Conservative Network Broadcast - CNB

This week will prove to be significant for many reasons.  First the mid term elections of 2010 will, at minimum, send a clear message to national and state politicians that politics as usual will not be tolerated.   More thoughts on this evening's elections tomorrow. 

Second, this week was the launch of the Conservative Network Broadcast.  The network will offer fresh new conservative views, opinions, interviews, and insights on the Tea Party Movement using multi media.  I was honored to write a commentary for their first broadcast which aired Monday, November 1, 2010.  The title of the commentary is 'Americans Take Back America' and can be found under the Opinion tab.  Please take time to check it out and put the schedule of updates and events on your calendar as to not miss a broadcast!!

www.conservativenetworkbroadcasting.com

The 4th of July A Celebration of Independence

Our last posting was July29, 2010....its been wwwaaayyyy to long....but we've been busy!!  New, designs, summers festivals, AND a new book!!  Although the cover image and 'inside the book' isn't posted yet, the book is currently available at www.amazon.com and www.authorhouse.com.  Soon, the book will be available online through Barnes and Noble.

This little book introduces preschoolers to the birth of the United States of America, the legacy of the Founding Fathers, and the significance of the Constitution. Take a journey through America’s history and discover why the July 4th holiday is much more than fireworks and summer fun!

Its a perfect book for parents and grandparents to read at bedtime or anytime to begin teaching their children the principles of liberty in the United States of America.  John Adams said "Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom."  I don't think it is ever to early to begin teaching our children about American exceptionalism and the principles set forth by our Founding Fathers!  

Keep an eye out for our press release and more information at www.standupberead.com and our facebook page.

Kentucky the 15th United State

Kentucky State Flag

Kentucky was the 15th state to join the United States of America in 1792. Settlers and pioneers from the state of Virginia traveled west through the Cumberland Gap in the Appalachian Mountains; they traveled west to the Mississippi River. The settlers and pioneers saw the economic potential in the Mississippi river because it flowed north and south and would be ideal for river trades. So they began building new settlements. However, the government of Virginia, the original homeland of the pioneers, wasn’t interested in river trade so the newly discovered territory west of the Appalachian Mountains became Kentucky with its own government. The Riverboat trade market was very successful and passengers enjoyed the social life on the river with riverboat racing, games and parties.  

Jim Bowie

Bowie Knife

Jm Bowie born in Kentucky April 10, 1796, was an American culture folk hero famous for his huge knife and many brawls. His short life spanned from Kentucky to Louisiana and he died at the Alamo after joining the fight for the Republic of Texas in 1836.

President
Abraham Lincoln

However, Kentucky’s most famous son is the United States of America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln was born February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, Kentucky. As a young man he was given the nickname ‘honest Abe’ because of his honesty working at the country store with merchants and customers. As President, he led the country through its greatest domestic crisis, the American Civil War. By the end of the war, the Union was preserved and slavery ended. He died from an assassin’s bullet April 15, 1865 in Washington DC at the age of 56.

Cardinal

Goldenrod

The name Kentucky is said to be an Indian name meaning "land of tomorrow". Kentucky is known for its rich fields of grass due to its fertile soil and is known as the Blue Grass State. Kentucky state motto: "United we stand, divided we fall". Its state flower is the Goldenrod and the state bird is the Cardinal.

Poll: Why are Democrats Loosing their Cool?

Since last summer we've seen Democrats loose their cool at town hall meetings or interviews with students and/or media.  Why do you think this is occuring?  Take our poll located in the right column of the blog page.  If you have other thoughts or reasons why, please put it in the comments below.  

Click here to see yet another Democrat looses his cool!!


The results of our unscientific poll:

Why do you think Demacrats are loosing their cool?

Obama administration's transformation is making their jobs irrelavant.  25%
Americans are focused on Nov2010 mid term elections to vote them out.  75%

Hopeful for Change in Nov2010

We had another great day in Jefferson Georgia promoting and sellling product that enlightens and brings history forward. It was espeically wonderful talking to people who are engaged in the 'happenings' of politics today and who are ready for the upcoming elections. Most encouraged talking to a 23 year old who 'gets it!!'...love the spirit of this country's youth! Top seller today was the Gettysburg Address; reason - today's relevance, a divided nation who refers back to the birth of our nation and founding principles to restore itself. 

