MinuteMom May 2012• Volume 1 Issue 9
Women of Principle Emergency Lighting Self-Control/ Temperance Stewards of Liberty
YYPresident’s Letter
Dear Moms and Moms-at-Heart, It is May. Only one month left until school is out for summer and if things were not busy enough, politically things are moving so fast it is hard to keep up. (Hurray for AAM NewsCap!) If your head is spinning you are not alone. I am thankful for all those at AsAMom.org who help me keep mine on. May 3rd is the National Day of Prayer. If ever our country needed a day of prayer it is now. I think that having a week or even a month of prayer might be in order. I hope each of us takes the time not only to pray on the National Day of Prayer but also daily for our country and our military and to thank God for all the many blessings that have been bestowed. I would also like to take this time to wish each of you a Happy Mother’s Day (I extend this to our Moms-atHeart as well). I hope you have a wonderful day and that the kitchen gets cleaned up after that surprise breakfast is made. Take a moment to remember your mother and her mother. Much has been said this past month to belittle the job of motherhood, and whether you have another job beyond being a mother or not, the most important work that you do is the one that only pays in dividends of the heart. We are raising tomorrow’s patriots. Have a wonderful month and enjoy reading.
Photo Provided
Lori Parker Co-Founder and President As a Mom… A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots® Inc.
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MinuteMom Magazine May 2012• Volume 1 Issue 9
6 Features 6 Stewards of Liberty
What amazes me even today is that these brave souls have sacrificed in every way imaginable. By Kami Watkins
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8 what if MacGyver had a CellPhone? What skills have we forgotten in our lifetime?
By Lori parker, President As a Mom...A sisterhood
12 The US Constitution: A PrimerPart One 12
Many of the items we all rightfully get angry about are directly caused BY perversions of the Constitution. By Catherine G. White
16 PREPAREDNESS: Let There Be Light!!! story synopsis.
By Auntie Anne
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24 Women of Principle, of Courage, and of Great Resolve
The founding women of our nation carried themselves with dignity and strength; believing with their hearts and souls the value of Liberty was worthy of their families’ sacrifice. By KrisAnne Hall
As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
May 2012
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Departments President’s Letter
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10 Values The George Washington Challenge
28 Restoring Humor 30 Remember The Last Monday in May
32 Country Remaining Vigilant
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Political View GOP Women Discuss So-Called ‘War on Women’, Political Jockeying For Female Vote
36 In Your State State News from AAM Groups Where is Molly nOW?
42 As a Family Temperance /Self-Control
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Poem The Road Map
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Publisher: As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots.® Inc. www.AsAMom.org Editor Diana Learn Coordinator Kami Watkins Contributing Writers: Auntie Anne Madison Calhoun Gisela Dieter KrisAnne Hall Peggy Staggs Lori Parker Michael Sandoval Kami Watkins Catherine G. White MinuteMom Magazine is published 12 times a year by As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots, Inc. MinuteMom Magazine is available free, on-line. Copyright © 2012 by As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots, Inc. All rights reserved. MinuteMom Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising or editorial material. Advertisers, and/or their agents, assume the responsibility for any claims against the publisher based on the advertisement. Editorial contributors assume responsibility for any claims against the publisher based on published work. Signed articles do not necessarily reflect the official organization policy. As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots® is a registered trademark. Cover photo © Jeancliclac |Stock Free Images Please send all article submissions to: editor@minutemom.org Advertising inquiries contact: sponsor@asamom.org Note that submissions are welcome but are not guaranteed inclusion in the magazine.
Are you a Graphic Artist using Quark or InDesign? Volunteer to be part of our Team. For more information contact editor@minutemom.org.
