thedinner

The Bush Second Term--Predictions!

2004-11-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

With Colin Powell leaving and President Bush calling for Dr. Rice, we will see changes in foreign policy, but what else will happen in Bush's second term. Here are some predictions:

1. The number one issue for Republicans in my survey was the support for continuing the war on terrorism and the war for freedom in Iraq. You can expect that Bush will be working hard to support the fledgling governments in Afghanistan and Iraq. He will work to depend more and more on Iraqi troops.

2. Bush is big on the ownership society and will work to provide Social Security changes to allow some limited privatization. There is little support beyond that, but expect citizens will gradually be given the choice to have a modified thrift plan like government employees which allow them to put more into savings.

3. Health care is a growing problem and the Republicans will have to deal with it. If he really values the ownership society he will move to having citizens own their policy instead of giving that to corporations who are no longer loyal. Expect major medical coverage options with medical savings accounts.

4. He will move to make the tax relief plan permanent and not own up to the fact that in doing so the rich will end up paying more of the income tax after the tax relief plan than before. Fourteen million more Americans now pay no income tax and those with lower income had a higher percentage decrease. The end result his base is paying more of the load.

5. Bush will move for tort reform and limits on pain and suffering judgments. He will win that fight but may have to settle for a higher minimum than desired. There are too many lawyers on both sides of the isle to get all he wants.

6. You can expect more appointments of conservative judges at the Appeals Court level and the Supreme Court. The 55 Senators will minimize the power of the vocal Republican moderates but it will not be easy. Bush will appoint blacks and Hispanics that support a strict interpretation of the Constitution to make approval more likely.

7. Fears of Roe vs. Wade reversals will cause Democrats to initiate state initiative to prepare for that. Bush has said there is little consensus support for making abortion illegal. Expect continued pressure to introduce more limits--parental notification, 24-HR wait, etc.

8. Most of the red states have no desire to legislate the morality of others, but they fear the reverse. When they see a San Francisco mayor and a Massachusetts judge change the definition of marriage while disregarding the will of the people, they are stirred to action. They are not into changing others; they are into holding on to what they value about America. Religious conservatives will want more; but they will not have the power to get it. Expect affirmation of marriage and little progress on gay marriage. Expect states will endorse more civic unions but not label it marriage.

9. Expect reluctance to go into other countries in military interventions. Other countries are more likely to work with the US to avoid such actions. They now have to deal with Bush and will not want to be left out. Bush has paid a price for Iraq; he will be reluctant to do that again.

10. Bush will try to reach out to involve Democrats but the partisan distrust will make progress difficult. Unity means moderate change to Democrats. Unity means caring enough to listen and use what common ground can be found for Bush. The cooperation may be short-lived with both sides blaming the other for not really wanting unity.

11. Bush will be focused but not as extreme as feared. When Democratic executives have total control of congress they had to show restraint or risk big mid-term losses because of going too far. Americans tend to vote gridlock--Give congress to one party and the executive to the other. This is an opportunity and a risk for the Republicans to have both. He will focus on what he says he will focus on....few surprises.

12. Bush does not have to be reelected. He will use the veto in his second administration. As the economy improves, he will say no to some federal spending to avoid deeper deficits.

Give me your predictions or react to mine!

The Red States and the Blue States--Why so different?

2004-11-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

After the election, I've been asked by reporters and interviewers to comment on the political divide in America. As a conservative psychologist from CA with a masters degree in theology and with roots in the Midwest, I have some perspectives worth sharing about the differences between the red and the blue states in America:

In the red states, being actively involved with one's church is not just one of many options; it is the center of the community. The values supported in those faith communities are strong and resist change. There are believers in the blue areas, but church gives way to sports leagues and competing priorities. In urban areas, families are lucky to eat together, much less pray together. As a result, the secular culture impacts them every day from every angle.

Red states have more "corny" people--these Americans actually believe in values like duty, courage, patriotism, faith, and freedom. The blue states see such values as provincial and simplistic. They also have values but their interaction with diversity of faith and race causes them to value tolerance, resist judgments, and to question blind patriotism. Both consider the other America dangerous!

To people in the blue states having young kids work is abuse. In the red states, a three-your-old on the farm is earning their keep by feeding the chickens every day. The blue states describe caring as having government programs. The blue states define caring as coming together as a community to give short-term help but caring enough to encourage self-reliance and keep the government out of their lives.

