My Call to Rise

• Back in the Saddle
  Well, hello blogger world! After a brief hiatus, I am back in the saddle and ready for some serious conservative action. Stay tuned as we gear up for the upcoming 2010 November elections. I will be focusing on many conservative candidates across Texas and the US, but mainly Erwin Cain here in Texas House District 3.
  
  Thanks for sticking with me and let's get this train rolling!
  
  Remember YOUR CALL!
  
  Troy
  
  
  
  
• November Rising: Texas HD3 Race Looking Good for GOP
  I am proud to post this as my 100th post on MyCall2Rise. It is exciting to hear the great news coming out of the Erwin Cain campaign. Now's the time to continue adding the pressure. Let's not rest until Homer is out!
  
  Troy
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  You Made It Happen!
  
  I have great news, my friends!
  
  The mid-year reports just came out--and we out-raised my opponent, liberal Democrat Mark Homer, by almost 2-to-1! With your generous support, we were able to raise a total of over $114,000.
  
  Perhaps even more important, though, is that over 350 of you here in the district gave to my campaign! I'm very humbled that so many of my fellow East Texans are supporting our cause.
  
  Rep. Homer, on the other hand, was only able to gather just 6 donations from in the district. The rest was all from out-of-district special interests. In fact, over 95% of Mark Homer's support came from special interest groups, Austin lobbyists, and PACs.
  
  This report shows that Rep. Homer faces the biggest election challenge he has ever had. East Texans desparately want a Representative who will fight the liberal Obama/Pelosi agenda encroaching on Texas, and are making a financial sacrifice to help bring that change about.
  
  Thank you for helping to make this report a success!
  
  We are off to a great start, and I look forward to fighting hard with you all the way to November to insure a victory for our conservative values!
  
  Please join my Facebook page (and suggest it to your friends) and forward this email to everyone on your contact list so that we can keep building our coalition.
  
  For liberty. For Texas.
  
  Erwin
  
  
  
  
• New Media versus Old Media
  After several requests from friends on Facebook, I have decided to publish a recent editorial from the Mt. Pleasant Daily Tribune editor, Bob Palmer, and my "letter" response below. For me, this is a classic case of liberal media thinking versus conservative new media truth. I'll let you guys read and decide for yourselves.
  
  (NOTE: I'm not sure that anything will happen, but in case I get a call for posting Mr. Palmer's editorial on this site, I will immediately delete this post. I am in no way intending to infringe on copyrights.)
  
  Enjoy!
  TW
  
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  Editorial, printed in the Sunday, July 4th, edition of The Mount Pleasant Daily Tribune, Mount Pleasant, Texas...Mr. Bob Palmer, author/editor.
  
  

  Independence Day
  By BOB PALMER - Tribune Editor
  Saturday, July 3, 2010 1:09 PM CDT
  
  
  One cannot look at our country's history and not recognize times when we escaped disaster or achieved success beyond all reasonable expectation. Gettysburg could be one of those moments, perhaps not if you are a Southerner, but from the standpoint of the preservation of the United States of America, you have to admit the North grabbed victory when Bobby Lee had them on the ropes.
  
  During World War II, the break in the weather at D-Day and then again during the Battle of the Bulge favored the Allies. The American Revolution saw many critical moments, from the escape on Long Island to the victory at Trenton, but none was more significant than the French defeat of the British navy which gave the French for perhaps the only time in history naval superiority over the Brits in the critical theater, allowing Washington to bag Cornwallis at Yorktown. When you look at our history, you have to conclude that the United States has been blessed by God.
  
  There is no question our country has also been blessed with an abundance of natural resources, fertile fields, rich deposits of minerals, industrious citizens and temperate climate. I submit to you on this Independence Day that we have another blessing as well, one that you may not have thought of before. The United States arrived at a point in the world's history when our Founding Fathers could hear that still small voice urging them toward a concept we call "separation of church and state." For thousands of years, man blurred the lines between church and state with disastrous results. Wars raged across Europe over Protestant vs. Catholic. The English Civil War had been fought largely over hybrid religious/political issues. The question of what allegiance we owe the state and what is our duty to God goes back even further than modern states of Europe, further even than the Roman Empire. The stories of Daniel in the lion's den as well as Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego in the fiery furnace can be seen as cautionary tales of the separation of church and state. The Founding Fathers understood that unless we could detach these two vital claims on our allegiance, it would be too tempting for politicians to use the church to promote their party or for the church to use the government to advance the beliefs of one sect. While there were attempts to inject religious strains into the Constitution, that document emerged without a single reference to God.
  