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Stewards of Liberty
What amazes me even today is that these brave souls have sacrificed in every way imaginable. By Kami Watkins
by Kami Watkins Minutemom magazine Coordinator
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Last year at this time I was anticipating the departure of my son into the United States Army. To say the least, I was anxious, excited and very proud of my son for his choice to serve in the American Armed Forces. My son is now settled with his unit preparing for deployment some time later this year. While we are at the beginning stages of military life, there are those that have long since walked the path we are on. Many who now weather the storms of life without their soldier, beginning a path filled with memories, pride and longing. www.AsAMom.org
Photo morgue file/Illustration L. Parker
Stewards of Liberty
For these families, Memorial Day is marked by remembrances, and tributes to honor their fallen soldiers. These brave men and women have given all in the name of sacrifice... sacrifice for freedom and liberty. Following duty’s call, they answer. They leave behind a legacy of service unparalleled in today’s society. That service is spent on behalf of other’s; for we know that soldier’s who have tasted freedom, choose to liberate the captive by putting their own lives in jeopardy. It’s in their blood to serve and they pay the price for the knowledge that freedom can and does exist. What amazes me even today is that these brave souls have sacrificed in every way imaginable. They have left family and home indefinitely; they have endured visions of war that we cannot comprehend, and they have suffered the memories of war that place a continual burden on the mind and heart. They have given their lives in fulfilling their duty to serve. But what is our duty to them? What responsibility should we, as freedom loving citizens, take upon us in their behalf? President Reagan said: “I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them. Yet we must try to honor them—not for their sakes alone, but for our own. And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice. Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we—in a less final, less heroic way—be willing to give of ourselves.” Freedom, “It has a cost; it imposes a burden,” (Reagan). The cost…is life, the burden…the responsibility to see that freedom prevails. The “debt,” we owe these soldiers is to honor freedom. That is our duty! These brave soldiers have done their part and we must strive to do ours. We must support our soldiers, these Stewards of Liberty and rise up. It is not enough to say we support them, we must show it in our actions, through our efforts. As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
We must take action where we see oppression taking hold, and pull it out by the roots. We must instill in our communities the importance of freedom and teach our children the life saving truths in our Constitution and Founding Documents. We must be a freedom loving people in order to preserve that freedom. We must honor those that make the sacrifice to serve. They sacrifice their own comforts, their own dreams and lives, in order to bring freedom to all. Be grateful! Show your gratitude by going out of your way to serve those that have served. We can take time out of our day to thank those families who have lost service men and women. We can thank those that now serve as well as their families and show our gratitude by giving aid and support to them as they weather the storm of a military life. We can visit our cemeteries and leave flowers and a note simply praising their sacrifice and their love of country. We can pray for them and their families to receive an outpouring of blessings from heaven. We can be the tools in God’s hands to love those that have lost. We can be the healing balm to the wounded heart and soul. This is not only a time to honor our fallen soldiers, it is a time to honor their families, through kind words and actions. Let us renew our efforts as President Reagan suggested in 1983, “As a tribute to their sacrifice, let us renew our resolve to remain strong enough to deter aggression, wise enough to preserve and protect our freedom, and thoughtful enough to promote lasting peace throughout the world.” May we honor our fallen soldiers, by fulfilling our duty as American citizens to recall them in hopeful memory, and by following their example to protect freedom, for freedom is the essence for which they fought. There is no greater gift than that of freedom and those that sacrifice in its name. A special Thank you to all those families who serve in the United States Military, your sacrifice is recognized and appreciated as you try to continue your lives while separated from those you love. We want you to know that your soldier’s are not forgotten. May God bless you for your sacrifice.
Kami Watkins is a stay-at-home mother of six children, one of which just joined the Army...”Hooah!”. She has been a community and school volunteer for the past 15 years and resides with her husband and family in Southern California. “Writing is my love!” Kami’s motto for life is: Be of Good Cheer! January 2012
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what if MacGyver had a CellPhone?
What skills have we forgotten in our lifetime?
By Lori parker, President As a Mom...A sisterhood
what if
MacGyver
Photo morgue file/Illustration L. Parker
Had a cellphone?