The blue states fear that the red states want to legislate the morality of others, but it is the blue states that have been pushing their values onto America before it is ready. When they see a San Francisco mayor and a Massachusetts judge change the definition of marriage while disregarding the will of the people they are supposed to represent, they were stirred to action in this election. They are not into controlling what happens in peoples' bedrooms; they are into holding on to the value that have made America what it is.

There are some in both the red and the blue states want the others to leave! Unfortunately, what makes America work is the tension between change and tradition. The trick is to find the truth in the middle of that tension. Every improvement is the result of change. Not every change is an improvement. The past has value but it shouldn't have an automatic veto. The trick is valuing both and to keep talking across our divide.

We have exchange students from foreign countries to build understanding. It might be wise for Americans to have "exchange students" between the red and blue states. My parents shipped us off from the city to work on the farms of Illinois. I saw what work was like; it made me want to go to college!

Most "blues" and "reds" never meet. We talk about them instead of to them. We watch programs that support our perceptions; we go to dinner with people who agree with us. It's time to do a little listening across our differences. We could both learn something from each other.

A Letter to Bush

2004-11-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

Victory is ours! The thought of Kerry leading...or shall I say...polling his way through four years was a nightmare to me. Thank goodness the wait is over and Bush has four more years to move his agenda forward.

I write the President every month. I thought I would share my most recent letter to him. I hope you may be encouraged to write your own:

Good Morning Mr. President!

There is only one word that describes my feeling after the roller coaster events of this election—Relief! Thank God that America is still in good hands—YOUR HANDS! Your vision, your resolve and your leadership have earned the trust of most Americans—enough to win the popular and the electoral votes! Win or lose my wife and I are proud of having worked for months on your re-election. It makes it all worth it—the book I wrote, the website, the e-zines, the precinct walks, the calls and the speaking to Republican and civic groups.

It does not stop now! With so many energized by this election, it is time to keep educating the electorate on what is at stake in moving forward with peace and freedom in the Middle East, with the economic recovery and with the “ownership society” that promises the American Dream for more and more Americans. We commit to continue to work to inform and inspire your faithful and convince many of those Democrats who are really Republicans to join our cause.

I support your call for unity in America. None of us must gloat; we must support you in governing this fine land for a future we can all be proud of. Unity does not mean conceding on principles or policies, but on building consensus where differences are aired and responded to.

The "good guys" of the world are also encouraged. America is not retreating; we are advancing in Liberty’s Century. This was a “Values Victory,” and you have revitalized the values that we treasure and that have been instrumental in making America strong. I look forward to four more years. We are proud of you and all those who worked for your victory.

Thank you for leading us to victory and never, ever, ever giving up!

In Support and Celebration,

Terry L. Paulson, PhD

Hate and Love Waiting

2004-11-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

There is something very painful about now being an observer as we watch the numbers come in. There is nothing one can do. All you know is that nearly half of America is going to be very disappointed. I just hope it will be the Democrats. We wait and wonder...and maybe I will watch a little of the Laker game to give me a stress break...or maybe add to my stress.

Trust Is Key Factor

2004-10-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

In court, you are innocent until proven guilty. As an incumbent, you are reelected unless your opponent has proven more trustworthy. When Americans get in the voting booth and have to punch their choice, trust will be a deciding factor. They may not like all the Bush has done, but they know him. Like Truman, he has character and they know that he is grounded and consistent. Kerry lacks a leadership track record, has been inconsistent, and does not past the trust test. He will be defeated on Tuesday. Few are talking about trust, but it is the central factor in this election with the war on terrorism central.

Osama Bin Laden's tape warning America not to stay the course in the war and its support of Israel cannot help but further Bush's cause. He is truly supplying a very unique October surprise. Let's hope his words are not a signal to unleash another attack. For those Michael Moore fans, Bin Laden's admission that he was responsible for 9/11 ends all the conspiracy that Bush was behind it.

All factors involved--my prediction is that Bush wins on Tuesday with at least 52% of the vote.

Kerry Does Well but Bush Wins on Authenticity, Character and Vision

2004-10-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

It was a good debate, actually better than most expected. There were no self-inflicted wounds in debate style. Only time will tell whether the positions John Kerry took on the debates will come back to haunt him.