Vermont the 14th State

We've all heard lately the importance of learning history so that we know who we are as a people and a country.  I've said before how enlighting it is to talk to my parents about our country's history and how political decisions impact the course of history; its always interesting and sometimes scary.

Well, mom has been busy lately reading LOTS about our country's history.  She began a state by state journey educating herself on the why's and how's each state bacame a united state.  Its been fascinating to take this journey with her...sure tells alot about the social and political composition of each state even today. 

I decided to share quick simple facts on the blog. Who knows maybe you'll be inspired to delve deeper into the history of your state!  Enjoy.....

Vermont - 14th State of the United States of America

French explorers Jacques Cartier (1535) and Samuel de Champlain (1609) were the first Europeans to explore and establish French trading posts in the Vermont territory. The Vermont territory was hunting grounds to many small Indian tribes. These tribes battled amongst themselves and the new settlers who established forts and trading posts.

Vermont was beautiful, yet unsettled territory and there were many clashes between the Indians, French and British.  In some cases the Indians fought along side the French against the British.  The Treaty of Paris in 1763, also called Peace of Paris, surrendered the Vermont territory to the British.  Dispite the treaty, clashes still broke out and in 1770 Ethan Allen (Founding Father, farmer, businessman, land speculator, philosopher, writer) organized the Green Mountain Boys. They rallied the unhappy settlers in the effort to stand up to the provincial government from Britian.  Green Mountain Boys Flag above.

The Treaty of Paris in 1783, ended the Revolutionary War at which time Britian gave up control of the Vermont territoy.  It then became known as the Independent Republic of Vermont.  Then in 1791 Vermont became the 14th state of the United States of America.

Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State (the name Vermont means green mountain.) Its motto: freedom and unity. Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States.  Its state flower is the Red Clover and the state bird is the Hermit Thrush.  Vermont flag to the right.

New Summer 2010 Tees

Our new summer tees are now available for purchase on line.  We've taken the tradition of the July 4th tee and added a twist to make it more thought provoking for those who wear it and those who read it.  We also added a childrens collection for toddlers and babys....they are for the love of the Declaration of Independence in the spirit of the July 4th holiday and everyday!!  Take a look at the guys and gals Protect the US Constitution 2010 tee. 

Don't just wear a message tee...make a statement that cause people to think!! Order a tee for each family member and show that you support conservative views that are in step with the Constitution and principles laid by its Founding Fathers. Check 'em out at

http://www.standupberead.com/.

When the Music Stopped...

This was written by written by Chaplain Jim Higgins; read, honor, and remember...

When the Music Stopped...

For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, the National Anthem is played before the movie begins. This is written from a Chaplain in Iraq :

I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All is going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here in Iraq ,1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. But again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1000 Soldiers standing at attention to do?? Frankly, I expected
some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.  But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every soldier continued to stand at attention.

Suddenly,there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you. Remember them as they fight for us!

Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have already paid the ultimate price.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins.
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad

Today in History: May 25th - Ralph Waldo Emerson

'There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion;…The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.' Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Self Reliance,"  Essays, First Series, 1841.

Essayist, philosopher, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in Boston on May 25, 1803. Son and grandson of Protestant divines, Emerson attended Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School, entering the Unitarian ministry in 1829.  Read more about Emerson at http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/today.html

History Teaches Everything!!

We just finished reading Federalist Number 19 written by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.    Everyday  my thoughts on the direction of this country are validated.  Its eerie how the founders knew the troubles that lay ahead if citizens become complacent on their role to govern.   If you read the documents you learn about history and the cautionary words the founders wrote to educate people on how to safeguard the Constitution and the Republic.  Become part of the national conversation on the Founding Fathers and the founding principles... http://www.constitutingamerica.org/  .

Generations bring History Forward

Okay, so I've been working on a project for the last few months and its required much research...research on world history.    During which I often turned to my parents to discuss the days findings and it became apparent to me that their insight is priceless.  I could sit and listen to their perspective on world events and history all day!!!  So very interesting!!! 

Educating America's Children

I came across this website after seeing co-founder of Consituting America, Janine Turner and her daughter, on Fox & Friends this week.  Please take time to check it out.  Its inspiring, hopeful and educational...it is www.constitutingamerica.org .   Now is the time to educate ourselves and our chldren on the framework of America's history.  The Founding Fathers were wise men; there is a reason our great country is called The United States of America.  Constituting America offers simple fun ways to engage yourself, family, friends and your community to learn about the Constitution, Founding Fathers and founding principles.  Stand up be read....educate yourself, educate others!!

