Carly Fiorina, Presidential Candidate

Western Conservative Summit 2015 – Carly Fiorina, Presidential Candidate

In my last article, I promised a more detailed summary regarding two Presidential hopefuls: former Hewlett-Packard CEO, Carly Fiorina, and pediatric Neurosurgeon, Ben Carson, MD.  This post will address Carly Fiorina’s speech at the 2015 Western Conservative Summit (hereinafter referred to as, “Summit”).  As I write this piece, Ms. Fiorina has one percent of primary voters support.  Consequently, she will not be permitted to participate in the first national debate, which is a shame because America needs to her voice.  Recent news informs us of a Muslim in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who murdered four Marines and one Sailor.  The current occupier of the White House continues to refuse to acknowledge Islam’s war on all Americans.  He would rather demand that we accept his deal to help Iran build nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic delivery systems.  Carly Fiorina was the only presidential hopeful at the Summit to state a plan for dealing with the liar-in-chief’s deal.  She declared boldly she would make a phone call to the Ayatollah of Iran and tell him, “The new deal.”  At the same time, we now learn Planned Parenthood harvests and sells body parts of aborted babies.  Dr. Ben Carson has saved the lives of thousands of children and babies.  If the Republican Party had any sense, which they’ve proven for decades they don’t, they would make Dr. Carson and Ms. Fiorina the presidential ticket for 2016 today and send the rest of the circus acts home.

But this is about Carly Fiorina’s speech (Carly Fiorina).  During her presentation, she covered more issues in the short, allotted time (20 minutes) with greater clarity than any of the other presidential contenders.  If you do not have time to watch her full address (linked here: #WCS15 Carly Speech), I summarized a few key points below.

• Her core worldview: All people have God given gifts – True Leadership challenges the status quo and unlocks the God given potential in others.
• Conservatives Believe: All people have value in the eyes of God; none of us are better than any other and conservative values do a much better job of lifting all people up.
• Progressives Believe (their behavior reveals): Some people are smarter than others, some are better than others, and some should decide for others.
• America has reached a pivotal point: Too many peoples’ potentials are being crushed by the weight of government.  A recent FOX News poll revealed that 82% of Americans (across the political spectrum) believe that a political class exists in America that is only concerned with preserving their self-interests rather than serving the nation.
• Israel: Make it 100% clear we stand with Israel.
• Iran: Until every facility is open 100% of the time to unfettered inspections, we will make it impossible for Iran to move their money and influence around the world.
• Putin: Say nothing to him but rebuild the 6^th fleet and re-deploy our European missile defense systems.
• How to combat ISIS: Ask our Middle Eastern allies what do they need to fight and defeat ISIS?

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After her prepared remarks, Carly Fiorina sat down with Byron York for a question and answer (Q&A) Session (11 Minutes).  Byron York asked her the same four questions he asked of all candidates who spoke at the Summit.  His questions and her answers are as follows:

1. SCOTUS Homosexual Marriage Decision: It was wrong for them to hear the case.  By ruling on this issue they have stifled all further discussion (free speech) regarding the matter.  The dialogue must continue – not gagged.
2. Economy: Crony Capitalism only serves big and bigger government and big and bigger businesses.  The small businesses across our nation are being crushed under the weight of confusing tax codes and strangled by oppressive regulations.  For example, Obama Care is causing the big medical and pharmaceutical companies and hospitals to consolidate and grow even larger.  The smaller organizations are going out of business.  The same is happening to our financial institutions under Dodd/Frank.  These big and bigger organizations have become not only too big to fail but too big to jail.
3. How to win the election:  We have to talk to everyone.  Our language matters, our tone matters, and we must speak with empathy.  We must show that we care.
4. A touchy point from the candidates past record (as CEO of HP): Tough times require tough decisions.  She said the hardest decision is to fire or lay someone off.  I disagree.  The hardest decision is to send men and women into battle knowing that a good percentage of them will make the ultimate sacrifice and give their lives for their country.

I want to interject one side comment.  Mary and I happened to sit next to a table filled with liberal news agency reporters (one from England).  Throughout Mike Huckabee’s presentation, they wrote their respective notes, scowled and never applauded.  I assume they felt defiled surrounded by Conservatives.  During Carly’s speech, she said that she had been asked if her female hormones might affect her judgment if she were president.  She asked the women in the audience, “Ladies, here’s a test.  How many men do you know whose judgment has been clouded by their hormones – including someone in the oval office?”  The entire audience erupted with thigh-slapping laughter and stood to applaud.  Even the scornful liberals laughed at this comment.  When she gave her answer to question 3 above, we could hear some of them saying they agreed with Carly’s point.  At the conclusion of her speech and again after the Q&A session, the crowd of more than 4,000 jumped to their feet and gave Carly Fiorina a standing ovation.  We watched our contemptuous liberal news members rise to their feet and applaud, too.  Many shouted to their fellows how much they liked Carly.  If she can win the hearts and minds of these highly committed, well-heeled ideologues, just think how well she could reach real thinking Americans.  This is why she should be part of the August 6, 2015 national debate on FOX.