Rightfully, I think both candidates agreed that America has had their fill shrill, biting attacks; they are tired of the abrasive politics. There was a graciousness evident. Both could compliment the other and did not take the invitation to attack the other's character.

Jim Lehrer gets good grades for his fair job of asking questions. Even the lights on the podium were a good idea--providing a structure that seemed to keep the debate moving.

On the positive side, Kerry was articulate, clear, stayed more succinct and on time. His debating skills kicked in. He showed strength and consistency on his position, at least as it now stands. His biggest challenge is keeping happy the breadth of positions he must represent in his constituency. The "get out now" gang cannot be overly happy with their candidate! Of course they know, he is just saying what America wants to hear.

President Bush has been criticized for his sluggish and annoyed delivery. But while watching the debates with another couple, we were pleased with his performance. As a psychologist, give me authentic expressions and straight talk over over-rehearsed slick every time. Bush may not have scored the hits people wanted him to win, but he made authentic emotional connections Kerry doesn't even know how to make! His repetition of key messages about Kerry hit home with us--Kerry had no answer for "Wrong war, wrong place, wrong time!" His resolve to see it through for liberty's sake, his focus on a realistic optimism and support for Iraq. His warmth made an emotional connection Kerry never even attempted; his heartfelt story about his discussion with wife of the dead soldier hit home!

One final note, I love TIVO. It allowed us as couples to stop the debate, react, discuss, share our own feelings and opinions. It was a wonderful evening of discussion. The only thing we lost by slowing down the debate was having to watch all the spinning pundits and campaign activists try to shape how we evaluated the debate. Too bad; we had already decided. Kerry did well as a debater and pleased his faithful, but Bush won the candidate prize--more people will vote for him because he has the character, the resolve and the vision we look for to lead us.

A Script Dan Rather Needs to Use!

2004-09-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

There is a reason that Dan Rather is having such a hard time responding to the problems with Document-Gate! He hasn't tried any of his famous Ratherisms to save the day. Here is a script he might want to try:

"Smelling salts please! I'm in a ding-dong, knock-down, get-up fight for my life at CBS. My back is to the wall, my shirt tails on fire and it's getting hotter. This forged documents flap is hotter than a Laredo parking lot, as hot and squalid as a New York elevator in August, hot enough to peel house paint. It's crackling like a hickory fire and even my fingernails are starting to sweat.

Folks, my position is shakier than cafeteria Jell-O. It's cardiac-arrest time!I face the facts! The hate mail about me being sent to CBS are making the executives run like squirrels in a cage. Our ratings drop looks like a hurricane just went through a Florida trailer park.

But you can't really blame me! Like all anchors, I look into the crystal ball to sharpen my political hunch for a great story. Unfortunately, I must admit that after this 60 Minutes program, we're eating so much broken glass that we're in critical condition.

But never forget that to err is human but to really foul up takes an ancient anchor. Now, I did say I was sorry! I admit that it took me a week to see the light. Our sudden drop in our ratings got me standing up like I got stuck with hat pins.

Frankly, I don't know whether to wind the watch or to bark at the moon. But don't hold your breath for a real apology to George Bush; I think you would likelier see a hippopotamus run through this room than see me apologize to George Bush!

Some would say that the odds of me lasting the year are as tight as a too-small bathing suit on a too-long ride home from the beach. It's spandex tight! Ladies and gentlemen, it's as tight as the rusted lug nuts on a '55 Ford.

Then again, some say I ought to retire. I mean, when the going gets weird, anchor men punt! But don't worry about Dan Rather! When it comes to a problem like this, I'm a long distance runner and an all-day hunter. I will be back. No one may be watching, but I will be back!"

Hey, trying this can't be any worse than doing what he has done on his own. He is self-destructing and needs a little guidance. We are here to help!