Get Rally Ready!

We've been overwhelmed with response to our apparel line and message tees. So excited that people are engaged and get it!!  We have Large and XLarge sizes still available in Abraham Lincoln 1863 & 1864, Uncle Sam, and Thomas Jefferson Question with Boldness.  All sizes are available in the Alexander Hamilton tee.  Get Rally Ready and recieve a 10% coupon on all Stand Up. Be Read.TM apparel.  Redeem your coupon using the code Rally at Check Out.  Offer ends April 30, 2010..hurry and place your order today!!  www.standupberead.com

Day 4: AAM - VOTE IN NOVEMBER

Its the last day at the Atlanta Apparel Mart.  We met so many interesting people...all of them business owners-wholesalers, designers, and buyers. The modo of day 4: VOTE IN NOVEMBER!  Over the past four days we shared stories with business owners about anxiety over the economy but also hope for the future.  In short, business owners want government out of their business, they want corporate taxes lowered, they want healthcare repealled, they want incentives to keep manufacturing jobs in the US, and they want politicians who are truthful.   Many of us are small business owners who, based on principle, use US companies to manufacture goods to support the American workforce. On the flip side we are penalized and at times not competitive because the cost to produce goods is more expensive and sets up our cost of goods to be more than the competition who don't care about 'USA made' labels and prefer to make their products overseas to take advantage of the lower costs.  
The bottom line is that there is a feeling that Washington DC talks a big story about looking after the small business owner, but they don't act on the talk...and this has been going on for years.  Policies just add to the burden in a sluggish economy.  'Where is Reagan?'
That being said, we are all hopeful that through the election process politicians will be forced to get out of the way of small business and the free market will pull the economy out of the recession.
Oh and one last note...consumers, please support the American workforce and buy products made in the USA!!  Go to this website for more information:  www.americansworking.com

Day 3: Atlanta Apparel Mart

Yesterday was day 3 at Atlanta Apparel Mart.  We continue to get great feedback from buyers and guests alike - "Great tees, great message, perfect timing."  Modo of the day: stay true to your passion and have faith in yourself.

Day 2: Atlanta Apparel

Day 2: Atlanta Apparel Mart...another fab day of runway and showing Stand Up Be Read apparel. See the runway video of Question with Boldness - Thomas Jefferson and 1863 - Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg. Modo of the day: the word 'unconditional' is totally under rated! Over the past few days we've meet so many genuine and transparent people - designers, wholesalers, buyers...we are all is this together.

Atlanta Apparel Mart Daily Strut: Freedom Butterfly

Yesterday on the runway was Freedom Butterfly.  Today is Question with Boldness - Thomas Jefferson and 1863 - Abraham Lincoln.

Day 1 at Atlanta Apparel Mart

Day 1 at the mart has been fabulous.  Butterfly debuted on the Daily Strut Runway show.  All Stand Up. Be Read.TM apparel made an impression and gained much interest.  I have photos and a video to post, but we have techincal difficulties with the laptop so I'll load them later from the office desk top.  Modo of the day - you never know where or when opportunities will arise...luck only benifits those who are prepared - I love to be lucky and I love to be prepared!!  Can't wait for day 2!! On tap for tomorrow the debut of Question with Boldness - Thomas Jefferson and 1863 - Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg...both on the Runway!

Atlanta Apparel Mart: Nichola Originals

Tomorrow starts Atlanta's Apparel Mart.  Nichola Originals and the Stand Up. Be Read.TM apparel will be featured there.  Our booth is like none other and we are very proud to be representing an awesome collection with a honorable message.  We are all very excited and plan to blog during the event so keep checking the blog or website for updates.  Thanks!!

Faces - Dinah

Her name is Dinah…On the surface Dinah appears to be like most 28 year olds in America and last week I met her when she was introduced to me by a friend. Within minutes of that meeting I realized Dinah is not like every 28 year old in America; her story is inspiring, enlightening, and must be told. Her story isn’t unique because of her past; it is unique because of how her past brought history forward in her life and is the premise for how she lives her life today.

