Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Mark Levin's Forth Coming Book



This book, TheLiberty Amendments, which comes out in a couple weeks will be required reading for all Conservative Americans – and then we must begin the work of building our STATE Legislatures.  Please take 30 Minutes to listen to Mark talk about it:

Virginia - Generation Opportunity – A Way to Reach Young Adults with the Principles That Made America Great!




Abraham Lincoln is reported to have said “The Philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.”

If you have read any school textbooks or spent any time with today’s young adults, especially those who have come out of the public school system – you will recognize that the majority of today’s students are not well versed in the concepts of Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility and Private Charity.  The concepts of The Rule of Law, Equal Justice under the Law, or the Invisible hand of the Free Market are also scarce among their thought processes.

There is an organization called “Generation Opportunity” which is working to diligently with the demographic that will inherit the financial burden my generation and those before us are placing on them.  The first step for these young adults is to take a quick survey:



Please pass this on to every 18 – 29 year old Virginian you know!







Friday, July 26, 2013

Fredericksburg Patriots Election:

Scott Cooper



To my friends in the Fredericksburg Region who have engaged in the local Tea Party Movement – or are simply a conservative who is concerned about the direction our republic is headed and just now feel the need to engage, I want to remind some of you, and let others know about a very important meeting this Sunday in Fredericksburg.

First, let me start by saying, I have very little faith in the Republican Party.  I didn’t get involved in the grassroots conservative movement because of the Democrats.  What pushed me up out of my chair and caused me to run out the door to my first rally was President George W. Bush, when in the fall of 2008 he uttered the words, “I have decided to abandon the free market system, in order to save the free market system.”  Prior to the financial meltdown, during the Bush Administration, while Republicans controlled all three branches of government our Federal Government, they chose not to slow the growth of government – but actually expanded it at an exponential rate.  Think about those two things and let them sink in for a minute or two before you consider what I am asking you to invest your time in this weekend, on what promises to be a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Second, think about one more thing before getting to my real request.  I have even less faith in Washington DC than I do in the Republican Party.  Our focus needs to be local for two main reasons.  First, the return on investment (ROI) of our time and labor is much greater when we focus local and at the state level.  Unless we build a farm team of conservatives all across the country at the local, county and state levels we will never be able to take on the leadership at the top.

I mention these two things because I believe the Tea Party is a key element of restoring the principles that made our country great: Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government, Free Markets and Private Charity.  When you look at the top leadership of the Republican Party – there is no one who clearly articulates these principles.  More importantly, look at their voting patterns.  If there isn’t a solid mechanism in place to hold our republican elected leaders in place, history has shown they won’t lead appropriately – so The Tea Party is still needed, more than ever. 

Now to the main point:

This weekend The Fredericksburg Patriots are having their leadership election, where there are two candidates running for the position of Chairman.  You must be a paid member in order to vote, $ 20 per year for an individual and $ 30 for a couple).  I would strongly encourage you to attend this meeting, hear the plans of both men, vote and get engaged in helping steer this ship we call civil governance.  If you aren’t engaged yet, consider this.

I am friends with both men, and have an appreciation for both of them; however having observed and personally worked with both, I support Michael Hirsh. 

I believe each individual has gifts and talents which should be used for this movement; however at this point in the game, I believe a couple of things are critical for whomever is “leading the charge.” 


  • First, as I stated prior to being in a leadership position with FVP myself, as well as last year when my term was up, rotation of leadership is critical.  It is important that we consistently seek fresh blood and new ideas.  The other candidate has served on the FVP board for over three years.
  • Second, building coalitions with other groups is critical to our long term success.  I have witnessed Michael build coalitions with groups outside the Tea Party successfully not only at the local level, but throughout the state.
  • Finally, as we have seen, our movement has and will continue to come under attack, often not only from the left but often from those we think would be our friends.  Sadly, these conflicts often make it into the public eyesight.  As a result, it is important that those we ask to lead will articulate our ideas clearly and concisely in the public arena.  This position is the face of the entire organization.  I have watched Michael in the civic arena for over two years.  He is a man who is not only concise and articulate on our issues, but as a pastor of Calvary Christian Church and founder of Emmanuel Faith Christian School he has a track record of public speaking, which I believe we need at this point.