Charged by a Great Convention

2004-09-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

President Bush ended what has been a great Republican Convention in New York with a clear charge--Stand with me for liberty's sake! Stand with me to finish what we have started! Stand with me to build an ownership society where people are challenged to earn their share of the American Dream! I do stand with President Bush and the Republican party focused on being the best we can be. It is great to be with a leader who has a positive vision for the country and for the world. Instead of focusing on what is wrong with America, the Republican Party is clearly the "Big Tent" party that invites anyone willing to commit to traditional. The media loved to say that the convention was slanted with the moderate face of our party (starting the convention with the party's "moderate stars," Giuliani, John McCain and Arnold Schwarzenegger), but after hearing the stirring and appropriately angry words of Zell Miller and the steadfast conservative voice of Dick Cheney, the President hit a home run pulling the party together around things that every Republican stands for--Security through Strength, Freedom and Opportunity, and the American Dream. Kerry's attempt to upstage the President immediately after the close of the convention was a sign of his desperation. It is the beginning of the end. It is unlikely that anger and hatred over Bush that is limited to a radical few is enough to beat the optimistic vision for a compelling future that Bush brings to this election. The comments of Kerry about George W. Bush do not ring true to the man most Americans have come to know. They may not agree with him on all matters, but they do not see him as a liar. They seem him as a leader with resolve and character--just the kind of man needed to take us to a brighter future by serving FOUR MORE YEARS! If you have not seen my website on my new book The Dinner or have not taken the self-assessment--Are You a Democrat or a Republican? go to my website at http://www.thedinnerbook.com and enjoy! There is also a great article on Tips for Having a Political Conversation that is worth reading.

A "Stunning Double Standard" by the Media

2004-08-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

I'm cruising off Hubbard Glacier in Alaska on our way to Juneau, but the news even gets to the ship. It's troubling enough to make me want to write an entry in my blog. I'd like to get your reaction. Benjamin Ginsberg resigns from the Bush campaign as their national counsel because he also gave legal advice to decorated military veterans running the Swift Boat ads against John Kerry. What is amazing to watch is the unbelievable feeding frenzy by the media over the ads. They are clamoring for President Bush to condemn the ads, implying that what Ginsberg did was in any way unethical. Their comments give new proof to what Ginsberg calls the "stunning double standard" of media coverage. Many lawyers on the Democratic side are representing both the campaign or party and outside groups. Joe Sandler, a lawyer for the DNC and a group running extreme anti-Bush ads, MoveOn.org, said there is nothing wrong with serving in both roles at once. But the media has no stomach for giving Republicans any hint of fair play. When Bush is subject to questions about a few unconfirmed questions regarding his national guard service or absence of such service, the focus is on Bush proving his service. President Bush released his military records and the story gradually disappeared. When hundreds of people who served with or around John Kerry in Vietnam report their problems with John Kerry's service and exaggerations and less than 20 support most of his contentions, the media does not clamor for Kerry to release his medical records. They do not delve into the facts of those claiming discrepancies; instead, they blame Bush for baseless attacks and give Kerry a free ride. The lesson is clear; the media has one agenda for the election in 2004; do everything in its power to defeat George Bush. It truly is a "stunning double standard" that is embarrassing to a media that claims to be fair and unbiased in its coverage.

A Website Is Born!

2004-08-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a hectic month. I now know the work involved in launching a book and helping it get the attention it deserves. Juggling printing, promoting and writing copy and columns is mind-boggling. And if you have ever had your mind boggled, you know exactly how painful that can be! Seriously, it's time to let you visit some of what has been created. Go to www.thedinnerbook.com and look around. Take the self-assessment "Are You a Republican or a Democrat?" You may be surprised by the result. The book is now available on Amazon.com and on The Dinner website. The Dinner should be in the bookstores by September. Look for it. Ask for it. Even better, buy or order a copy. Support my habit of making a political difference in this election. You can start by adding your comments to this blog. I am going to be on talk shows talking about how we need a few more dinner conversations and a lot less name-calling. Do you agree?

Pepperdine's Youth Citizen Seminar

2004-06-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more satisfying than speaking to 250 top youth leaders about the principles of life that will help them succeed and make a difference as future leaders. The older one gets the more satisfying mentoring is; you want to leave a legacy that expands on the wings of new innovation and youthful zeal!

Pepperdine University has been offering the program to one leader from each Southern California high school for years. Between their junior and senior years, they come together on the Malibu campus at no charge to the students to hear top thought speakers and to dialogue with other youth about what it means to their lives.