Later, we had a short personal visit with Carly.  Mary played a harmless practical joke on her and she took it with good humor.  Then, she laughed out loud once she got the joke.  When we explained the liberal press member’s response to her hormone comment, we laughed together. Then, we encouraged her to press on with her campaign.  I recommend primary voters read Carly Fiorina’s personal story, “Rising to the Challenge,” and learn more about her.  You will gain greater personal insight into the depth of this remarkable woman who deserves to be heard in her bid for our nation’s highest office.  She can win and here’s why.

As I stated in my previous post, I haven’t been excited about a Republican contender since Ronald Reagan, she is the real deal, and she is a legitimate Presidential Candidate.  Carly is ready, willing and able to confront the political class queen, Hillary Clinton (The Queen, by Hugh Hewitt), on any day, under any condition, in any forum.  She is the only GOP candidate who can fight her majesty in an even contest.  All the men are prejudicially stamped with the scarlet, “Sexist,” label on their foreheads.  After eight years of deliberate dithering, we need a solutions and results oriented leader who can fix, heal, and fight for our One Nation Under God, with liberty and justice for all.

Western Conservative Summit 2015 - Summary

Under the fog of freedom-of-religion destroying Supreme Court decisions, my wife, Mary, and I joined with over four thousand, like-minded-conservatives to prepare for a 2016 general election.  The 2015 Western Conservative Summit (hereinafter referred to as, “Summit”) began Friday night with rousing speeches from Pastor Rafael Cruz (Ted Cruz’s father), Jenny Beth Martin of Tea Party Patriots, and Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum.  Like many of our fellow conservatives, we are deeply concerned about the progressive national deterioration our country pursues and remain uncertain if the nation will hold a 2016 presidential election.

I intend to share my observations from the Summit; however, I want to deviate once beforehand.  The thing, which angers me about the SCOTUS homosexual decision, is the fact that these elites purposefully confuse WE THE PEOPLE by calling marriage a right.  Marriage is not a right.  No one must marry in order to sustain life, keep one’s liberty, or pursue personal happiness.  God given rights apply to all humanity regardless of gender, class, race, creed, or any other discriminator.  Marriage is a privilege.  Privileges by definition apply to some and exclude others.

The SCOTUS decision has lit the fuse of confusion and where there is confusion there is every evil work.  Now it is judicially official, anyone who opposes non-traditional, non-biblical relationships is a bigoted hater and shall be silenced.  Few challenge the illegal ruling because two of the justices held a conflict of interest – conducting homosexual marriage ceremonies.  Federal Law requires them to disqualify themselves from the case.  Using this decision, what if the legally empowered left removes our citizen voting privileges, our freedom of speech and religious expression rights, and our right to due process under the law?  After all, how does one defend your ideas if it is a hate crime to speak an opposing point of view?

Although Ted Cruz did not make an appearance, his father, Pastor Rafael Cruz, gave a strong Christian-conservative message on behalf of his son.  He addressed current events and issues from a Biblical worldview and challenged America’s pastors to stop hiding behind their pulpits and speak out against the God-denying worldview of the left.  He quoted one of my favorite verses, “You shall know them by their fruits,” when examining candidate records.  Later, he commented that, “Both parties are rotten to the core.”  He claimed, if the Republican Party saddles us with a, “Mushy,” candidate, Hillary Clinton will be the next president.  If only our church pastors stood against the left, we Christian conservatives might slow or stop the progressive march to national suicide.

Jenny Beth Martin compared and contrasted the Tea Party’s successes and failures.  She showed how the Tea Party succeeded in placing elected officials in the 2010 and 2014 elections when the established Republican Party could not care less about the Tea Party’s involvement.  However, in the 2012 general election, the mainstream Republican Party openly opposed the Tea Party and real conservative Republicans were left with a “Mushy,” candidate.  Furthermore, the ruling class, including the Republican Party, placed in leadership positions representatives who bow to the dictator-in-chief like Speaker of the House, John Boehner, and Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell.