  On the other hand – I once had a professor who would give you an F if you wrote an editorial with the phrase "on the other hand" in it, but I'm sorry this subject is just too nuanced to dash through on a single lane – as I was saying, on the other hand, if someone asks, "Is the United States a Christian nation?" I have decided to answer, "Yes!" I mean that this is a Christian nation in the same sense as Harry Truman did in 1947. The vast majority of our citizens are Christians. In many ways we are more Christian than when the country was founded. At the time of the American Revolution only about 10 to 15 percent of the people attended church. It is from our common understanding – admittedly seasoned by those of other faiths – that we derive our common sense of right and wrong, what should be permitted and what must be forbidden. Winston Churchill wrote in his first volume of "A History of the English Speaking Peoples" that people knew what the law was before the first Parliament sat. I find that a powerful phrase. The folks in Washington and Austin are not there to tell us what to do, but to articulate our beliefs. It is dangerous, as I hope I have already adequately explained, to use shortcuts, attempting to link legislation to Bible verses. Separation of church and state is a gift from God to our nation. President Obama got in trouble for saying the United States was no longer "just a Christian nation." He observed that we were also a Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and non-believer nation. If you don't like that observation, I suggest that the way to make our country to be a more Christian is to go out and make more Christians. The laws will follow.

  
  
  
  MY RESPONSE, PRINTED IN WEDNESDAY, JULY 7TH, EDITION OF THE TRIBUNE.
  
  

  Dear Editor,
  
  I felt compelled to respond to your idiotic piece in the Sunday, July 4th edition. "Separation of church and state" has been the liberal's mantra for decades, yet, it's a completely misguided and off-based one. Let me share a little truth.
  
  You will not find your holy phrase in our Constitution, just as you pointed out God is not specifically mentioned. In fact, "Separation of church and state" is not found in any of our governing documents, nor is the twisted meaning that liberal's attribute to it. On the contrary, the principles of God's Word are the foundation of our Constitution and are found throughout. Furthermore, God is at the forefront of our Declaration of Independence. John Adams stated that "our constitution was made solely for a moral and religious people." He went on to mention that it was completely useless to govern any other people. He was not alone in that sentiment.
  
  The phrase you and other liberals hold so dear comes from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists in response to their fears of future religious persecution from the state. Jefferson penned the letter assuring them the "state" would be separate from the "church," but not the other way around. Again, the phrase "separation of church and state" comes from a letter, not a governing document! Thomas Jefferson said, "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just and that His justice cannot sleep forever.”
  
  Keeping Christianity separated from the state, which is your and every other liberal's interpretation of the phrase in question, is not a gift from God. It's straight from the pits of hell, and was never the intention of our founders.
  
  On the other hand, "separation of liberals and media,” would indeed be a blessing.
  
  Troy G. White

  
  
  
  
• Brand New from MyCall2Rise
  MyCall2Rise is proud to introduce the newest venture into published media..."The Call."
  
  This new leaflet from SnowWhite Media is my version of Payne's "Common Sense" and Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac." It will be a monthly publication both here online and in print, available around the Titus county area of Northeast Texas.
  
  I have two requests...(1) If you like it, please share with your friends. Visit the issuu site and share via email. Or, if you have a blog, please feel free to embed on your site. (2) Feel free to leave me your comments on here. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
  
  So, without further ado, here is The Call!
  
  
  Open publication - Free publishing - More taxes
  
  
  
  
• Governor Mike Huckabee Endorses Erwin Cain for HD3!
  HuckPAC Endorses Erwin Cain!
  
  
  I have some exciting news to report!
  