By Lori PARKER As a Mom... pRESIDENT & cO-fOUNDER 8
MinuteMom Magazine
www.AsAMom.org
“Hey, Pete I have a problem, can you call a HAZMAT team to the old building on the dock? Yes, I forgot these new bulbs don’t have a filament in them anymore. Can you hang on? I need to Google™ to find out why my laundry detergent bomb isn’t working. What do you mean it doesn’t have those chemicals in it anymore?!?!? I thought Penny Parker was just complaining when she said her washing machine no longer cleaned her clothes.” Thanks to a round a strep going through my house, my family had the opportunity to host a three-day MacGyver marathon courtesy of Netflix. After about the fifteenth back-to-back episode with my ten-year-old, and after reliving my college-age crush, I started to really ponder the implications of the show. One of the recurring thoughts was “why doesn’t he use his phone?” (I had a fever at the time.) However, now a few weeks later, that thought has re-entered my mind. What if MacGyver was filmed today? Ok first, MacGyver would have a cell phone. Most likely several, as each episode parts would be scavenged to stop some evil computer or smashed by the villain before locking Mac in a room which would amazingly have an old light bulb still in use allowing Mac to escape using the filament to pick the lock (Mythbusters claims this feat takes 45 minutes.) Would he have even learned all the cool stuff from his high school science teacher and his Boy Scout troop that he claimed? I was in college during most of the MacGyver run (yes I did have a crush on Richard Dean Anderson), and had a fairly good memory of my high school science classes and realized even then he must have had some extraordinary teacher. However the last 25 years have changed what schools can and do teach. Environmental regulations have changed the availability of some common household chemicals. Even the best teacher might not have been able to instill the type of knowledge MacGyver learned. But more importantly, today very few of us learn to work with our hands or really think outside of the box. My children don’t know the pain of doing a research paper that really requires going and looking at books in a library, because like me if they want to know a subject they just look it up on the web in about five minutes. Who needs a compass when your phone has GPS? Ready entertainment in the form of multiple electronic devices requires constant vigilance by parents to As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
remind their children that books do, in fact, exist. We have often discussed on AsAMom. org, the need to learn what our grandparents knew. But, what about remembering what we have forgotten in just our lifetimes? What will our children never learn that we take for granted? I have thought of several things ranging from nursery rhymes to basic mechanics. Both of my grandfathers and my father could have out-rigged MacGyver in reality anytime, I watched them just enough to be dangerous with a screwdriver and some duct tape and can do little day to day fixes. My children have never seen a go cart built from a lawn mower, a car hose fixed with toothpaste and have not witnessed a typewriter desk designed with toilet bolts to make it easy to take apart to move in college dorms. Nor do I think they realize that such things can be done outside of TV. I just don’t have the skills or the tools to do these things. In my defense some of the basic components have changed too. Cars are now computerized and even basic appliances, when a plastic gear breaks it just can’t be filed down and fixed. When the DVD player breaks – you just buy a new one. Modern conveniences and the “throw away” culture have changed everything in our lifetimes. Take stock of what you know or knew. Did you pass these things on to your children? If not, take a Saturday, turn off the Wii and head out to the garage take a look around. Just don’t forget the duct tape and do not lock the door, the light bulb won’t help you get out. If MacGyver had a cell phone it would have been a very smart phone and yup, he would have designed an app for that. Lori Parker is the President and Cofounder of As a Mon... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots. A mother of four, she has a passion for saving this country for her children. She firmly believes that every one can make something happen for the better if they just begin. January 2012
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The George Washington Challenge- Self-Control/ Temperance
YYValues
Title
Self-Control/Temperance The George Washington Challenge
Temperance is one principle that keeps other values balanced. It is dependent upon knowledge and virtue, exercised through patience. It reminds us to keep ourselves in check, to resist impulse, and to evaluate where we are on the path of life. With temperance, we maintain self-control, using boundaries that prevent us from getting caught up in the hazards of life and seek the simple. When selfcontrol is absent, sexual promiscuity, greed, and anger set in, along with a focus on self. We have enough of the scintillating and superficial; we need to find strength in the simple. The phrase that often accompanies temperance is, “control over excess.” This control is evident in the lives of those that use self-control as a compass to direct their thoughts, decisions and actions. And because its evidence is seen through practices like abstinence, chastity, and humility, we can see why it is of moral value. If we want to witness the outcome of a society without self-control, just turn on any form of media you like and you will witness the lack of a temperate society. Our media outlets use absolutely no self-control to decide what programs they promote. They know that in a world that seeks to appease the physical self and its appetites, they have the perfect conditions to pervert a large segment of society. Lack of moral conviction and people always wanting more, creates a society ripe for destruction, morally and otherwise. 10 MinuteMom Magazine
I think it’s interesting that when any group of people are prone to focus on trivial and base appetites, they are also distracted from truly important things like, family, God, and anything that promotes lasting happiness. While they are busy focusing on worldly dis-
exercise temperance on a daily basis. From the conversations we have with friends and family, to the decisions we make about what to devote our time to, using self-control will protect ourselves and our families from the extremes that our society perceives as normal. If we
tractions, they are being prepared for a swift and steady moral erosion, the means of which will prevent simple truths from penetrating their hearts. These simple truths help us to set wise boundaries to conduct our lives. We live in a world that needs boundaries. We need to exercise temperance in all things, not in just some things, all things! The Second Epistle of Peter we read, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; …And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.” (King James Version vs. 5-6). This value, like other values, takes time. And like all things that take time, it requires, ‘patience,’ on the part of the person trying to acquire it. Our lives can be more fulfilled if we
cleave to a more temperate nature, we will have the ability to take the time to stand back from our problems and reassess them, allowing us to approach life’s situations with clarity and a wise plan of action. Each of us can start a, ‘plan of action,’ by heeding the following suggestions: Stop Re-Acting: If life seems to be spiraling out of control, slow down and re-evaluate where you are headed. Nothing good ever comes from hasty choices or re-actions, including reactions to what is happening in our country at present. It’s often when we are bombarded and overwhelmed by the responsibilities and stressors of life that we set ourselves on overdrive, forgetting the valuable need to coast in neutral, or stop altogether. We may say or do things that set the tone for
While they are busy focusing on worldly distractions, they are being prepared for a swift and steady moral erosion, the means of which, will prevent simple truths from penetrating their hearts.