If anyone would like to call me to discuss, please feel free to call me at 540-455-9306.  If you leave a message, I promise to get back to you within 24 hours.  Just remember the meeting starts at 2 PM on Sunday!

Don’t forget, you need to be a paid member in order to vote on Sunday.  You can pay your membership online at www.FredVAPats.org or get there early and pay before the meeting on Sunday at 2 PM at Salem Church Library.  You can R.S.V.P. for the meeting by clicking here.



Political Correctness Run Amuck!

Scott Cooper

Just about every time I have the opportunity to speak somewhere, I mention Political Correctness.  I have also written about it on more than one occasion.  In a nutshell, Political Correctness is in opposition to the idea that there are moral absolutes and that truth does exist.  It is the view that all views are equal.  I like to refer to it as The Trojan Horse of the 21st Century.  And just like the Trojan Horse ended up destroying Athens shortly after the warriors of Troy supposedly retreated, we are at risk of political correctness destroying everything we hold dear.

What is happening more frequently every day is not only the idea that all views are equal and that "truth" doesn't exist - but that we aren't even going to discuss certain "truth"s in the battlefield of ideas.

On Wednesday, I posted the following on my Facebook Page, with the attached picture:

I will not submit to Political Correctness. There is a 13 century worldview struggle taking place - and those who want to destroy Liberty want you to submit.

Submission begins with your adherence to Political Correctness.

I will not comply. Will you? Have you already? 

When was the last time you spoke out against Political Correctness?




In the new media world of 140 characters or less (slightly more with Facebook), it is hard to explain what the driving thought behind the “Tweet” or “Update” is about.  I want to elaborate with a real time example that I find absolutely infuriating and scary at the same time!

One of the organizations I work with, High Frontier, which works on National Defense issues prepares a bi-weekly e-newsletter.  In Tuesday’s e-mail this week, my father was discussing the history of Winston Churchill’s “V for victory” sign.  As is High Frontier’s routine, the article was posted on their web-page and also entered into an e-mail.  This Tuesday’s dealt with the history of World War II and the conflict the world had with the Nazi Party in Germany.  High Frontier’s e-mail service is currently (we are in the process of switching) I-Contact.

After I had prepped the e-mail to send, I received the following message:


At this point the I-Contact user has the option to either change the vernacular of the message, or click to certify message, which in essence verifies for the company that your message is accurate, and you want it to be sent that way.  They do a review and then either approve or disapprove your message.  After review of our message, we failed the test.


Thankfully I-Contact’s Customer Service Department opens at 4 AM, because I was up early working! 

When I called, the representative was very pleasant in his demeanor.  He told me that the use of the word Nazi is what was causing the message to be blocked.  I explained to him that I certify the message as historically accurate and that the recipients of our messages have a grasp of history as well and would not be offended by the use of a historically accurate word.  He informed me that it didn’t matter, that the use of such a term was prohibited.  His suggestion was I should use the word German instead of Nazi and the e-mail would then go through.  Please – take a minute to let that sink in. 

Infuriated, but fully aware that my arguing would get me absolutely nowhere, I explained I knew of and would implement a work around.

These were my closing words to the very kind customer service representative.  “Sir, I know you have no control over your policy; however I hope you will convey the following message to those within your company that make such decisions:  I-Contact is banning words that are not only historically accurate, but fit a political party that is active today.  

Furthermore, I encourage the leadership of I-Contact to do a Google search on the Nazi Party in Greece.  Today it is called the Golden Dawn party, but it is the exact same thing.  In 2009 they carried less than 1 % (0.3 % actually) of the popular vote in Greece; however in 2012 they carried 7 %.  That’s over a 700 % increase in three years – for a party that your company won’t allow to be mentioned in written communications.  That policy is seriously flawed and should change.”

The nice gentleman agreed with me, implying he understood and simply apologized.

In closing – there are more of us that understand truth than those who are trying to silence truth.  The challenge and the ironic thing: those who want to silence truth are far more vocal than those who know truth.

Now you know the reasoning behind my post on Facebook this past Wednesday:

I will not submit to Political Correctness. There is a 13 century worldview struggle taking place - and those who want to destroy Liberty want you to submit.