  Gov. Mike Huckabee just endorsed our campaign! Ours was one of only seven in the state of Texas. As you know Governor Huckabee is a national advocate of conservative principles. We are pleased to have his support and look forward to working with him to finally garner a conservative voice for our district in Austin.
  
  Governor Huckabee recognizes how critical it is to elect those who are committed to steering our government to the right, away from big government control and toward freedom and prosperity. Only then can we be assured of having a government committed to securing the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our children.
  
  Here's the press release:
  
  June 17, 2010
  
  GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE AND HUCKPAC ENDORSE ERWIN CAIN FOR TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN DISTRICT # 3
  
  Little Rock, AR – Governor Mike Huckabee issued the following statement about Erwin Cain:
  
  “Huck PAC and I are pleased to endorse Erwin Cain. Unequivocally pro-life, Erwin believes that life begins and conception and should always be protected. Erwin understands that conservative social ideals of integrity, and personal responsibility are intrinsically connected with economic prosperity.
  
  Erwin wants to reduce taxes and spending, protect private property rights, crack down on illegal immigration, protect our right to keep and bear arms, and promote jobs and economic development for East Texas.
  
  A true conservative, Erwin is committed to leading Texas forward in the right direction.
  
  Please join me in supporting Erwin Cain. Let’s send this good man to Austin."
  
  
  
  
• November Rising: Resisting the Tempter
  If you are not a follower of Jesus Christ, then this story may seem either odd or even crazy, but, as the real evidence proves, it's true.
  
  Around the age of 32, Jesus began his earthly ministry by seeking the one who was to come before him...John the Baptist (contrary to popular opinion, I don't believe the evidence points to John as the origin of the Baptist denomination...and I am a Southern Baptist.) The reason Christ sought out John was to give those of us who followed him millenniums later a picture of salvation and an act to follow...Baptism. As the Lord arose from the water, a picture and foreshadowing of his soon-to-be earthly resurrection, God descended upon Him in the form of a dove and spoke, "this is My Son, in whom I am well pleased." From here, Christ embarked on a journey that few Christians have ever experienced on their own...a 40-day period of solitude, fasting and, as was the case, temptation.
  
  In the Gospel of Matthew, we read the story of what took place. As Jesus was preparing to share His precious gift of salvation to the world, Satan, the antithesis of Christ, approached Christ in what he hoped was a moment of weakness...hunger. There, Satan offered Jesus the opportunity to "prove" His deity and turn the stones to bread. Jesus chose to remain in the presence of His Heavenly Father.
  
  Satan, not easily deterred, struck at the identity and holiness of Christ and demanded proof once again.

  If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

  Matthew 4:6 (NIV)
  
  Again, Jesus did not cower to the evil one's desires, and, this time, took the opportunity to speak with a bit more force - "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Matthew 4:7 (NIV).
  
  Finally, Satan tried one last time to gain power over the Son of God. This time he promised Jesus the world...all of the governments, all of the cities and civilations...to rule them all. The only catch...bow down and worship Satan instead of the Creator. It was at this time Jesus had enough, and with a voice that, I can only imagine, made the earth shake, He, the One to be worshiped, commanded, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Matthew 4:10 (NIV). Satan left!
  
  Now, bear with me as I draw a parallel - one I believe is fair, accurate and one I believe MUST be made.
  
  "What would you give to ensure your child or grandchild received fast, accurate and reliable healthcare in time of need," Bill Priefert, founder of Priefert Ranch Equipment, once questioned me about government healthcare. "Would you give up your guns? Of course you would! Would you give up your home or farm or business? Absolutely! You would give whatever it took to take care of your family." Mr. Priefert concluded, "whoever stands between your grandchildren and their healthcare controls you. We are all about to become slaves."
  
  I was thrown back by that thought. Not because I disagreed, but because I related. I have two beautiful daughters, whom, if given the opportunity, will grow up and bring forth wonderful, beautiful grandchildren. I would give my life for that to happen. I really would.
  
  As Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness, Satan kept throwing little bones, trying to find His breaking point. Obama knows our breaking point is our family, especially our kids. How does he know this? Because, he is human, and he would do the same for his girls. The difference is he won't have to...they will be taken care of.
  