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Host your own: unhealthy interactions, thereby affecting our family or work relationships, if we continue to re-act to situations seemingly out of our control. Taking, ‘time,’ to breathe, assess the situation and re-evaluate and re-direct ourselves is a more balanced approach to dealing with the stresses of life. When you’ve exhausted your own efforts and done all you can do, turn it over to God and he will handle it. It isn’t necessary that we kill ourselves with worry 24/7. It is necessary that we heed our hearts and watch over and care for our families, do what we can for good causes and leave the rest for the Lord. Using this approach will calm our hearts and lift our homes… and allow us to take a breath. Moderation: Any type of knowledge or thing can be taken to excess. In fact, we can devote far too much time to any one thing to where it governs everything we do. It’s one thing to be concerned for the state of the country, it’s something else to use that concern to catapult you into radical modes of conduct. Anything (thoughts, actions, habits, etc…) that requires you to devote excessive amounts of time and energy, encourages radical modes of conduct or takes away from the more important things of life, needs to be re-evaluated. Remember our goal is a balanced life, so use the mantra, “moderation in everything.” Discipline: Setting boundaries for ourselves to mediate excessiveness in any one thing will help us to devote our time to more important areas. Leaving work by 5pm, means that I’m done; I don’t let it interfere with family life. So, discipline your commitments! On another note, we can make extra efforts to combat and control our thoughts of negativity or negative subject- matter by replacing any negative thought with positive ones. This takes practice, but it will change your outlook as well as how others view you. Our society is filled with pessimism and by contrast we need to discipline our thoughts to those of a happy and uplifting nature. Discipline is the framework for all success. Prudence: Using caution and good judgment in our choices will prevent a few catastrophes. While we cannot plan for every possible outcome, we can prepare by using discretion in our choices. By taking the time to use careful foresight, we can develop the ability to plan ahead, thereby avoiding some unnecessary pitfalls. Simplicity: Focusing on the important facets of life and keeping things simple will assist the person seeking a temperate life to attain it. Steering clear of what creates static in our lives (drama, out-of-control appetites or passions), will remind us of where our greatest blessings are received, in the family, with God and in affairs that create true and lasting happiness. —Kami Watkins * -George Washington Challenge http://www.beinggeorgewashington.com © 2012, Mercury Ink.