Submission begins with your adherence to Political Correctness.

I will not comply. Will you? Have you already? 

When was the last time you spoke out against Political Correctness?

If you know of other examples of Political Correctness Run Amuck that you would like to see published, and you have not yet started your own blog – feel free to send the stories my way and I will be happy to post for you. 

Blessings,
Scott Cooper

PS – If you haven’t already please read the article written by my father, which couldn’t be sent by I-Contact.  You can read it by clicking here.  You can also subscribe for his updates by clicking here!

If you agree with his analysis and the importance of these issues – I am raising funds to support High Frontier in these very important National Security Issues.  If you would like to learn more about how to help us financially in this very important work, please shoot me an e-mail.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

If You Can Keep It!

Scott Cooper


Today millions of Americans will go out to celebrate July 4th

As is often the case these days when I reflect on the liberty our generation has inherited, liberty which is dissipating in our life time - I have a knot in my stomach.  That knot is especially tight today.  Why?  Because today millions upon millions will go out and celebrate their inheritance, then return tomorrow to their lives where they do absolutely nothing to help retain that liberty to pass on to their children and grand-children.

I think of Benjamin Franklin, when he exited Independence Hall on that day and was asked by a woman, “Dr. Franklin, what type of government have you given us?”  His reply – “A Republic, IF you can keep it.”

Will We Keep It?

Our Government was forged in the ideas of Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility and Private Charity.  We were founded on Independence – thus we celebrate the Declaration of Independence with “Independence Day.” 

So as we celebrate Independence Day today, a valid question of accountability for the government which was formed 13 years after Independence Day by The Constitution, to protect that Independence, should be: Is our government creating an environment which fosters that which we celebrate today, “Independence?”  

I would submit to you, our government has spent over the last half century creating dependency.  With dependency comes control and with greater control comes loss of liberty.  The end result – loss of all that we are celebrating today.  Both parties are to blame for this.  One has created a dependency at the lower level of the society, and one has created dependency through “Crony Capitalism.”  Neither is right – both are against our principles, and both are contributing to the loss of the Liberty we celebrate today.

Will We Keep It?

Two personal experiences come to mind this morning:

1.            Beginning in 2010, I had the privilege of participating in several parades – walking with a conservative who was working hard to get elected.  The parades were always centered on some piece of American History.  I vividly remember one of these parades, as I was shaking hands meeting folks being asked by a group on the sidewalk – “If I vote for your candidate, what are they going to give me?” 

Let that sink in, and the consequences of that rampant mentality that has been bred into our society.  Our citizenry looks to our politicians, not as defenders of Individual Liberty, Limited Government and Free Markets, which has created the largest middle class in human history, but as Santa Clause.

2.            In 2008, while still in banking, I began a relationship with a prominent doctor.  Although still in his early 50’s, he was in the final stages of his “exit strategy” from the work he had invested his life in.  His exit had nothing to do with his love of medicine, or his desire to practice.  It had to do with a government that had made it impossible for him to continue practicing.  This man, in the height of his practice during the 1990’s had 17 doctors and over 10 administrative workers in two offices servicing three hospitals.  When I met him in 2008, due to bureaucracy created by government, he had already implemented phase I, which was to become a one doctor operation with one administrative assistant, his wife.  Based on the trends he saw in Washington, he had cut his schedule to ensure his practice never earned more than $ 250,000 again and his plan was to be out of medicine all together within 5 years. 

This is only one of many, many situations in banking that truly caused me to grieve for our country – and the loss of Independence we are experiencing.

Will We Keep It?

We have a great heritage to keep.  We have an inheritance to defend and protect.  We have an obligation to ensure the liberty which has been bequeathed to us isn’t squandered in our lifetime and a huge debt left to our grandkids who aren’t even born yet to pay.

It is only fitting that today we celebrate our Independence.  We should invest time with friends, family and neighbors.  We should do the cookouts.  We should do the parades.  We should spend money on fireworks and festivities.  It is a grand occasion. 

But the question we should all ask ourselves – as we drive home from the fireworks tonight:  “What am I personally doing to ensure we maintain this inheritance so that I may bequeath the same blessings to my children and grandchildren?