At nearly sixty, you wonder whether youths can still relate to you. But as a teenager at heart with the enthusiasm and humor to match their own, I told them that I just looked old on the outside. I shared ten Secrets of Life and the stories of how I learned them. We had fun, and we learned together. I look forward to doing it again next year. You can't leave such important lessons to chance or to the media; they have a different agenda--One that I fear tears down more than it lifts up American values and opportunity.

If you have teen leaders, look into the program.

The Dinner Is Born and Delivered!

2004-06-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Father's Day, my newest "baby" is delivered to my doorstep! That's right, my newest book, The Dinner: The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have, is finally here.

It looks great and is already getting rave reviews from those who have seen it. OK, most of those are relatives, but who is counting.

As with any newborn, it takes more time at the start. You have to get the book out to reviewers and media outlets. You have to do interviews and compete with Clinton's book..., or maybe I'll wait a few weeks.

Seriously, I wanted my faithful to know it is now available. I'm off to celebrate my 28th Anniversary with my wise and wonderful wife Lorie. Signing off.

So Many Come to Pay Tribute

2004-06-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Like the end of "The Field of Dreams," the cars snaked their way to the Moorpark College parking lot. The people took their place in line for the long wait to take a bus to the Reagan Library. Because of schedule conflicts with speaking commitments, I could only watch and marvel and cry a few tears.

I was moved by the many who brought their children to share in history and express appreciation to a President who made a difference for us all. May we never forget the price our leaders pay to serve us.

Now, I watch the service in the Capital Rotunda and marvel how Republicans and Democrats alike can honor a President. Whether they support their positions or not, they come together to show reverence for the man. How blessed we are to have such a country! How important it is that we fight and work hard to keep it.

One Last Letter by Ronald Reagan

2004-06-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

When I landed at LAX from my Saturday flight from Denver, I had one question: “Did Smarty Jones win the Triple crown?” No one knew the answer. One of the police officers said what I was not ready to hear—“Ronald Reagan has passed away.” There was no shock, just a stunned, silent appreciation for a man who made a difference for us all. As I snaked my way home up the crowded 405 freeway, my life intersected with Ronald Reagan one last time. As I passed Wilshire Boulevard, his hearse and motorcade were visible from the freeway. Reagan is gone. His loss has made this a sad day, but it has been a sad day for many years. We have missed him. We’ve missed his words, his confidence, his warm and self-depreciating humor and his optimism.

Before he was our Governor and our President, Ronald Reagan auditioned to be a sports announcer. He was asked to create and broadcast a game from his memory. For 15 minutes, he brought to life a fictional football game so vividly that he was hired on the spot. With humility and with respect for the great communicator that Ronald Reagan was, let me end by weaving Ronald Reagan’s own words to say what I think he would say to us today:

My fellow Americans,

Do not be sad; my time has come. As the longest living President, I well exceeded my life expectancy, which I’m sure was a source of annoyance to a lot of people. But you must know that I was blessed to be your President. After all, there were many advantages. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified Top Secret.

As you can see, I’ve missed bringing you my humor and hearing you laugh. But I don’t want to take this time to have you remember and honor me. Instead, I ask you to trust yourself. That is what America is all about. It’s the power of millions of people like you who will determine what will keep America great. Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying your way.

Continue to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that America is in a time when there are no heroes, they just don’t know where to look. They’re the individuals and families whose taxes support the government and those whose voluntary gifts support church, charity, culture, art and education. Their patriotism is deep. Their values sustain our national life.

After all, who would trade America’s future for that of any other country in the world? And who could possibly have so little faith in our American people that they would trade our tomorrow’s for our yesterdays?

Beware the temptation of pride—the temptation of blithely declaring yourselves above it all, ignoring the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of evil empires and thereby removing yourself from the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil.

When our struggle seems hard, remember what Eric Liddell, Scotland’s Olympic champion runner, said in Chariots of Fire. He said, “So where does the power come from to see the race to its end? From within. God made me for a purpose, and I will run for his pleasure. He’ll give us the power we need—power to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith.” May God be with you still as He has been with me.

Just as we honor the men who stormed the beach at Normandy, we must continue to honor and support the men and women who give their all for freedom today. Remember that we don’t pass freedom on to our children in their bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day you will spend your sunset years telling your children and your children’s children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.