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The US Constitution: A Primer- Part One Many of the items we all rightfully get angry about are directly caused BY perversions of the Constitution. By Catherine G. White
The US Constitution: A Primer Part One
President Lincoln once said, “We, the People, are the rightful masters of Congress and the Courts. NOT to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution” Many of the items we all rightfully get angry about are directly caused BY perversions of the Constitution. Yet, you cannot know if the Constitution has been perverted if you have not read and studied it. Let us begin with words that, when first written, were both treason and heresy: WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and Property. That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right and the Duty of the People to alter or to abolish it. ...And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually 12 MinuteMom Magazine
pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Why was this treason and heresy? Under English, monarchic law, only the King had “rights” – and he granted privileges to his inferiors – and rescinded those whenever he wished. Stating that a farmhand had rights was treason under English law – and heresy under the Church of England, since the King was also head of the Church. The 56 men who signed that document were risking death by hanging – and leaving their families in penury from writs of attainder, if we failed to win independence. (Some might cite the Magna Carta, saying this affirmed English “rights” – but only partially. Only Lords were assigned rights by the Magna Carta, and these were considered neither absolute nor unalienable.) The declaration refers to “Unalienable Rights” – what does THAT mean? The definition of unalienable: “unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor,” inherent, cannot be “liened” (as in mortgage or tax lien). www.AsAMom.org
Photo WIKIMEDIA
by Catherine G. White
Right: A right is something you can do without asking for permission. It is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as “a power, faculty, or demand, inherent in one person and incident upon another... the powers of free action.” Rights are INHERENT – and can never be removed from us. Privilege: A privilege is something you can do only when you have permission. It is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as “a particular and peculiar benefit or advantage enjoyed by a person, company, or class, beyond the common advantages of other citizens.” Privileges are GRANTED – and can be revoked. Here’s an analogy: I can walk back and forth across my backyard all day long. There’s nothing you can do, from your adjoining house, to stop me. My property, my right; you have no say. Let’s say the safest access to the bus stop, from your house, is to cut across my yard. I give you permission to do this. One day, in a bad mood, I see you out there and call out to you to go around; get out of my yard. I have just revoked your permission and privilege, and you have no recourse. Rights and privileges are OPPOSITES. YY All rights are derived from property, starting with the first property you own – your body. If you cannot control what happens to your body, you are a slave. YY Every right implies a responsibility –> and we give away jurisdiction over our rights by relinquishing our responsibilities. YY The only limitation on your rights is the equal rights of others. YY Whenever a dispute arises about “rights” – the argument can be clarified by asking, “Who owns the property?” “To secure these Rights” – the only purpose of Constitution is to protect our individual rights. If all rights are property rights, then only purpose of Constitution is to protect our property. “Property” is the one-word answer to any question on the Constitution. You may have noticed that earlier I wrote, “Life, Liberty, and Property” instead of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” – this was deliberate. In John Locke’s “Treatise on Government” – a source document used by the Founders in writing the Constitution, he writes,
“every Man has a Property in his own Person. This no Body has any Right to but himself. The Labour of his Body, and the Work of his Hands, we may say, are properly his.” He continues: “The great and chief end therefore, of Mens’ uniting into Commonwealths, and putting them-
“We, the People, are the rightful masters of Congress and the Courts. ” Abraham LINCOLN
As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
selves under Government, is the Preservation of their Property.” Why did the Constitutional Convention change this to “pursuit of happiness” – because even then, the Founders were thinking ahead to the future abolition of slavery (which the Constitution promised would not happen before 1808; this was a compromise to keep the southern states in the union). By leaving out the word “property” in the Preamble (which today would be called the “mission statement”), they entirely subverted the use of the “but they’re my property” argument. BEWARE of the term “Constitutional rights”! NO rights are granted by Constitution; it states they are inherent in us, given by our Creator. This is an all-too-common twist today. If the Constitution – a document – “gives” us our rights, then another document (or government act) can, theoretically, take them away. ALL our rights come from our Creator, not from any government or government document – and no government act can remove them. “But what if I don’t believe in God?” some may ask. There are two separate but pertinent answers to this question. The first is that the Founders DID believe in God, and they were writing from their point of view, no one else’s. The second answer comes from John Galt’s speech in the book “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand (who did not, herself, believe in God): Galt said, “The source of man’s rights is not divine law or congressional law, but the law of identity. A is A—and Man is Man. Rights are conditions of existence required by man’s nature for his proper survival. If man is to live on earth, it is right for him to use his mind, it is right to act on his own free judgment, it is right to work for his values and to keep the product of his work. If life on earth is his purpose, he has a right to live as a rational being: nature forbids him the irrational. January 2012 13
As A Mom... Loves Ice Cream Social and Silent Auction Friday July 27, 2012 7- 9 PM Pantego (Arlington), Texas* Early Bird Price - Before May 1st $5 per person After May 1 price increases to $7.50 In conjunction with Mercury One’s Restoring Love Event. Due to limited space we must sell tickets. Only 200 tickets are available. If you have something you would like to donate for the silent auction please contact: Mary McDonald AAM Secretary. Silent Auction proceeds to go to the AAM general fund. * No disrespect to the Town of Pantego, but to help those not familiar with the area we have used the City of Arlington in our literature. Pantego is an independent town located near the heart of Arlington.