Dinah was in the public school system until the fourth grade. At which time her mother found herself needing to re-teach her children when they came home from school and therefore decided to take on the responsibility to home school Dinah and her sister. During the next 8-10 years, Dinah completed her studies and she says she remembers that in her home there was frequent “background noise” about personal values, taxes, and peoples’ rights.

When Dinah was 21, she moved to California. As she puts it she saw some pretty scary stuff. She recalls one instance when she went to a party in a not so safe part of town and found herself in a precarious situation that she didn’t think she would get out of safely. She said that all she could think about was if she called 911 it would take the police longer to get to her than it would take for danger to become her. That was a turning point for her. Dinah survived that night and within seven months she moved back to Georgia. It was also a time when she decided to educate herself on self defense, the NRA, and gun rights.

Dinah was now in her early twenties living in Georgia trying to make a life for herself; with no car, no home, no money, but as she puts it “she had her freedom.” Within two days of moving to Georgia, Dinah found a job working in the kitchen at an exclusive country club. She found herself an affordable apartment that unfortunately was not in close proximity to the country club. To make ends meet there was a period of time when she worked double shift at the country club and took on another job as a pastry chef for a caterer. As a young adult this scheduled completely squelched her opportunity for a social life coupled with transportation challenges not owning a car. However, she managed, at times, a 31 hour shift until she was able to financially structure her life into a normal work day schedule.

Working at the country club she met Roger, a co-worker. Over the years their friendship turned into something deeper and they eventually married. Six years later, Dinah is still employed at the club and has earned additional responsibilities there.

Today, Dinah owns a home and pays a mortgage; owns a used car without a note; pays cash for everything – she learned that lesson the hard way; is an NRA supporter and owns a gun to protect herself, and supports the Fairtax plan.

When Dinah shared her story with me, I couldn’t help but smile. She had so much wisdom packed in her 28 years. I thought ‘in this world of young people feeling as if they are entitled, how and why was she spared the curse?’ So I asked her, “Dinah, you know that you are a-typical. Why do you see the world differently than so many young adults your age?”

Her response was thoughtful, provocative, and without pause. The best way I can express it is to bullet each point she made, so here they are:

• she was home schooled and learned self reliance; not indoctrination to the reliance of government and the cradle to grave mentality 
• she sacrifices her wants for her needs - until she can pay cash; she says having loans, notes, and credit cards makes her a slave to others and she prefers her freedom.
• suffering is a necessary part of life; it taught her the responsibility, ownership, and consequence that come with freedom of choice   

At the beginning of this story, I mentioned that a friend introduced me to Dinah. The reason for the introduction was not really about Dinah and ‘her story’, but that two weeks earlier, she had a tattoo sketched on her right arm - shoulder to wrist. The tattoo includes the faces of our country’s Founding Fathers. It also includes images of the bald eagle, the Constitution, the quill pen used by the Fathers to sign the Constitution, and each signature. Being involved with my company Nichola Originals and Stand Up. Be Read.TM, my friend knew I would want to see this tattoo. When I started interacting with Dinah to schedule our meeting, it became clear to me that her story and message is as powerful as the tattoo on her arm.

I spent a good 20 minutes studying the beautiful sketch and imagery of the tattoo and I asked her, “What possessed you to tattoo the Founding Fathers?” She said a well known artist was in town and extended an offer to sketch a tattoo for her. After much consideration, she took him up on his offer. She then went into research mode and took great care to choose images that best convey the respect she has for the service of the Founding Fathers. She said they exemplify freedom first and she feels in today’s political climate, they are disrespected. For three days she sat while the artist sketched the images; the thought frequently about how her generation probably doesn’t know who the Founding Fathers are and the sacrifices they made to lay the path for future generations. She said at one point she was in great pain and looked over at the photo of George Washington and thought of the pain he went through fighting for freedom.

My final question to her was, “When did you become interested in the Founding Fathers?” She responded that during the campaign of 2008, she heard someone ask then Senator Obama about his view on gun rights and his response was in favor of revoking gun ownership laws. That stopped Dinah in her tracks and she began to study the candidates and what they stand for…do their views align with the Constitution or against the Constitution. Then the bailouts of the banks brought her more concern, from both sides of the political isle. She knew right then she needed to educate herself on the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. It was then she became intrigued with the Founding Fathers and their principles.