Now that I have saddled up one last time and ridden off into the sunset may it be with the knowledge that we’ve done great things together. We kept faith with a promise as old as this land we love and as big as the sky. A brilliant vision of American as a shining city on a hill. Thanks to all of you, and with God’s help, America’s greatest chapter is still to be written, for the best is yet to come.

In closing, let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the greatest honor of allowing me to serve you as your President. The Lord has called me home. I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.

May God bless you as He has so richly blessed me,

Ronald Reagan

The ACLU Continues Its Crusade against Christianity

2004-06-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

The ACLU is using its legal clout to threaten the LA County Board of Supervisors over the removal of a Christian cross from the county seal. They have given the supervisors a week to make their decision or face a lawsuit. In a three-to-two vote, the supervisors have agreed to take the cross out of the seal. It will cost millions for the county to change all of the seals in use. They are trying to approach the ACLU with a compromise trading the cross for a combined image of a Christian Mission and an American Indian image. Thankfully, the public is responding with outrage--letters and calls are coming in to support the traditional seal.

This is not a civil liberty issue. It represents the ACLU's continuing effort to erase Christianity from the history of America. They want to take any reference to faith out of the public square and shove it into the churches where they feel it belongs. The majority of supervisors want to avoid the cost of a lawsuit. By doing agreeing to change the seal, they are giving in to legal blackmail. It costs more than money; they are selling out history, truth and tradition. Write your supervisors. Call their offices. It is not too late to impact your representatives. Legal firms have come forward to volunteer to defend the county; let them know you want them to stand firm for our right to have the seal of our choice.

The ACLU says that the cross offends some. Well, the seal now offends me as well. I am offended by the larger Roman goddess and the cow, an obvious hidden reference to the Hindu god! This cultural campaign against the Christian roots of this country has to be stopped. I hope you agree.

Raising Helen...Raises the Bar on Motherhood

2004-05-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

My wife and I took time to see a new movie release--"Raising Helen." What a refreshing movie that celebrated the challenges of motherhood mixing love and support with tough love and caring enough to set limits and boundaries in a world that has few of them. They even found a way to portray a Lutheran pastor as a warm, even sexy figure, that still valued God and service. I guess it is still possible to do a positive movie in Hollywood. Take it in and give me your reaction. This is a perfect movie for teens and parents to take in together and then talk about the issues addressed. Add your own comments once you do.

Band of Brothers Day

2004-05-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Watching the World War II Memorial tribute today brought me repeatedly to tears as I watched speaker after speaker honor the men and women of "the Greatest Generation." President Bush pointed out that it was a "people's war." We were not as rich economically as a country at that time. Out of a deep depression, we pulled ourselves as a people out of our self-preoccupation and did our duty for freedom. The men and women who died deserved the Memorial. Just as impressive were those who lived and went on to invent the good old days of America. They didn't whine. They didn't brag. They just did their jobs, dreamed their dreams, raised their children and served our country. After watching on TV, I called my dad to thank him for his service. I called every World War II Veteran I knew and thanked them or left a message on their phone.

My heart and mind turns to our young men and women who now fight for us and for freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. At a time that they deserve our undying support, we bicker and complain. Our age seems to want immediate victories, no losses, perfect plans, and someone to blame for any problem encountered. Instead of planting victory gardens and handling years of gas rationing, we complain about the cost of gas to fuel our normal habits and desires. We give up nothing. I pray that there is enough sense of duty and goodness in our age to stay the course for freedom in today's war. Even if you disagree about how and why we got into this war, we are in the war. Our President and our troops deserve our support.

I have a feeling there will be many more tears this Memorial Day Weekend; I will be proud to shed each tear. It's time for Americans today to rise up to do our duty...for our age...and for the future generations yet to come. Don't just go to the movies this weekend; try attending a Memorial Service for the men and women who made it all possible!

Every Blog has a beginning!

2004-05-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Every blog has a beginning! I am excited about the upcoming birth of my newest book, "The Dinner: The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have." At a time when political conversation is getting more and more shrill and extreme, there is nothing like a dinner conversation to calm down the comments and focus the issues. I hope you end up reading the book when available and continue the conversation that it starts right here on this blog. This is one of the most important elections in generations in shaping the future of our country and our world. I know many have strong views about that future. I hope we can invent the future together.