Get Your Tickets Now Any group, any gang, any nation that attempts to negate man’s rights, is wrong, which means: is evil, which means: is anti-life.” To reiterate: Our rights are individual, inherent and unalienable, and the only legitimate purpose of government is to protect those rights. We must also debunk the myth of “community” rights. Individuals EXIST. Communities do NOT have an independent existence – they are made up of individuals, who may join and leave those “communities”. We don’t start with a block of “community” and shave off slivers of “individual” – no; we start with individuals who join to form communities. The only way to protect “community” rights is to protect the individual rights of EACH and EVERY PERSON in that community, always, without fail, and without lapse. You may hear used the phrase “the greatest good for the greatest number”. This is the philosophical basis for communism – and it is utterly antithetical to the Constitution and to YOUR freedom and YOUR rights. Take this phrase to its logical end: you live in a community of 100 people – but there is only enough food for 90. The greatest good for the community is to kill ten people to ensure enough food for the 14 MinuteMom Magazine
rest. Histotry shows us, again and again, that the philosophy of “community rights”, applied to nations, invariably ends in mass graves. Hitler. Stalin. Mao. Pol Pot. Castro. Look them up for yourselves, and don’t limit your search to the 20th century; the evil philosophy of “greatest good for the greatest number” long pre-dates Marx’s “Communist Manifesto”. “Good To Be King,” Michael Badnarik – Chapter Two on Rights and Privileges available online FREE at http://www.constitutionpreservation.org/ - first choice under the “Purchase Book” menu. “The 5,000 Year Leap,” W. Cleon Skousen Publius Huldah’s blog at http://publiushuldah.wordpress.com Catherine White grew up in Massachusetts where she also graduated from M.I.T. She is has two terrific daughters and a wonderful husband. She became involved early on in the 912 Project. Catherine has given several presentations on the Constitution in the past year. The most recent talk was at Brandeis University (sponsored by the Brandeis Tea Party) this past March, and it should be available on YouTube in the near future. www.AsAMom.org
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PREPAREDNESS: Let There Be Light!!! story synopsis.
By Auntie Anne
PREPAREDNESS: Let There Be Light!!!
Most of us are creatures of habit. When I woke up in this morning I turned over and stretched, then checked the clock to see what time it was. I got out of bed, put on my slippers, walked down the hall and went to the bathroom. When I washed my hands, I turned on the water and let it get hot before sudsing up, rinsing and drying. Then I let the water run cool and brushed my teeth. I went into the kitchen, opened the fridge and poured myself a glass of cold milk, taking the tub of margarine out of the door and setting it on the counter. I put a couple of slices of bread into the toaster, pushed the lever down and waited for it to get done. When the toast popped up, I buttered it and returned the tub of margarine to the fridge. I then turned off the kitchen night light, picked up my toast and milk and walked into the living room. The house felt a bit cool so I adjusted the thermostat slightly and listened to make sure I heard the furnace kick in. I set the toast and coffee by my chair, then stuck my head outside long enough to retrieve 16 MinuteMom Magazine
the morning paper. When I came back in and sat down I noticed it was a bit overcast outside – which makes my living room a little dark – so I turned on the table light so I could see my paper. I then reached for the remote and turned on the TV, changing the channel to my favorite morning news station. Finally, I reached over and flipped on my computer to check my email. With small variances, this is my typical morning. At this point I’ve been awake no more than a few minutes and have used electricity – directly, regular or battery – a dozen times! And that doesn’t count the electricity used by the baker to make the bread, the farmer to milk the cow, the factory to make the margarine, the factory to manufacture all the household items from the knife I used to butter the bread to the computer I used to check my email or the transportation/ delivery network that was required to deliver all these products to their purchase points. In some ways, it’s actually a bit frightening how dependent we’ve become on our technologies. www.AsAMom.org
Photo morgue file
By Auntie Anne
Electricity has not only become an integral part of all our lives, we rely on it and expect it to be there. It’s really hard to imagine life without it! In fact, let’s take a moment to think about all the things we use that require electrical power of some kind: YY Television, radio, computers, the internet, DVD’s, CD’s, VCR’s, DVR’s, electronic games, cell phones, cordless phones, answering machines, wall clocks, alarm clocks, watches, cameras of all kinds, tape recorders, pagers, remote controls YY Electric toothbrush, hair dryers, blow dryers, curling irons, nail grooming/dryers, electric razors and shavers, home medical equipment (oxygen systems, nebulizers, etc.), steam cleaners and sanitizers, carpet cleaners, robotic floor sweepers YY Car computers, GPS systems, backup cameras, car radios and CD systems, car DVD and entertainment