Dinah hopes to inspire her generation to Stand Up. Be Read.TM on the principles of the Constitution and the Founding Fathers. She believes, as I do, that once you understand the premise of freedom in the United States of America, you will realize its fragility and fight to protect it.

Thank you, Dinah, for sharing your story and being a Face of Stand Up. Be Read.TM

Hurry...Last Day To Take The Founding Fathers Poll

Tomorrow is the last day to take the Founding Fathers poll.  Who is your favorite?  Let us know!!

Amazing Talent: Rhodes Design Group

Bringing Nichola Originals to market and defining the brand Stand Up. Be Read. TM, has been a collaborative effort on many fronts and involved many players. It all started with an idea and Rhodes Design Group was able to convert it into graphics and scope a brand. They are amazing at what they do!! Find out more about them and their work at

http://www.rhodesdesigngroup.com/.

A New Day in America?

And so its the morning of Monday 3/22/2010. I woke up feeling different, like someone died and I know I won't 't see them again. Its a new age in America, freedom as we knew it will never be, what will it bring? History tells us what it will bring. I don't want to believe it....I don't want my children to experience it...I don't want to change my business practices because of it.... All these feelings swirl because I'm being forced to give what is mine and give it to someone else. But don't I do that already willfully and gladly? Don't most Americans do that already?

The Health care Bill is not about better health care it is about forced charity: in the definition of Pelosi - bundled up and packaged as if it is the continuation of the Founding Fathers' will. Please don't insult my intelligence. You couldn't be more wrong. This is so against their intentions and declaration when the United States of America became an independent nation. What Pelosi said last night didn't make sense, to combine the goals of the Health care bill with the Founding Fathers and Constitution. So much so, that she stumbled and had to look back at her notes. I was embarrassed for her.

Another quote from Ronald Reagan....

"I've never been able to understand why a Republican contributor is a 'fat cat' and a Democratic contributor of the same amount of money is a 'public-spirited philanthropist.'

Obama and Pelosi refer to Democrats voting for the bill as being for the people's welfare and Republicans who don't vote for it, well, they are just out for themselves. How wrong you are!!! No one became self reliant being given entitlements and handouts all their life....but those who are given opportunities to create themselves and earn an honest living excel.

Lets hope...hope that we can find a way back to a free America, free to make choices for our own lives, choices for our own children, choices to give and be charitable in our own way.

Verify, Then Trust

9 votes needed here, 13 votes needed there....and amoung the circus it's not about the policy but about who can be bought and bribed. So sad...and I ask, how did we get here.

Today I read a little about Ronald Reagan and his relations with the Soviet Union. During which he used the phrase Trust, but Verify...he used that phrase alot especially when dealing with the Soviet Union and when asked why he always repeated the phrase, he responded "because I like it."

That phrase didn't start with Ronald Reagan and it has been used by lots of people since. I feel much the same as Reagan felt working with the Soviets, but it is with my country's leaders. We, the people, took our eye off the ball and blindly trusted our leaders, never feeling the need to verify; after all we had the protection of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights on our side.

Look where we are now. Politicians gasp at the notion that we the people are now asking the tough questions and demanding to be heard. It is amazing to see the disregard to states' rights and the noise about how they, politicians, are the grantors of the people's rights. I feel like this country has been sucker punched by both side of the isle!

I also like the phrase trust, but verify; but I'll twist the phrase around a tad - verify, then trust...with a watchful eye.

A call to action: Let's assemble, rally, and pull together to turn this ship around and get this country back on course. Then vote for leaders who have demonstrated and verified that they govern based on Constitutional principles and who honor this country's place in history.

Will Our Country Transform This Week?

Its time to push harder, fight with more viligance...get the phone lines fired up with calls to your representatives!! There is no time to waste!!! CAll NOW!!!

"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No.1, December 19, 1776

Ready, Set, Launch...

Its count down to the launch of our new website! See a preview at http://www.standupberead.com/. Our photoshoot was a success thanks to our fabulous models (nothing but the best...true all American young adults - Macy, Kelsey, and Kevin) and Hollie Lytle of Lytlefoto, http://www.imageryforlife.com/ for capturing the story!!

Soon the site will be graced with the Faces of Stand Up. Be Read.TM and stories of young adults taking a stand to restore American ideals.

