If You Can Keep It!

Scott Cooper

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

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!

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

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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

 

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.

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 32^nd 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 before.  Where 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 5^th 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!

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A Few of Scott's Past Writings:

August 16, 2011 – The Next Greatest Generation

Memorial Day, 2012 – Don’t Just Remember The Dead, Honor Them By Engaging in the Current War

June 6, 2012 – The 68^th Anniversary of D-Day – My Thoughts

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:
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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 54^th 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.

Why Dustin Curtis:

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

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.

Something I wrote about the NEXT greatest generation in August of 2011.