Inaction is indeed action.

There Will Be No Draft for this engagement.

A good place to start is to join Tea Party Patriots, and enter your ZIP CODE to find a group near you and get involved.  They are not focused on creating dependency – but holding BOTH political parties accountable to the principles we celebrate today.

Happy Independence Day!  May we bless God again, so that He may choose to bless us!



Thursday, June 27, 2013

To Defeat Amnesty Bill


Written by:  Kerry Gray

First of all, everything below the line is written by a friend Kerry Gray who is a leader in the Conservative Movement.  While she lives in Virginia, her influence goes beyond Virginia.  I am thankful for her dedication to multiple issues facing our republic, but this post is specifically about the Immigration Reform Bill, which will likely be voted on tomorrow.  Nationwide we need to light up the phone lines in DC to stop this.  In Virginia, many are calling their U.S. Senators, which Kerry mentions is a complete waste of time.  

To follow is what Kerry sent to a team in Virginia – and I hope whether you live in Virginia or not, you will please invest a half an hour of your time to this effort.  Thank you – Scott Cooper

_____________________________________________________________

Dear Friends,

Please consider alerting member lists, friends and family to call the 20 Republican Senators today and demand a no vote on amnesty. Calling our Va Senators, who are unabashedly for Obama and his agenda, is a complete waste of time and a losing strategy. And, yes, calling has been effective at changing some votes, only 15 Republicans voted for cloture of the amendment on Tuesday, down from 20 who had voted to move the bill forward the week before!  It only takes you 30 seconds to make a call. I have been doing a few every day!

I just read an uplifting article on Breitbart here. Check it out! it is pretty clear that the border security, ICE opposition/border patrol leaders and yes, phone calls by constituents are working.

Guess what, they DON'T HAVE THE VOTES. THEY ARE LOSING SUPPORT!  Phone calls are working!!!!

Please, put aside other tasks and call and also send out mass alert.

BTW, per the Breitbart article the Senators that are now NOT voting for it are Wicker, Chiesa, Coats, Chambliss and Portman. Please target the other Senators! WE CAN DO THIS!!!

It takes 1 minute for ONE phone call, 10 minutes for 10 phone calls, multiply that by 1000 people in just northern Virginia!

Tomorrow, Friday, is the final vote. Don't delay. Thank you.

*** ALSO: Call the RNC, tell them that you are walking away from the republican party for GOOD if amnesty goes through. PUT the Fear of you know what in them. They need to know  and HEAR it that you are not supporting a political party that is aiding and abetting Obama and the far left****  RNC’s number: 202-863-8500.

Here are the names and numbers of republicans in the Senate you can call. They all voted to move the bill forward last week!

Susan Collins (Maine) (202) 224-2523
Orrin Hatch (Utah) Tel: (202) 224-5251
Kelly Ayote (NH) (202) 224-2523
Rand Paul (KY) 202-224-4343
Dean Heller (NV) 202-224-6244
Saxby CHambliss (GA) 202-224-3521
Pat Toomey (PA) (202) 224-4254
John Thune (SD) (202) 224-2321
Thad Cochran (MS) 202-224-5054
Roy Blunt (MO) (202) 224-5721
Lamar Alexander (TN) (202) 224-4944
Richard Burr (NC) (202) 224-3154
Roger Wicker (MS) (202) 224-6253

Deb Fischer (NE) (202) 224-6551
Jeff Chiesa  (NJ) ** new senator: call switchboard at:(202) 224-3121
Jerry Moran (KA) (202) 224-6521
John Cornyn (TX) 202-224-2934
Marco Rubio (FL) 202-224-3041
Jeff Flake (AZ) 202-224-4521
John MCCAIN (AZ) (202) 224-2235
Dan Coats (IN) (202) 224-5623
Bob Corker (TN) 202-224-3344
John Hoeven (ND) 202-224-2551
Ron Johnson (WI) 202- 224-5323
Mitch MCConnell (KY) (202) 224-2541
Johnny Isakson (GA) (202) 224-3643
Lyndsey Graham (SC) (202) 224-5972
Thank you,
Kerry Gray


 




Saturday, June 22, 2013

Two Issues / Two Videos

The following two videos highlight areas I am concerned about, and am working on through various organizations and coalitions.  One of the organizations I am working with is High Frontier and the other is The Sharia Awareness Action Network, which is a coalition of individuals and organizations, all investing some or all of their energies on this issue.