Samuel Adams: The Rights of the Colonist 1772

The Rights of the Colonists by Samuel Adams, 11/20/1772 brought tears to my eyes knowing how close we are to loose the Republic and all for which our Founding Fathers fought. But it also brought hope in my heart knowing that the few leaders who have been fighting the honorable fight now have the power of the people behind them to push back the transformation. We've all heard the phrase 'the sleeping giant has awaken'...we must stay awake, stay alert, be viligant, question with boldness, assemble, be heard!!!

The Rights of the Colonists by Samuel Adams, The Report of the Committee of Correspondence to the Boston Town Meeting 11/20/1772
http://www.constitution.org/bcp/right_col.htm

Cradle to Grave Agenda

I've come across this quote many times and it is so true. Take the emotion out of the issue and look at the wasted money pouring into programs ill utilized on those who have become dependent on the government with no motivation to support themselves and improve their life style. Stop the government's cradle to grave agenda already!!

"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I traveled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer." Benjamin Franklin, On the Price of Corn and Management of the Poor, November 1766

The Cycle...

There are many gratifying moments as a small business owner; creating, designing, providing products and services that people want or that fill a need. For me at the top of that list is the act of financially compensating employees for their work. A cycle or chain of events was put in motion with that act; knowing that the paycheck contributes to their lively hood, knowing they will spend money paying bills to support service providers and spend money at their local merchants...and that allows the cycle to continue by those small business owners...and so on, and so on....

"Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state." Alexander Hamilton 1790

Happy Birthday George Washington

"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious, just humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform dignified, and commanding; his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting; correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private charter gave effulgence to his public virtues." John Marshall, official eulogy of George Washington, delivered by Richard Henry Lee 1799

"This Nation Shall Have A New Birth"

Today I spent the morning watching my son practice his golf game, chipping, putting, and driving. The sun was shining and the temperature was 55 degrees...just a beautiful day. While he was playing, he moved out of my view so I decided to pull from my purse my pocket Constitution and I began to read it, again for the umpteenth time. And again, I was awed at the brilliance of our founding fathers and, again, dismayed at the profound neglect, absence, manipulation of its words in politics today.

I pondered at how the erosion of the founding principles didn't happen over night; it's been a slow, methodical evolution. I began to wonder 'who is the person today bold enough to be our modern day refounder? Who has the capacity and backbone to lead the citizens of the United States of America back to her founding principles, back to the freedoms and liberties declared at her birth? Will it be a mom who looks at her children and decides she is going to jump into the political fight on behalf of her children's freedom and future? Will it be a dad who lost his job and decided to promote his ideals and lay a new path to fight for the survival of free markets and capitalism? Is it a collection of individuals creating a movement whose force has flustered the mindset of traditional political groups?'

I drifted back to the present when my son came back into view. From the distance he looked at me with a smile on his face and I smiled back. At that moment I thought deeply on what the future will bring to this beautiful 12 year old boy. What if he chooses to have a family and children? What will their future bring? Will they live in a free country of liberties and rights protected by the Declaration of Independence and given to them by God? Will I be telling stories to my grandchildren about when the United States of America was a free nation?

Sad to loose freedom having experienced it; sad to never have had it at all! And so that's it...that's the key!! We MUST hold on to what we have. Hold on to our freedom and demand we return to the principles under which this great nation was founded...it is time for a new birth. Abraham Lincoln lead this nation through a new birth in 1863. It can be done again! We the people are in control, we the people are empowered...we can do this; the Constitution is our ammunition...it was written for us to protect us...Read it, know it...be educated...be empowered...
be hopeful...

Message Apparel

The stand up be read team was in Portland this week working with Latitudes PDX finishing the details on the apparel line. Today we wrap up and head back home to finalize the product launch. A big 'thank you' to the Latitudes PDX team...we couldn't have asked for a better group of people with whom to collaborate; they are top notch and know their stuff!! Can't wait for 3/1/2010!!

Movement Soon to be Launched!

Soon we will launch Stand Up. Be Read. TM, a movement whose mission is to spark conversation and education on our country's birth. We promote education on and inspiration from our country's Founding Fathers by offering products with a purpose. This blog will be used to document the launch. We hope to get many followers who are as passionate as we are to take back our country from those whose goal is to tranform it and govern it separate from the Constitution. Educate yourself, educate others.