans don't want MORE government -- they want a lot less. Abraham Lincoln reminded us that a government that can do everything FOR us can also take everything FROM us.

I really tire of hearing how the Democrats care about the working guy as if all Republicans grew up with silk stockings and silver spoons. In my little hometown of Hope, Arkansas, the 3 sacred heroes were Jesus, Elvis, and FDR, not necessarily in that order.

My own father held down two jobs, barely affording the little rented house I grew up in. My Dad worked hard, lifted heavy things, and got his hands dirty. The only soap we had at my house was Lava. Heck, I was in college before I found out it wasn't supposed to hurt to take a shower.

I'm not a Republican because I grew up rich, but because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life poor, waiting for the government to rescue me.

John McCain doesn't want the kind of change that allows the government to reach deeper into your paycheck and pick your doctor, your child's school, or even the kind of car you drive or how much you inflate the tires. He doesn't want to change the very definition of marriage from what it has always meant throughout recorded human history. It is not above John McCain's pay grade to grasp the simple fact that human life begins at conception, and he is committed to protecting it.

Maybe the most dangerous threat of an Obama presidency is that he would continue to give madmen the benefit of the doubt. If he's wrong just once, we will pay a heavy price.

John McCain will follow the fanatics to their caves in Pakistan or to the gates of hell. What Obama wants to do is give them a place setting at the table. John McCain is by far the most prepared, experienced, and tested Presidential candidate. Thoroughly tested.

When John McCain received his country's call to service, he didn't hesitate, and he didn't choose the easy path. He sat alone in the cockpit, taking off from an aircraft carrier to fly in unfriendly skies, knowing he might not make it back. And one day, he didn't make it back. He was shot down and captured. He was brutally tortured. He could have eased his own pain and even cut short his imprisonment by uttering a few simple words renouncing his country.

But he loved his country and knew that to return with honor later was better than to return without it now. Most of us can lift our arms high in the air to signify that we want something. His arms can't even lift to shoulder level, a constant reminder that his life is marked not by what he wants to receive, but by what he's already given.

Allow me to tell you about someone who understands this type of sacrifice better than anyone. On the first day of school in 2005, Martha Cothren, a teacher at Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, was determined that her students would not take their education or their privilege as Americans for granted. With the principal's permission, she removed all the desks from her classroom.

The students entered the empty room and asked, "Mrs. Cothren, where are our desks?" "You get a desk when you tell me how you earn it," she replied. "Making good grades?" asked one student. "I guess we have to behave," offered another. "You WILL behave in my class," Mrs. Cothren retorted, "but that won't get you a desk either."

No one in first period guessed right. Same for second period. By lunch, the buzz was all over campus... Mrs. Cothren had flipped out ....wouldn't let her students have a desk. Kids had used their cell phones and called their parents. By early afternoon, all 4 of the local network TV affiliates had camera crews at the school to report on the teacher who wouldn't let her students have a desk unless they could tell her how they earned it.

By the final period, no one had guessed correctly. As the students filed in, Martha Cothren said, "Well, I didn't think you would figure it out, so I'll have to tell you." Martha opened the door of her classroom.

In walked 27 veterans, some wearing uniforms from years gone by, but each one carrying a school desk. As they carefully and quietly arranged the desks in neat rows, Martha said, "You don't have to earn your desks...these guys already did. They went halfway around the world, giving up their education and interrupting their careers and families so you could have the freedom you have. No one charged you for your desk. But it wasn't really free. These guys bought it for you. And I hope you never forget it. "

I wish we all would remember that being American is not just about the freedom we have. It's about those who gave it to us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, John McCain is one of those people who helped buy the freedom that we enjoy and the school desks we had.

It's my honor to do what I can to help him have a desk that he has earned one in the Oval Office.