The first video highlights ElectroMagnetic Pulse (EMP)




The second video highlights State Legislative Solutions to The Infiltration of The Muslim Brotherhood.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day Should Be About Action, Not Simply Remembrance.

Written by Scott Cooper

The thrust of what I am about to write came to me two years ago, in July 2011, as I stood on the front steps of Robert E. Lee’s home at what is now Arlington National Cemetery.


I was at Arlington with Student Leadership University.  The students were scheduled to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; however a European dignitary was squeezed in ahead of our scheduled time, providing us a little over an hour of extra time.  Myself, and two other individuals chose to invest our time touring Lee’s Family Estate, known as Arlington House.

My thoughts and this message are not centered on the Civil War, the issues or outcome therein, but on the personal sacrifice of Robert E. Lee and his entire family.  While I knew he had been offered by President Abraham Lincoln to lead the Union Army, until I sat on his front porch viewing Washington DC, where he likely sat weighing his options and future sacrifice, I really did not fully understand the sacrifice or the hardship he placed his entire family under when he choose to do what he thought was right.

The home, sat on land that had been in his family for 83 years, and had been constructed 61 years prior.  6 of his 7 children had been born in that home.  What I did not know, is when he was offered leadership of the Union Army, he was in his 32nd year of Federal Government Service.  When he made the decision to stand with his home state, Virginia, he not only sacrificed his career and whatever pension he may have been due, he and his family vacated the mansion, as he knew the Federal Government would confiscate it, which is exactly what it did within a week of his departure.

This got me thinking about a subject I have written about beforeWhere are the leaders within the bureaucracy, who see what is taking place within our Federal Government and should be willing to stand up to stop it?

Selling Out Our Country, One Stapler At A Time:


Let me start by telling you my story about my stapler.  This stapler has sat on my desk for 33 years, since I was in the 5th grade.  What is interesting is how I acquired this stapler. 

During the fifth grade, I lived across the street from a Type A Government Worker.  (Yes, they do exist, and I greatly appreciate them).  Occasionally, when she would go into the office on Saturday, she would take me with her.  One Saturday morning in September 1980, we went to spend a few hours at her office in DC.  In the hallways there were piles and piles of office supplies.  I was told by my neighbor, that if there was anything I needed for school or to work on projects at home, I could take it.  Shocked, I didn’t believe her!  “I can’t do that – these items must be needed by folks that work here,” I said. 

No, I was told.  This was all going into the trash, to make room for a huge shipment of office supplies scheduled to arrive any day now.

As an 11 year old, I inquired, “Why are they ordering more office supplies, when they have to throw good stuff out to make room for new stuff?”  Seemed like an honest question to me!  I had been taught to “waste not, want not,” and to make everything last as long as possible. 

The explanation was-  “Due to the budget process, we need to spend this years money before the end of the fiscal year, in order to ensure we are budgeted the same amount of money next year; therefore an order for a boatload of new office supplies was made.  You see, if the money isn’t spent, we won’t get it again next year.”

“But it obviously isn’t needed, as can be witnessed by the amount of items that are being thrown away,” was my frustrated, aggravated response.  “Scott, that’s just the way it works.  I agree with you, it is wasteful, but that is the way it works.” I was told,

My hatred for Federal waste began at this early age.  I still have that stapler 33 years later, and my anger grows more every year.  I often use it as an example in conversations, or when I am speaking somewhere, stating “We are enslaving our children and grandchildren with useless debt, one stapler at a time!  I literally still use that stapler, and wonder how many have been thrown away in the last 33 years!  They don’t even make solid, metal staplers like this one any longer!

Got to get another fuel order in before the end of the fiscal year!


One night I told my stapler story to a group of men, and we began to share government waste stories.  “Oh that’s nothing," one man said.  "When I used to be stationed at Oceana Naval Air Station, at the end of the fiscal year, we would be ordered to take our jets over the Atlantic Ocean to dump fuel, to make room for another fuel order.”  This absolutely infuriated me. 