The evening ended with Rick Santorum’s discussion regarding his candidacy (Rick Santorum).  His strength is his commitment to securing the health of the traditional American family unit – sickened by the SCOTUS homosexual marriage decision.  He articulated well other issues relative to the economy, national defense, and immigration.  Regarding the economy, he is committed to winning, “Blue Collar Conservatives,” votes, which Santorum contends the Republican Party ignores.  Regarding the national defense, he articulated a 3-point strategy to defeat ISIS starting with strengthening our relationship with Israel.  And finally, he stated that he is committed to controlling our borders and enforcing legal immigration.

Saturday saw the arrival of Former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee, Former Hewlett Packard CEO, Carly Fiorina, Former Texas Governor, Rick Perry, Doctor Ben Carson, and Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker.

In my opinion, Mike Huckabee had the best discussion on immigration (Mike Huckabee).  He outlined how he would secure the border in one year.  He used the Alaska-to-Lower 48 States highway, which was built in one year to demonstrate how border construction could be accomplished if made a national priority.  His speech revolved around three major points regarding freedom.  First, we must feed ourselves, fight for ourselves, and fuel ourselves.  The current administration is doing everything it can as fast as it can to make us food importers, make us dependent on other nations for military hardware, refuses to engage hostile enemies, and keep us from developing our energy resources.  In my opinion, Mike Huckabee had the best one-liner jokes and when the fire alarms went off twice during his presentation, he made light of those potentially tense moments handling them with dignity, grace, and humor.

Carly Fiorina had the best speech of all contenders (Carly Fiorina), in my opinion.  I haven’t been excited about a Republican contender since Ronald Reagan.  She is a legitimate Presidential Candidate.  Based on what I heard this weekend, she is the real deal and she has Mary’s vote.  I will write a separate piece on her presentation, the amazing audience response, and our personal meeting with Carly Fiorina.  It will be well worth reading.

Rick Perry acquitted himself well from his missteps during the 2012 primaries (Rick Perry).  He gave the best presentation regarding our national defense.  I thought his best line was, “To our adversaries, if you cross the ‘Red Line,’ there will be hell to pay.”  His ideas regarding economy stimulation, preserving the environment, improving education accountability, and border security are sound, but not too unique from the other contenders.

Saturday night, the Summit shifted into high gear.  Presidential hopefuls Dr. Ben Carson and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker addressed the packed BELLCO Theater.  Probably 5,000 fun-loving conservatives were treated to Michael Murphy’s music as he performed several patriotic American and Christian songs, and his hit tune, “Wildfire.”

Of all the candidates, the one I wanted to hear the most was Dr. Ben Carson (Dr. Ben Carson).  He did not disappoint, and he handled Byron York’s tough questions with intelligent answers and his now well-known grace and civility.  I will write a separate blog article for Dr. Carson’s presentation.  It too, will be worth reading.  To know more about Dr. Carson’s views, I recommend reading his book, “One Nation.”  If you do not have time to read the entire work, please consider Chapter 6, “No Winners in Political Fighting,” where he offers a Biblical application regarding the benefits of unity.

Wisconsin GovernorScott Walker finished the evening with his campaign speech, which like Rick Perry didn’t offer any unique ideas.  His claimed strength is his ability to stand up against rabid liberals and win.  This character strength was tested when a mindless heckler attempted to hijack his speech.  Governor Walker handled the heckler professionally and with dignity.  Personally, I grew up in the mid-west and I appreciate mid-western values.  Governor Walker’s candidacy appeals to my Conservative sensibilities.

The, “No Shows,” included: Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Lindsay Graham, Bobby Jindal, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump.  I understand why Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Lindsay Graham and Donald Trump chose to ignore the Summit.  They could never be called Conservatives.  Marco Rubio’s absence was a surprise.  I think he missed a golden opportunity.  Bobby Jindal addressed the Summit last year.  At least Ted Cruz’s father represented him.  Mary had a long personal discussion with Pastor Rafael Cruz.  Pastor Cruz treated Mary dismissively and interrupted the conversation to chase after one of the elite donors in the crowd.  Unfortunately, she left the conversation with an unfavorable impression of both father and son.

Sunday morning, former NFL star running back, Spencer Tillman preached an inspirational sermon using the word vector as an acronym.  He unpacked, “VECTOR” as follows: Values, Energy, Courage, Talent, Organization, and Resources.  He combined the term with a vision statement, “Sum of focus.”  VECTOR SUM OF FOCUS applies the Biblical maxim, “Without a vision, the people parish.”  He used Nehemiah as the example of a leader with vision.  Spencer Tillman believes that Nehemiah knew that if he didn’t rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, the Messiah could not, would not come.  We need a national leader with God inspired, not ideological obsessive, leadership.