  You and I are different. We don't have a golden parachute or Cadillac insurance that will sustain us, our children and our grandchildren. We are stuck...
  
  ...or are we?
  
  Jesus simply told Satan where to go (for lack of a better cliche!) Jesus knew who was really in control...He was. He knew Satan could offer all he wanted, but the truth was, he didn't have that authority. By virtue of creation, Jesus Christ, who was, is and always will be God, is owner, operator and chief executive of all things here on earth, above and below.
  
  The founders of this country understood that philosophy. They were well versed in two forms of government...tyranny (complete government control) and anarchy (mob rule.) When Jefferson, Adams, Rush and the like gathered to discuss which form they desired to rule, they were well versed in both Biblical and historical precedent. The Israelites were examples to the Anglo-Saxen, and, thus, both were examples to Colonial America. "People's Rule," meaning, the people would choose from among them who represented them. This was the advice Jethro gave Moses when dealing with the children of Israel in the wilderness. And so, America's republic was born.
  
  "We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,... do..." what?
  
  What do we do? What will you do? We are the ones with the authority, according to our founding documents. We are the ones who find our strength, hope and future in God, not the government, and thus, we are the ones who are free because it is our right to be so. We are now facing our day in the wilderness. The government is constantly tempting us to take this or that so we might be appeased, but the truth is that once we take it, we are, as Mr. Priefert put it, "slaves." Satan knew that if he could get Jesus to just take one offer, it would be over. Fortunately for all of humanity, Jesus Christ was stronger than His tempter.
  
  The question now becomes...are we? Don't take one bite, or it will all be over!
  
  Please pass this along to everyone you know so that they can in turn do the same. We must inform the masses. November Rising is simply my little way of doing so. Thanks for letting me be a part!
  
  Troy G. White
  
  
  
  
• November Rising: Personal Responsibility
  In the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, we find passages discussing worldly governments and the truth of where the ultimate authority resides. Our Founding Fathers new that truth, and they also knew that any government existing without the accountability of the governed would be dangerous.
  
  So, they instituted among men these governing bodies who derived their just powers from the consent of the governed. They were specific in pointing out that all men were endowed by THE Creator certain unalienable rights - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Throughout the course of our nation's history, we have see those rights strengthened and weakened by our government's action and the people's inaction.
  
  James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, talked about personal responsibility of the people, not the government, in his inaugural address in 1881. He stated:

  "We can not overestimate the fervent love of liberty, the intelligent courage, and the sum of common sense with which our fathers made the great experiment of self-government."

  
  To President Garfield, self-government was "common sense."
  
  Later on in that same speech, Garfield explained:

  "Freedom can never yield its fullness of blessings so long as the law or its administration places the smallest obstacle in the pathway of any virtuous citizen."

  
  Our 20th President knew our government could easily become a major obstacle in our pursuit of liberty.
  
  From that point on in his inaugural address, President Garfield went on to discuss the issues of our newest citizens, the freed slaves, and how as a nation we must move forward and continue educating our future generations. To Garfield, it was common sense...it was mandatory...in order for self-government to continue to exist, that we as Americans passed down to our children the blessings of freedom and the truths of self-government's role in preserving that freedom.

  "The voters of the union, who make and unmake constitutions, and upon whose will had the destinies of our governments, can transmit their supreme authority to no successors save the coming generation of voters, who are the sole heirs of sovereign power. If that generation comes to its inheritance blinded by ignorance and corrupted by vice, the fall of the republic will be certain and remediless."

  
  He continued:

  "It is the high privilege and sacred duty of those now living to educate their successors and fit them, by intelligence and virtue, for the inheritance which awaits them."

  
  President James A. Garfield understood the ramifications of one generation becoming apathetic and complacent in regards to their duty of educating their children about our nation's freedoms and how best to sustain them.
  
  Today, I believe we live in a country...that same country President Garfield "reverently invoked the support and blessings of Almighty God"...now finds itself one, if not two, generations removed from the preservation of self-government and personal responsibility.
  
  Today's generation of voters are accustomed to government intervention and handouts.
  
  Today's generation believes they are not responsible for their own actions, including their votes, and therefore the government must gain more control.
  
