Why I will Vote Ron Paul 2012

Warning: This post is not the type I usually write. I typically don't take the time to write about things that are hard to explain or put myself out there. Laziness, I guess. So this one is long, possibly boring for some, and goes against the old advice not to talk about religion or politics. But I guess I think that advice is bogus. I just really want to explain why I support the candidate I do and assure you that I am not some radical hippie. Even if no one reads this and it’s just for the record.

I remember driving past homes with Ron Paul 2008 yard signs during the last election. I asked Jonny, “Who is this Ron Paul anyway?”  Jonny answered, “Oh, just some crazy guy.”

And we continued to think that until only about two years ago when Jonny took a sudden interest in liberty and the proper role of government. This led him to conversations with an intelligent, admirable, trusted college friend who spoke of his support for Ron Paul, the so called “Champion of the Constitution,” whose internet following and financial support was completely exploding through grassroots efforts. After doing plenty of research for himself, Jonny came to understand that Congressman Paul (who is also an OB/GYN and has delivered over 4,000 babies in his medical career) is certainly not “just some crazy guy.” Consequently, I have come to learn that as well.

Talk of liberty is contagious. I started reading books, pamphlets, and speeches (President Ezra Taft Benson spoke and wrote a lot on the subject) and watching YouTube videos to learn the principles of liberty for myself. I still don’t know a whole lot, but I know enough to understand the basic problems with our big government that has strayed so far from its divinely inspired foundation. (Follow this link to read the Principles of Liberty as defined by Campaign for Liberty. You can also learn about them from reading Cleon Skousen's The 5,000 Year Leap.)  When I hear Ron Paul speak, I know I am listening to a man who stands firm in his convictions and believes that we can return to our roots, gain back the liberties that have been stolen, and rebuild our great nation.  Seriously, what he says is sincere, inspiring, and just makes so much sense.

The grassroots activists have coined Ron Paul’s campaign and movement a REVOLUTION. And that is truly what we need. Our government has gradually expanded and taken over so much of our lives. And this dependence on the government and welfare state of our country will only get worse. Most of us can recognize the serious danger in Obama’s socialist health care plan and the invasive techniques of the TSA. It’s easy to see how these things are unconstitutional and leading us in a frightening direction.

But if you understand why these examples represent an abuse of power under the principles of liberty, other things clearly make sense too. For example, I have come to understand why ending the Federal Reserve, supporting gun rights, allowing tax credits for other schooling options, ending the income tax, bringing the troops home from fighting unnecessary and unconstitutional wars, getting rid of the Department of Education (and many other big government programs), dramatically decreasing our ridiculously huge national debt, enforcing border security (especially by abolishing the welfare state), and ending the "war on drugs"* support the God-given principles of agency and liberty.

The news networks ignore and downplay Ron Paul's success and popular talk show hosts tell you outright lies about this man who I believe can actually help America change for the better. (Sorry to borrow your slogan, Obama. But you have obviously abandoned it.) Earlier this week I listened to talk radio host Mark Levin call Ron Paul a “crackpot” and a hater of America . (Want to talk to me about why Levin said that? Please do! I back Ron Paul’s foreign policy too.)  Like I said, this is what I used to think too. And then I got to know him and what he's been publicly standing for for 35 years.

I just heard him speak in person in Reno at the Liberty Political Action Conference. He’s not a radical, he’s not crazy, and he’s not unelectable. He is brave, consistent, intelligent, humble and a true patriot and statesman – unlike so many of the politicians in Washington. I know why I am voting for Ron Paul and why I am not voting for the other Republican candidates in the primary elections. His message is unifying and resonates with people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic standing because it is a message of liberty (not anarchy or irresponsibility like uniformed people may tell you).

I could go on and on but I doubt many have even read this far! So I will leave the invitation open to any of you who may be interested in learning more about my presidential pick for 2012. I hardly touched on anything here. Please, just do a little research for yourself. I really want this guy to win. (One thing you'll find common in RP supporters is that we are passionate about his message because it is true and universal.) And he has a serious chance. Despite what the Media tells you, he is a legitimate contender and has enormous support across the country. (Including the most support by the troops than any other Republican candidate.) Below is a link to a short video to get you acquainted with Congressman Ron Paul. I hope you will check it out, and find out what his message is about for yourself. Seriously, just give the guy a chance. And then call me up. I love to talk liberty.