systems, garage door opener, home security system YY Table lamps, floor lamps, ceiling lights, shop lights – all lights YY Freezer, refrigerator, electric stove and oven, electronic ignition on gas stove and oven, dishwasher, washing machine, electric dryer, electronic ignition on gas dryer, ice maker, water heater, ice cube maker YY Microwave oven, electric can opener, slow cooker, juicer, electric popcorn popper, toaster, toaster oven, electric knife, steam iron, grain mill, blender, stick blender, hand mixer, stand mixer, food processor, coffee grinder, spice grinder, rice cooker, waffle maker, steam mop, vacuum cleaner YY Electric fan on furnace, electronic thermostat, Electric heater, air conditioner (central and window), window and room fan, ceiling fan YY Power tools of all kinds: saws, drills and drill presses, screwdrivers, nail gun, lawnmowers, snow blowers, weed eaters, garden tiller YY Cities and towns often depend on electricity to process water the water they supply and the sewage they collect YY All our cars, motorcycles, trucks, RV’s, SUV’s and other motorized vehicles – including the big trucks used to hall and deliver food and goods to people all over the country As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
That’s quite a list isn’t it? And I’m sure I’ve forgotten things. Granted, we don’t use all these things every single day; and, some of these items are obviously going to be easier to do without than others. I’ve already given up my electric toothbrush and replaced it with a regular one. I’m not sure at what point in my life I decided I needed an electric toothbrush in the first place! LOL Seems silly when I actually think about it….. I’ve cut my hair short and it dries fast on its own so I no longer need the hair dryer, blow dryer and curling iron I used to use faithfully each morning. Never mind the television and computer – how do I go without a refrigerator/ freezer or even that toaster I use most mornings? Forget the remote control and email – how do I take a hot shower, wash dishes, wash my clothes or even my hands? Doing without electricity is a sobering thought. Try making your own list of electrical appliances and things you feel you cannot do without. Sit down with the whole family and make a game out of it. You might even give a small prize to the person who thinks of the most answers – a $5.00 gift certificate at one of the fast food restaurants, for example. Electricity can be battery or utility – use can be direct or indirect. Choose those items that you think might matter most to you and try to come up with alternatives. It’s more difficult than you might think. Then try to think of at least two – preferably three or more – alternatives. January 2012 17
If you’ve been around the As A Mom Prepper forum at all, you know there are many of us who frequently use the word “redundancy.” Never was that word more appropriate than when it comes to electricity! If a power outage occurs mid-day and lasts only a couple hours, it’s pretty easy to deal with. Even an overnight outage can be dealt with using a minimum of preparation and equipment if the weather is mild and there are no other complications. But while it can be fairly easy to prepare for short-term electrical outages with a couple flashlights and maybe a small electric lantern, what if the outage lasts longer or happens during extreme heat or cold? What if the unthinkable happened and you were without electrical power for weeks, months or even years? I’ve been without electricity for short periods of time in the past and have enough alternatives in place to get me through any short-term electrical failure. I think I could cope for a few days or even a few weeks – especially during the warmer months when I wouldn’t require heat (I have two small battery-operated fans for cooling). After two or three months I would probably be a little stressed. After a year…..well, I just don’t know. When I think about an event that could change our lives forever, I do rank basic necessities like shelter, heat, water, food and safety above the need for electric lights. Unfortunately, electricity has infiltrated virtually every aspect of our lives and the lack of it could affect even those basic necessities. Frankly, I find just the prospect of living without light at night truly worrisome. In the middle of our Indiana winters, it can be dark for nearly seventeen hours out of the day. While other things could be equally disturbing, living without light at night could be frightening, depressing and dangerous. It could also get very old, very fast. What did pioneers do without electricity? If you haven’t given any thought to alternative 18 MinuteMom Magazine