  Governor Mike Huckabee stated at the 2008 Texas Restoration Project that

  "the best government we will ever have is not one we elect but the one we have in our own hearts as we govern ourselves in Christ. This is the foundation of our civil government."

  
  We wouldn't need government agencies if we the people had not failed to govern ourselves.
  
  Today's generation would not fail to govern themselves if the previous generation had not taken lightly their personal responsibility of passing down the common sense of self-government that President Garfield encouraged us about.
  
  Will we...you and I...allow the next generation to be so ignorant?
  
  I heard a pastor friend of mine say this past week at his father's funeral,

  "growing up in Mexico, there were two words we never used...ignorant and stupid. Ignorance is when you just don't know. Stupid is when you know, yet choose to do it anyway."

  
  The pastor went on to share about the saving knowledge of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to all who were there at the church. He concluded:

  "You all are no longer ignorant."

  
  
  Friends, today, we all shall not be ignorant any longer!
  
  Please respond!
  
  Troy
  
  
  
  
• November Rising: Our Christian Heritage & the Remnant
  It's a battle that is being waged all over the nation, but none so greater than on the streets of Washington DC. Dr. Barry Black, U.S. Senate Chaplain, spoke to me and a group of pastors while we attended the Congressional Pastor's Briefing in Washington in April of last year, and he quoted the following passage from Psalm 37:
  

  How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?

  
  Washington DC, unfortunately, has become a "strange land" as it pertains to our Christian values, but, as Congressman Scott Garrett of New Jersey stated at that same briefing, "there is a remnant of Christians in Congress." Congressman Randy Forbes (below) is part of that "remnant."
  
  
  
  During the briefing, we were encouraged to write, not only our congressmen, but all of those who proudly stand up for the Christian heritage of this nation. Very rarely do our representatives hear positive, encouraging letters from the American people, and if there is ever a reason to lift up our leaders, this is one.
  
  Below you will find a list of those elected officials who are on the front lines of the most vicious battlefield in this great land. If you get an opportunity, write them an encouraging note, thanking them for standing up. This is NOT an exhaustive list, but a large part. If you are unable to contact them all, at least search for those in your state.
  
  Petitions don't work and many times emails are only allowed from constituents, but letters, faxes and phone calls are accepted from all. It takes time for letters to arrive (since 9/11), and, you most likely will not get a response, but take heart in the fact that you are lifting up a fellow Christian in his/her fight for America's heritage.
  
  In Pursuit of HIM,
  
  Troy G. White
  
  
  The Remnant
  
  1.) Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL), 1433 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4876 (p), (202)225-5587(f).
  
  2.) Rep. Todd Akin (MO), 117 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-2561 (p), (202)225-2563(f).
  
  3.) Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN), 107 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-2331 (p), (202)225-6475 (f).
  
  4.) Rep. Gresham Barrett (SC), 439 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-5301 (p), (202)225-3216 (f).
  
  5.) Dr. Barry Black, U.S. Senate Chaplain, S-332, The Capitol, Washington, DC 20510. (202)224-2510 (p).
  
  6.) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN), 217 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-2811 (p), (202)225-3004 (f).
  
  7.) Rep. John Boozman (AR), 1519 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4301 (p), (202)225-5713 (f).
  
  8.) Rep. Kevin Brady (TX), 301 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4901 (p), (202)225-5524 (f).
  
  9.) Sen. Sam Brownback (KS), 303 Hart SOB, Washington, DC 20510. (202)224-6521 (p), (202)228-1265 (f).
  
  10.) Rep. Dan Burton (IN), 2308 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-2276 (p), (202)225-0016 (f).
  
  11.) Sen. Tom Coburn (OK), 172 Russell SOB, Washington, DC 20510. (202)224-5754 (p), (202)224-6008 (f).
  
  12.) Rep. Geoff Davis (KY), 1108 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-3465 (p), (202)225-0003 (f).
  
  13.) Sen. Jim DeMint (SC), 340 Russell SOB, Washington, DC 20510. (202)224-6121 (p), (202)224-5143 (f).
  
