We learned a lot about life and ourselves playing games on a sandlot.

The following is re-posted from the Online Townhall Meeting hosted by Greg Raths, conservative Republican candidate to represent California's 45th Congressional District.

American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen go in harm's way almost every day. Obviously, they aren't doing it for the money. Most earn less than minimum wage for their efforts. No, they do it for duty, honor, and country – especially for love of country.It's not so hard to imagine is it. Think of what you might do, the risks you might take to save a loved one, a spouse or a child in danger. Well, those who serve love their country with such devotion.

Surprisingly, death is not the thing they fear most. They accept that risk when they volunteer to serve. No, it is the fear of wounds and disability, loss or capture that give them the greatest pause. That is why it is essential to honor our commitment, that no one shall be left behind and that no one shall want for care and succor from wounds received in battle. This belief is essential to maintaining good morale and the will to fight.

The following was written by me on behalf of a candidate for Congress who sadly failed in his bid to represent his party. 

I love America and Americans. I spent the better part of my life fighting to defend them. Now I want to free them to pursue their dreams, whatever those dreams may be. The only thing I can see standing in the way is the government. After several decades of cancerous growth spurred by well-intentioned programs and projects, our dreams have grown dimmer, but Americans have never lost the ability to dream. I've heard many of them as I've visited friends and neighbors all over California's 45th Congressional District.

Of course, other people in the world dream, but have you ever heard of the French Dream? How about the Russian Dream or the Arab Dream? The African Dream? The Chinese Dream? Of course not. However, you know there are many people in all those places who dream of coming to America and sharing ours. Fortunately for America, they've come and contributed mightily.

The following was written by me on behalf of a candidate for Congress who sadly failed in his bid to represent his party. 

There's a popular show airing on television these days: The Shark Tank. It's all about capitalism and is very popular, especially among the 18 to 25 year old demographic. Contestants appear before a panel of successful entrepreneurs seeking funding for their new products. Another show occurs in Washington everyday. Contestants appear before panels of successful politicians and bureaucrats also seeking funding. Let's call it The Guppy Show. The differences between these two performances are instructive.

Money. You need it. They have it. Who are they? Where do I find them? How do I get them to part with it? Questions that every entrepreneur must answer.

Entrepreneurs have played a key role in the establishment and success of the United States. From its earliest history, entrepreneurs funded the establishment of the English colonies, built its commercial and industrial might throughout the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries. It's only in the later decades of the Twentieth Century and continuing into the Twenty-First Century that government has stifled entrepreneurship and the nation and its economy have suffered accordingly.

In an earlier blog post, I recommended The Myth of the Robber Barons in which the author describes the difference between political and commercial entrepreneurs. Much to my shame, I am forced to admit that I did work as a political entrepreneur for a brief time. Hopefully, I redeemed myself as a commercial entrepreneur during the greater part of my life.

...mostly not found in the main stream media. It's the news that they didn't see fit to print. Just click and enjoy: 

Here's a fun way to spend a few minutes when you have nothing better to do. Just stumble around the Internet. You'll be surprised at the things you find. Fun things. Interesting things. Things you would most likely have never thought of searching for. I have.

Bloggers should check out my earlier posting regarding StumbleUpon. It contains information about the effects of StumbleUpon and how it drives visitors to your website.

...mostly not found in the main stream media. It's the news that they didn't see fit to print. Just click and enjoy: 

• Democrats in Congress using an arcane legislative tool to force GOP majority to act. Will they win our love?
  
• Can States Require Proof of Citizenship for Voting?
  
• Do senior military leaders serve at the pleasure of he President or of Congress? I guess we'll find out
  
• Does the DNC Chair understand the difference between telling the truth and lying?
  
• Who's your sugar daddy? Obama encourages us to use Obamacare as ours
  
• Would you feed confident standing up to a bully with someone like Obama at your side?
  
• Will Hillary win in 2016?
  
• Why is Obama taking a victory lap? Should he?
  
• Are terrorists entering the US under the guise as UN ambassadors?