A couple months later I was at a convention where I relayed that Oceana Naval Air Station story to another guy, and he said – “Oh, I was stationed at Oceana in 1974.  We were ordered to do it back then too!"

Conclusion:

I understand Self-Interest or Self-Preservation is a powerful motivator. 

I also understand that the pressure placed on potential whistleblowers is relentless and sometimes life threatening. 

Recently I had a conversation with a government insider who in tears said, “Scott, you simply do not understand the risks involved when trying to put a stop to any government corruption.”

I also understand what Edmund Burke is attributed to having said, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing.”

Well – this waste is just that, evil.  And for decades we have allowed it to take place.  We have done very little to stop it – and our kids and grand kids will be forced to pay a horrible price, even if we did put a stop to it today.

Perhaps it can’t be reined in.  Perhaps we are destined to collapse fiscally, and enslave our kids and grand kids, because for decades we have permitted this to continue.  Ultimately, those within the system – who saw it first hand, promoted, encouraged or allowed it to happen, will be to blame. 

I mentioned Edmund Burke.  I also absolutely love the quote from Billy Graham, “When a bold man (or woman) takes a stand, he strengthens the spines of others.”

It is my hope and prayer that enough Individuals within the system will say enough is enough and begin to take bold and courageous steps.  Individuals who will no longer be willing to play a role in selling future generations of Americans into bondage.  Men and women of strong courage and character - like those we honored on Memorial Day, who paid the ultimate sacrifice!  Like Robert E. Lee, who after weighing his options, chose to do what he thought was right, and left the results up to God.

The whistleblowers in the current IRS, Benghazi and AP scandals give us renewed hope! 

I am confident there are many more out there – who are praying through such decisions. 

Consider spending some time, even tonight, in prayer for those individuals. 

The Liberty all of us have enjoyed is indeed at stake – at it is going to take many Patriots within the system, to turn the tide!
______________________________________________

A Few of Scott's Past Writings:




Thursday, May 23, 2013

American Betrayal - A Book and Interview with Diana West!


Written by Scott Cooper

Diana West has a new book, American Betrayal, which I recommend all American’s who are concerned about our National Security and Constitutionally Limited Government take the time to read.  Ms. West draws correlations between the infiltrations of Communists (Joe McCarthy Era) into our government starting in the 1930’s to the infiltration of The Muslim Brotherhood into our government today. 

The level of historical fact in Ms. West’s book, combined with the belief that; “power corrupts.  Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” as the explanation of why government often no longer functions in truth, but functions in the effort to retain power, and forcing any and all efforts expose problems within the system are squelched – often at the peril of true patriots seeking truth.  This really is a non-partisan issue, or at least it should be.

Tom Trento of United West did an exceptional interview with Ms. West on Monday.  The interview actually begins at about minute 10.  Please make sure you listen to the conclusion, starting about minute 44:30. 



Here is another interview that Diana did with The Daily Caller:
_________________________________________

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Why I am supporting Dustin Curtis for Virginia House of Delegates – District 54

Written by:  Scott Cooper
   
We are at a point in our history where our priorities need to be analyzed and re-set. 
       
Over the last two decades we have seen the expansion of government at every level.  In Virginia, over the last twelve years, we have seen state and local revenue increase 8 out of 11 years, including the last two years.  During the same time period, Virginia dependency on the Federal Government has also grown.  According to Clifton, Larson and Allen, in most categories, Virginia ranks in the top five states most financially dependent on the Federal Government, which as we know is sustaining itself through the printing of money and borrowing 40 cents of every dollar it spends.  If you want enlightening reading, peruse the Clifton, Larson and Allen report, especially pages 12 - 16!

This past legislative session, while facing pending sequestration cuts from the Federal Government, and in the midst of one of the worst recessions since the great depression, our Republican House of Delegates and Senate passed the largest tax increase in Virginia history.  It is expected Republican Governor Bob McDonnell will sign that tax increase. 