  14.) Rep. Randy Forbes (VA), 2438 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-6365 (p), (202)226-1170 (f).
  
  15.) Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC), 1230 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-2071 (p), (202)226-2995 (f).
  
  16.) Rep. Trent Franks (AZ), 2435 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4576 (p), (202)225-6328 (f).
  
  17.) Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ), 137 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4465 (p), (202)225-9048 (f).
  
  18.) Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX), 510 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-3035 (p), (202)225-1230 (f).
  
  19.) Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX), 129 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-3484 (p), (202)226-4888 (f).
  
  20.) Rep. Pete Hoekstra (MI), 2234 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4401 (p), (202)226-0779 (f).
  
  21.) Sen. James Inhofe (OK), 453 Russell SOB, Washington, DC 20510. (202)224-4721 (p), (202)228-0380 (f).
  
  22.) Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), 1211 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4201 (p), (202)225-1485 (f).
  
  23.) Rep. Walter Jones (NC), 2333 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-3415 (p), (202)225-3286 (f).
  
  24.) Rep. Steve King (IA), 1609 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4426 (p), (202)225-3193 (f).
  
  25.) Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO), 437 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4422 (p), (202)226-2638 (f).
  
  26.) Rep. Donald Manzullo (IL), 2228 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-5676 (p), (202)225-5284 (f).
  
  27.) Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX), 227 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-6605 (p), (20)225-0074 (f).
  
  28.) Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC), 2437 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-2731 (p), (202)225-5773 (f).
  
  29.) Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers (WA), 1323 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-2006 (p), (202)226-3392 (f).
  
  30.) Rep. Randy Neugebauer (TX), 1424 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-4005 (p), (202)226-9615 (f).
  
  31.) Rep. Mike Pence (IN), 1431 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-3021 (p), (202)225-3382 (f).
  
  32.) Rep. Joe Pitts (PA), 420 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-2411 (p), (202)225-2013 (f).
  
  33.) Sen. John Thune (SD), SR-493, Washington, DC 20510. (202)224-2321 (p), (202)228-5429 (f).
  
  34.) Rep. Todd Tiahrt (KS), 2441 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-6216 (p), (202)225-3489 (f).
  
  35.) Rep. Zach Wamp (TN), 1436 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. (202)225-3271 (p), (202)225-3494 (f).
  
  
  
  
• November Rising: Original Intent
  

  "Our Founders established this government with both a strong dependence upon religious principles and a clear limitation on federal powers. The crumbling of their ideals, and the current departure from what the Founders intended, did not occur overnight. Abrogating the separation of powers, destroying the cooperative relationship between church and state, usurping State powers, restricting public religious expressions - each has been a slow process spanning years. Likewise, the correction of these problems may not occur quickly or through any single act."

  
  
  BUT...
  
  

  "The responsibilities facing God-fearing citizens are somber, and the potential repercussions from our actions - or lack thereof - are both far-reaching and long lasting. Remember that where citizen complacency rules, wrong principles and policies will abound; and when it comes to sound government, the enemy is seldom "them"; it is generally citizen apathy."

  
  
  The above words were written by David Barton in his book, Original Intent. David is the founder and president of WallBuilders, "an organization dedicated to presenting America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral, religious, and constitutional foundation on which America was built." David is one of America's foremost experts on the founding of our country and is often called upon to testify to the US Supreme Court on matters of the Constitution and Declaration of Independance.
  
  When it comes to matters of "Original Intent," the American people are bound by principle to know their duty as citizens, most importantly, remaining informed. Complacency is defined as ,"self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies." If one was "unaware" before this weekend's historical vote in Washington DC, I cannot fathom how one could be so now.
  
  It is my belief that Americans have done one of two things for generations: one, focused on themselves, their own "self-satisfying" desires, and "what's in it for me" attitudes; or, two, stayed enveloped in their protective "hear no evil" bubbles and remained silent. Both groups have failed the American experiment, thus resulting in our current state of peril.
  
  Let me be clear...I am as guilty as the next. I am choosing to remain complacent no longer. I am asking you to do the same.
  