Ron Paul: The Only One We Can Trust video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohKz9OeiI0g&feature=youtu.be

And here are the links to Pres. Benson's Proper Role of Government speech:

 text:  http://www.zionsbest.com/proper_role.html

video:  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-27680185747711503

 

Suddenly I was aware that I was walking right next to Congressman Paul, Chuck Baldwin, Vince Vaughn, John Tate, and Senator Rand Paul (who is right behind me but is too short to see.) The security guard was nice enough to ask if he was out of the way for the picture!

*Yeah, legalizing drugs is a pretty controversial topic. Let me explain a little. Of course I personally do not endorse harmful drug use, and neither does Doctor Paul. But it goes back to the rights of individuals to make their own choices. As long as we are not harming or infringing upon the rights of others, we adults should be free to act as we choose. And yes, some people will make stupid personal choices. But can we force them no to!? (Sounds like Satan's plan in the pre-mortal existence.) Think about it. Do you want the government to tell you what and how much to eat? In some states you can already be arrested for selling raw milk. Sounds ridiculous, right? But I see the drug issue in the same light. People need to have responsibility for themselves and what they do to their bodies. It's up to society to preach and teach the danger of certain behaviors. Government can only use force. We can’t force a people to be healthy and moral. It’s government’s job to protect (but not to protect us from ourselves) and society’s job to teach. Besides, we tried prohibiting alcohol. Remember how much good came out of that?

Triplet Withdrawals

 Our much anticipated Maryland visitors have come and gone. It is pretty quiet and a little lonely around here after having the family of five here for almost two weeks. Gabe still asks for his triplet cousins by name when he wakes up from naps. Julia begs to know when they will come again. In other words, we miss you, Robinsons! We so enjoyed sharing our home with you for those special days.

I can't explain how happy I am to now have fresh memories of the almost-two-year-old Alex, Bennett, and Ruby. (It had been almost a year since I'd seen them last.) It was so fun to see for myself their funny mannerisms that Emily tells me about over the phone. Their personalities are all so unique. I am especially glad that I now know Alex from Bennett. It only takes a day or two of observing/playing with those boys to see how different they are from one another. (And it doesn't hurt that Emily keeps Bennett's hair longer!)

Here's hoping it's not another year before we see our favorite triplets again. Time to break out the web cams so these cousins stay in contact, huh? Maybe Gabe can wake up from his nap today to a computer screen full of his chubby friends.

Swinging at Nana's house

 Uncle KC, or as Gabe calls him, "Bennett's Daddy"

 Happy Alex

Em and me

 5 of the 6 cousins born within one year

Silly Ruby

 

Sweet Bennett

her first bike

 Jonny brought a bike home for Julia. She is in heaven. She has been dreaming about a bike for a while now. Never begging, just talking about and admiring them. I kind of figured we'd get her one for her next birthday, but Jonny knew she needed it now. (It was kind of funny to see her riding around with her neighborhood boyfriends - them on their cool bikes and her on her little red trike. This pink bike with streamers and training wheels is quite the step up!)

Anyway, we found this practically-new little beauty under the KSL Classifieds for a sweet deal. (I certainly didn't want to pay full price for this puny bike that will fit her for only a year of two. There are a ton of great bikes for sale on KSL.) Here is what Julia had to say throughout the evening about her new mode of transportation...

"I really love this new bike.  It has butterflies on it. It's been floating around in my mind today."

I told her she could ride for another five minutes after getting ready for bed. She said, "I think people will see my jammies. Hmm... I know the best jammies to choose. Soup-ney! (Snoopy) They're going to see the Soup-ney jammies and think I'm putting on butterflies!" (Apparently the butterflies are a big deal.)

Her bedtime prayer went like this: "Thank you that I covered my eyes and Daddy got the bike out of his truck..." And so on.

And after we put her to bed, she came out a few minutes later, apparently too excited to sleep. Sometimes she asks us to rest with her in her bed for a minute or two, and she usually comes up with some reason why we should. This night she said, "Can you rest with me...because...thank you so much for that bike."

You are welcome, Julia. Happy trails. 

Girls Camp

I don't often post about my calling as Young Women President on here, even though it is a big part of my life. Over the past almost three years I have really come to love these girls in our neighborhood, not to mention the interesting, inspiring women who serve as leaders with me. Last month I spent a week with the girls at Heber Valley Camp. There I learned a lot more about who they are - and who I am. There's nothing like being in the beautiful outdoors to help me step back and gain perspective. Thanks so much to sisters and neighbors for helping out with the kids while Jonny worked and I was partying in the mountains. I love camping and I love the Young Women, so it really was a great week. (If you can call sleeping on air mattresses in fancy cabins, flushing toilets, and showers camping. It was quite luxurious and convenient. And that campground is amazing. But we leaders all agree that next year these girls will definitely be "roughing it" with tents and port-a-potties. It's good for them!)

