Are We Still Worthy of Leaders Like This?

[Morgan Orlins]

Many messages were sent to Washington DC last night, and they all ended with an exclamation point. Those voices sounded a lot like STOP IT!...and...CUT IT OUT, DAMN IT!

On November 2, 2010, America won a reprieve from tyrannical government, but only as long as we stay awake, aware, and active.
When asked by a citizen what form of government the delegates had formed in Independance Hall, Ben Franklin replied, "A republic, if you can keep it." Well, can we?

Leaders of Franklin's ability are precious and few, and ultimately they are nothing more than a reflection of the society that produces them.

Jim Demint is a leader that we can STILL be proud of!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704141104575588612828579920.html?mod=wsj_share_facebook

Welcome, Senate Conservatives
Remember what the voters back home want—less government and more freedom


By JIM DEMINT
Congratulations to all the tea party-backed candidates who overcame a determined, partisan opposition to win their elections. The next campaign begins today. Because you must now overcome determined party insiders if this nation is going to be spared from fiscal disaster.

Many of the people who will be welcoming the new class of Senate conservatives to Washington never wanted you here in the first place. The establishment is much more likely to try to buy off your votes than to buy into your limited-government philosophy. Consider what former GOP senator-turned-lobbyist Trent Lott told the Washington Post earlier this year: "As soon as they get here, we need to co-opt them."

Don't let them. Co-option is coercion. Washington operates on a favor-based economy and for every earmark, committee assignment or fancy title that's given, payback is expected in return. The chits come due when the roll call votes begin. This is how big-spending bills that everyone always decries in public always manage to pass with just enough votes.

But someone can't be bribed if they aren't for sale. Here is some humble advice on how to recognize and refuse such offers.

First, don't request earmarks. If you do, you'll vote for legislation based on what's in it for your state, not what's best for the country. You will lose the ability to criticize wasteful spending. And, if you dare to oppose other pork-barrel projects, the earmarkers will retaliate against you.

In 2005, Sen. Tom Coburn (R., Okla.) offered a measure to kill funding for the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere." Before the vote, Sen. Patty Murray (D., Wash.), an appropriator, issued a warning on the Senate floor....

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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704141104575588612828579920.html?mod=wsj_share_facebook