  The Original Intent of our Founders when drafting our governing documents was simple. WE ARE A REPUBLIC: a federal government born and given it's powers from citizens and the individual states, NOT the other way around. Take a look at the Bill of Rights:
  
  9th Amendment - "The enumeration in the constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
  
  10th Amendment - "The powers not delegated to the United States, by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
  
  We are the government; however, throughout history there have always been those who believed they were entitiled to certain authority over others and without regard of law or civility. Today, our federal government...all three branches...are riddled with such people, from the president to both houses of congress and our courts.
  
  November Rising intends to be that one small stone in David's sling. We are David and the federal government has become Goliath. Together, with one voice and sheer determination, we can and will ELEVATE America back to her Original Intent.
  
  Your thoughts?
  
  FURTHER INFORMATION:
  
  Take a look at what Congressman Louis Gohmert of Texas is doing today regarding Original Intent.
  
  For more information regarding our "Republican" form of government, check out Federalist 10 by James Madison.
  
  
  
  
• November Rising: the Beginning
  Sunday, March 21, 2010...America's Constitution was sold to the lowest bidder...Socialism.
  
  Tuesday, November 2, 2010...America will ELEVATE from the ashes and once again shine bright!
  
  November Rising is my feeble attempt at making the hope of November 2nd a reality. It is my desire that November Rising will become your sounding board for conservative principles, leaders, candidates and movements across this nation of ours. This is truly a grassroots effort, thus, without your participation, it will not work. You are the engine!
  
  So, shall we embark upon this pilgrimage together...united in purpose, voice and spirit?
  
  Let's roll!
  
  
  
  A FEW RULES:
  
  (1) I have a standing rule on my blog that ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SIGNED. Any anonymous comment will be deleted to protect both the integrity and legitimacy of this blog and our discussions. I want your input, your ideas and healthy debate. Opposing voices of opinion will not be silenced, so long as you are willing to put a name with your opinion.
  
  (2) Another way you can find your comments deleted will be if you use profane language or your remarks become shameful, hurtful and/or aggressive in nature. Because I want as much discussion and feedback as possible, I will do all I can to create an environment conducive to constructive dialog. We may disagree, but we will do so civilly.
  
  (3) All original writings of the author are the sole property of the author and can not be used, reprinted and/or distributed without the express written consent of the author. Please respect this rule. If you want to site any articles found here, please feel free to do so. Point as many people to this blog as possible by doing so. It will increase our opportunity for discussion and affecting real change in November.
  
  (4) If you post anything that is not your words (i.e. articles, speeches, etc.) please be sure to site your work and reference the original author. We do not want to be responsible for any copywrite infringments here!
  
  LET'S GO VIRAL:
  
  Spread the Word!!! Facebook, Twitter, MySpace...whatever. Share this blog and, particularly, this November Rising series with your friends, colleagues, family and neighbors. Remember...YOU are the engine! I want to set a goal of 100 faithful followers by August. If we can accomplish 100 faithful followers, our reach will be exponential.
  
  BTW - a "faithful follower" is someone who actually signes up as a follower and contributes to the series by voicing their thoughts on a regular basis.
  
  LOCAL ~ STATE ~ NATIONAL:
  
  The emphasis of November Rising will be all encompassing...local, state and federal. I will talk about all things national, how they pertain to Texas and how, in particular, Northeast Texas is involved. If you are located outside of Texas (which is hard to believe!) then I want you to be my expert in your state. If you have RINO Republicans or Democrats who are running for re-election in November, call them out here. Promote your conservative candidates here. Again, let's go viral and spread the word. I'll fight for freedom here in Texas, and I will gladly join your ranks in your state. Together we will ELEVATE!
  
  FINAL THOUGHT:
  
  ELEVATE...After last night's historical degredation of the foundational principles of this nation, it is time we all take a step back, look within ourselves and choose personal responsibility over complacency. We must ELEVATE our own lives. We must ELEVATE our homes. We must ELEVATE our families, our neighborhoods, our communities. We must ELEVATE our freedoms, our prosperity and our heritage. ELEVATE from the ground, up. You take care of you. If we ELEVATE, then the United States of America will ELEVATE!
  
  I'll see you at the finish line!
  
  Troy
  
  Your thoughts?