Honor Restored

I wish I could have been at the Restoring Honor rally in Washington D.C. this past weekend. But after nearly two years of "Hope and Change" under Obama, I find myself still without a job.

I have, however, found myself in another sense. What's going on now in this country is what I've hoped for for a long time, but for too long thought would never happen. America is waking up.

Glenn Beck is dismissed, by too many people who should know better, as a weepy crackpot. I admit that I used to think that, myself. Now that I have actually troubled myself to listen to his program, I find hardly any point upon which I don't agree with him. He's a modern-day prophet, and I'm glad more and more people are taking the time to find out what he has to say.

"Progressivism" has shown itself to be nothing but hysteria and lies. Of course the Democrat Party screwed gays again this last election cycle. I know now that they'll do it every time. Republicans and conservatives have come late to accepting us, but slowly and surely, it is beginning to happen at last. And once they come to accept a truth, they do not forget it.

Quite unlike our progressive "friends," who care about nothing but power. They change their minds about what truth is (and even about what "is" is) all the time.

I know many progressive individuals who are fine people. They are very sincere in their convictions, and I still respect them. That makes me even angrier at the Left, which is taking advantage of them and selling them fraudulent goods. They deserve better. So do I -- and so does everyone who ever trusted the progressives and their cause.

My basic values have not changed. Libertarians believe in all the same values most other Americans hold dear: freedom, independence, decency and -- yes -- honor. We differ with other Americans mostly over means, not over the ends we seek.

All too many on the Left have gone too apeshit crazy to understand that. They thought they had their wondrous revolution, only to find out that it has already fallen apart. They couldn't lead this country out of a crapper. They have led us into one, and we'll have to get out of it without them.

When the country has been restored to its former greatness, they will claim the credit for it. They always do. But they and their Dear Leader have been unwilling to accept the blame -- and you can't have one without the other.

Voting for Obama was the biggest mistake this American ever made. It will not be repeated. A whole lot of things are going to be different, for me, from now on.

Hark...the Thunder of Garlic Approaches...

Well, again, later this week, I'm off to the wild North for the Minnesota Garlic Festival. As garlic is, indeed, a flatulent, those roundabout WILL hear the thunder at least afterwards.

This is the fifth annual occurrence of the event. Every year thus far has been terrific fun, with worthy attractions ranging from the educational to the immensely entertaining. I especially enjoy, of course, getting to see my family again. The middle of August has become, for us, a special time.

I have even learned to embrace garlic ice cream. I have always regarded ice cream, in general, as proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. When it was speckled with tiny chunks of garlic, I was not so certain. However, it has grown on me. Bring on the cones -- I'll eat twelve!

I'll also need to consume at least seven ears of squeaky-fresh, garlic-buttered sweet corn. Seven is my record, but perhaps this year I'll exceed it.

When I have returned from my trip (a working trip this time, as I'm researching an essay on the festival for Liberty magazine), I intend to return this Blog to the consideration of more serious subjects.

But for now, bring on the Maalox, and let the festivities begin!

FESTIVAL FACTS:

Date: Saturday, August 14
Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: McLeod County Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, Minnesota

Admission: Adults $5, kids under 12 $3, stroller/carried babies free
NO PETS, PLEASE!

This is an all-weather event. Unlike those of us in Phoenix, Minnesotans are prepared for even the most surprising and bizarre eruptions of nature.

For only $10, you can catch the Garlic Express from the Mill City Farmer's Market.

...And if you can't make it this year, circle the second Saturday of August on your calendar next year!