I thought about my little Julia going to Girls Camp in only 8 short years. I hope her experiences will be as good as mine were and still are.

 The girls loved the pink capes our ward camp leaders had for them. I felt like we were "Troop Beverly Hills!"

 And here I am matching McCall, a fellow leader, and Rachel, an awesome Beehive.

 I haven't tracked down a group shot of camp yet, but here is one from our Youth Conference hike in June. Beautiful girls. I pray every night they know who they really are.

a perpetual summer...please?

I have always lived in Utah. As a kid I was so appreciative of every season. I could never choose a favorite because they all had so much to offer. As a mom, I wonder why in the world we live in a place that is cold almost half of the year. Now that I don't build snow forts, go sledding, or ski every weekend, what does winter have to offer me besides dangerous driving conditions and having to bundle up my kids every single time we step out the door? Yes, I think I am one of those people who wishes for a two month autumn, a cozy, white December - and then straight on to spring. January 1st! (I do love the fall and spring. I guess it's only winter that is ridiculous.) Okay, maybe I'd miss the snow a little. Actually, no, I think I would be fine. Toddlers cooped up day after day. Winter. Blah. 

I didn't mean for this to be a Utah/winter-bashing post. (Surely Drew will put his seasonal opinions in a comment. Sorry Drew, we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one!) I love Utah, I really do. And I would miss the mountains terribly if we moved. I would miss the excitement and festive moods that the change in seasons bring. I guess I am just dreading the inevitable winter because I am so so so loving these nice summer days. Every single day I am thankful for a fenced in yard that keeps my kids happy and contained. A few days a week our backyard look like this:

  

Neighborhood kids come over and we party in the water. What is better than that?

 

 

 

Here Gabe is saying, "Coooold!"

And this is where the life guard sits, sipping lemonade and reading a magazine. Ha. In my dreams. As soon as I sit down I get right back up to break up fights over water toys or fix the slip-n-slide. Still, better than bundling kids up in layers of clothes so they can play in the snow for a few minutes. Ah, summer. I will enjoy you while you last!

Independence Day Weekend

July 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. It means even more to me this year after Jonny and I have been studying and researching the divine principles of liberty that molded the constitution of this country. Now that we are starting to understand what it really means to be free, we are so passionate about the great beginnings of America.  (If you want to read an incredible talk by Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, check out "The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner." That is Jonny's topic for his talk this Sunday in chuch. Pres. Benson's "Proper Role of Government" is a must-read too.)

Our 4th was great. We went on a bike ride in the morning, played at that awesome new park in Alpine, and ate french toast at Kneader's. After a relaxing afternoon we partied with neighbors then watched the Thanksgiving Point fireworks from the bed of Jonny's little truck. A special thanks to Grandma Myra for sending the glow sticks in the mail. They may have been more exciting than the fireworks!

 

 

Actually though, the partying began with a camp out Friday night. Now this is a big deal because it was Julia and Gabe's first ever camping experience. Jonny and I love to camp but we just hadn't ventured out yet with our excellent-sleepers-as-long-as-they-are-in-their-beds. Well, we were surprised and delighted when we all slept soundly. After playing hard with cousins, Julia and Gabe were out within minutes once we were settled in the tent together. Thanks to my Dad for securing a sweet (yet soggy!) campsite on such a busy holiday weekend. It was so great to be enjoying the fresh air and beautiful mountains with family. (We did have to keep a close eye on all the toddlers, who were keen on running into the road and oncoming campground traffic. Yikes.) I was on such a high after our over-nighter that we may just go again this weekend. Julia would be ecstatic. She can't stop talking about it. And Gabe will gladly welcome another opportunity to play uninhibited in the dirt and mud! Plus, he loved having free reign over the picnic table. Observe:

 

Here are some silly sisters and nieces. Teenage Katy is surely thinking, "This is the dumbest family trip." (Sorry, inside joke for Drew, Emily, and Lili.) 

Here are the cousins in matching shirts we made just for the occasion. Did any other sister happen to get one of all of them smiling!?

Julia and her hero "Lassyn" (Allyson)

Drew and Julia made sure to include those gigantic marshmallows in their s'more makings. Julia was excited about it until she couldn't fit her mouth around the s'more!

TJK (An acronym for "That Jon Kid," as my bro Matt used to refer to the punk I was dating.)

Here Drew and Julia are singing Disney songs. I came away with some great video footage of this.

And because my siblings may want to see and have all the pictures taken at the camp out, here is a slide show.