Dr. Ben Carson won the Summit Presidential straw poll (2^nd year in a row), followed by Carly Fiorina, and Scott Walker (WCS15 Straw Poll), which happens to be my picked order.

Mary and I have attended four of the six Western Conservative Summits.  The 2015 Summit was by far the biggest and the best.  Mary even thanked me for dragging her to it.  We look forward to next year’s critically important Summit with great expectations.

God Hears & Answers Prayer

One week ago, I started praying for God to reason with women to reconsider aborting their babies.  I wrote about my decision on my Future and Hope blog in an article titled, “Maybe There Is Hope.”  I used the Online For Life mobile application (OFL APP), which helps me pray for the general needs of a woman who has either: contacted a counseling center in her area, scheduled an appointment for counseling, or kept her counseling appointment.  If after receiving all relevant facts a woman chooses life for her baby, an alert is given to all OFL prayer partners letting us know another baby has been saved.   

Yesterday while praying, I began to weep for those women and their babies.  I don’t know why.  Maybe praying for these souls to be saved touched a nerve.  Grieving, my prayers changed from the abstract to the personal and from the temporal to the eternal.

A few minutes ago, I received a notice.  Baby number 3,062 has been saved.  We cannot prove if our prayers have anything to do with women reconsidering their choice and giving their babies life, but I am committed to pray.  3,062 saved babies compared to the 4,500 abortions performed each day in America seems like a drop in the ocean.  But I know Almighty God hears and answers every prayer offered to save a baby’s life and to comfort the mother so she does not feel lost and alone in a cold, heartless, and wicked world.

Please join me in prayer (and thousands more across the country) to save the lives of many unborn babies.  I recommend downloading the OFL APP and watch the results of your prayers on your smart phone.  We cannot change the law (not yet anyway), but we can beg God to reason with women considering an abortion to think beyond their immediate inconvenience, change their minds, and choose life for their babies.

If you do not know how or what to pray, I offer the one below as a suggestion:

“Father, in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, I ask that Your Holy Spirit will move upon the mother’s heart in (City & State) and convict her of sin, righteousness, and judgment.  If she does not know Jesus, I pray that she will come to believe in her heart and confess with her mouth that Jesus is Lord.  I ask that she would realize that her body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  I pray that you reason with her to think beyond the immediate and look forward to a blessed future.  Comfort her and help her have the courage to change her mind about having an abortion, and to choose life and the blessings it brings.  In the name of Jesus I thank you.  Amen.”

Maybe There Is Hope

At the beginning of this year, God convicted me regarding the abortion issue.  I repented of an apathetic attitude and began doing some research into the issue.  I learned that the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision is filled with faulty logic (42 Years Too Late), and I reacted with anger when I found 98% of all abortions performed in America are for the convenience of the woman (Is It Too Late).  Six months later however, I friend who shares my conviction discovered an online tool (Online For Life) that had caused me to think again.  Maybe it is not too late for America.  Maybe there is hope for the future lives of the unborn.

I checked out the Online For Life web page and read the organization’s mission to save, “babies and rescue women, men, and families from the ravages of abortion.”  When I saw the prayer opportunities, I knew this was an answer to my prayer – here is something I can do.  I can pray with Online For Life.  I downloaded their free app (OFL APP) to my phone.  It shows me real-time prayer needs and the number of babies saved (confirmed and verified) resulting from women who choose life.  A flash notice appears like this: “Someone considering abortion in (City, State) just contacted a Center.”  I offer a simple prayer something like this: “Father, in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, I ask that Your Holy Spirit will move upon this mother’s heart in (City & State) and convict her of sin, righteousness, and judgment that she would think beyond the immediate and look forward to a blessed future.  I pray she changes her mind about having an abortion.  I ask you to grant her comfort, courage, and strength to choose life and the blessings it brings.  In the name of Jesus I thank you.  Amen.”  Then, I address the next prayer concern, and the next, until I am released to go about my day.

For my Facebook friends, who share my conviction for life, check out OFL’s Facebook Page. 

I’m grateful a woman chose life for me, allowed me to be born in the spring of 1952, and put me up for adoption.  I’m glad to be alive and thankful to Almighty God I can add my voice for those who do not yet have one.  For those who join me in prayer for these precious lives, I know God hears our prayers.  Maybe He will withhold His judgment of our nation although we deserve it for murdering over 57 million innocent babies.