Delegate Bobby Orrock, who has served Spotsylvania and the 54th House district for 23 years voted for that tax increase.  My understanding is Republican Speaker William Howell of Stafford, who has served for 25 years, in an effort to get the tax increase passed, pledged his war-chest to protect any Republican who would support the tax increase.  That is speculation – all we can do is watch his expenditures toward contested republican races during the upcoming campaign season to see if it is valid.

I firmly believe it is time for new representation at the Virginia House of Delegates.  I believe that very few individuals who have served in elected office for over 2 decades, unless they have a strong track record of speaking against and preventing the expansion of government – which has led to our current financial predicament, need to remain in office.  This is not personal.  I personally like both of the Delegates I mentioned above, both of whom are in their third decade of holding the public trust.  I simply believe they are too close to the expansion that has taken place to adequately address the problems we face.


I have known and observed Dustin Curtis for over two years now.  Here are a few things I can tell you about Dustin:

·       Dustin is an articulate and passionate individual who has thoroughly studied the issues. 

·       Dustin not only talks about the problems we face, he has thoughtfully researched and can articulate solutions.

·       Dustin understands what it takes to win – he is a graduate of The Leadership Institute and has worked with We R Virginia and on multiple campaigns.

·       Dustin has served in leadership roles as Chairman of The Fredericksburg, VA Patriots, and with We R Virginia and Campaign for Liberty.  In leadership, especially in civic organizations, there are always difficult situations.  I have witnessed Dustin handle difficult people and situations with tact, grace and decisiveness.

·       Dustin has surrounded himself with fantastic mentors.  In my opinion, this is an important thing for anyone in leadership – especially in elected office.

·       Dustin comes from the generation that will pay the heaviest burden for our collective financial irresponsibility.  There will be some who say his youth is a detractor from his candidacy.  I view it as very positive.  We need individuals of Dustin’s caliber, in his demographic, who understand the severity of the financial situation we are in, who are willing to take the bull by the horns to fix our problems.  Dustin is such an individual.

Please take a few minutes to review Dustin’s web-site.  If you agree with me, that we need Republican leadership in Richmond who are willing to draw a line in the sand, and re-prioritize our spending – who will say enough is enough on the tax increases – don’t just vote for Dustin in the primary this summer – please support him with your financial contribution. 

Bobby Orrock currently has $ 170,000 in his campaign account, and Speaker Howell has pledged to protect the Republicans who voted for the largest tax increase in Virginia History with his war chest, which currently sits at half a million dollars. 

If we really want new elected leadership in Richmond, each of us need to contribute, and we can make that a reality.  Please consider $ 25, $ 50, $ 100, $ 250 or whatever you can to this very important race. 

 

Thank you,

 

Scott Cooper

Saturday, March 23, 2013

There Will Be No Draft

Written by: Scott Cooper
                           
The difference between our grandparents generation – The Greatest Generation who fought off tyranny abroad and OUR generation which must fight off tyranny ON OUR SHORES is our grandparents had the draft and our country was led by individuals, who while progressive, were unwilling to see evil triumph.

Our generation will not face a draft.  We will not be REQUIRED to serve.  We must individually recognize that evil is triumphing within our borders, and WE MUST INDIVIDUALLY decide, will we stand up and do something, or will we remain silent? 

Is our heritage, our values and our way of life so important that we will decide OURSELVES to do everything we can to prevent its demise.  Or are we so complacent, so in love with our things, our personal time, our vacations, our sports “brackets”, and watching “Desperate Housewives” and reality T.V. that we will not invest the time required to turn the evil tide in our society.

“Silence in the face of evil is evil.  God will not hold us blameless.  Not to speak is to speak.  Not to act is to act.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer  

The good news is: history shows it only takes 20 % of society to chart a new course.  The radicals which control our academia, our media and our government at all levels are a far smaller minority.  It only takes 20 % - “an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men” who will turn the tide of history. 

Where will we as individuals sit, with the 5 – 10 % of the population who are radical leftists, will we help grow the freedom lovers who will invest their time and resources for the cause of liberty to 20 %, or will we stay with the 70 – 75 % who remain silent?

There will be no draft.  The choice is yours.  Kind of like God’s Grace – he provides us a choice – and does not mandate the Liberty of His Grace.  Also, kind of like God’s Grace – there will be consequences for our action or inaction.