methods of lighting, you might want to take a few minutes to do so. What alternatives you choose may vary according to the type of emergency you are preparing for and who is in your household. For example, if you are only prepping for short storm outages and you have small children and/or pets, you may not want to use things like candles and oil lamps that could be knocked over, start fires, or injure family members. If you are prepping for longer outages, having a generator would be great, even if a bit expensive; but can you store enough gasoline or diesel to run it for as long as you might need it? Installing solar panels might be useful to some extent; however, the technology is still young, sometimes difficult to configure properly and can be quite expensive. Battery-operated flashlights and lamps are easily found and affordable, but what do you do when batteries wear out and you can’t buy new ones or recharge the old ones? Candles and oil lamps have been used for centuries to light the darkness; and, personally, I believe they are fairly safe to use as long as you observe some safety precautions and pay attention to what you are doing. If you have children, educate them to the hazards of open flames….candles and oil lamps are NOT meant to be played with! Lighting alternatives that use open flames should not be put where they can accidentally be tipped over and/or start a fire – and they should not be left unattended when burning. They also give off heat and could easily set curtains or other materials on fire. Someone once gave me a very pretty scented candle and holder as a gift. I brought it home, set it in the center of my coffee table and lit it. At some point I stopped paying attention though – and when I looked up my cat was standing over it, straddling the flame. About the time I jumped up to grab the cat, he sprang off the table and ran out of the room like a streak of lightening – nearly dumping the candle onto the floor. After hesitating long enough to blow out the flame I gave chase for fear he was on fire or seriously harmed. He wasn’t – but the flame had singed the fur on his little belly. I felt like a real idiot and a very, very, very bad mommy! I learned a lesson that day that will last me the rest of my life! Nevertheless, I have candles, lamps and lanterns in my emergency plan as I feel they do have a place. I also have solar yard lights, batteryoperated flashlights and a head lamp. www.AsAMom.org
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YY I’ve devised a great setup in my bathroom. I have three 10-hour votive candles in three glass votive cups, each of which set in a plain ceramic votive cup. The set of three candles are then grouped on a small ceramic tray that sits on a shelf in front of a small mirror on the wall. That shelf and mirror are directly across from the mirror above the bathroom sink. My bathroom is pretty small and when I light these three votives, the light bounces off and between the two mirrors in the room and puts out enough light that I can do pretty much whatever I need to do – take a bath, brush my teeth, use the toilet, get dressed and so forth. It’s not like having electricity, but it’s adequate. I have several boxes of 10-hr votive candles in storage, so they will likely last quite some time. BTW - To make sure your votive candle burns as long as it can and should, make sure you use a votive or candle cup that is not too large. The candle should fit snuggly in the cup so that the wick doesn’t have to “work” too hard to draw the wax for burning. It needs to be efficient if you want it to last as long as possible. Also, glass votive cups can break and could spill both wax and fire all over. By placing the glass cups inside ceramic holders and then on a ceramic
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tray, I’m reducing the chance of fire to nearly nothing. Also, by placing them on a small shelf my cats would not attempt to jump on, it limits the amount of danger further. YY I keep a small flashlight in my bedside table, one on my desk in the spare room, one on the table next to where I sit in the living room, one in a drawer in the bathroom and one on the shelf above the kitchen sink. No matter where I am when the electricity goes off, I have convenient access to a small flashlight. These little flashlights will then get me to wherever I need to go in the house to light candles, lamps, lanterns, etc. I have a supply of regular alkaline batteries as well as a variety of rechargeable batteries. For the rechargeable batteries, I have both a regular and solar charger.
May 2012 19
FYI – Alkaline batteries have a shelf life of approximately seven years if stored properly. Contrary to popular belief, batteries should NOT be stored in the refrigerator! For best results, store them in their original packaging at room temperature, but away from moisture and out of direct sun light. Don’t leave batteries in your electronics or lighting devices for long periods of time when they aren’t being used as they may leak and ruin your electronics. 20 MinuteMom Magazine
Manufacturing differences also make it unwise to mix old and new, different kinds and different makes of batteries because of potential leakage problems. YY I have one camping lantern that uses two large, 6-volt batteries. It puts out quite a bit of light, but I only have two batteries and no way of recharging them. It’s good for temporary lighting and as long as I can get replacement batteries, it will serve me well. For long-term problems, I’m afraid it would only last a few nights. YY I also have four, inexpensive, small LED lanterns. Each takes four AA batteries and will last a good 40-50 hours before needing new batteries. They work great as night lights and/or for carrying from room to room to light hallways and stairs without open flame. Again, I have a good supply of batteries on hand. YY I have a half dozen solar lights outside my front door to light the sidewalk; and, in a pinch, I can bring these in at night. They don’t give out a lot of light, but also make great night lights. YY Last time my electricity went out I spent www.AsAMom.org
lots of time with a small flashlight in my mouth – pointing it at whatever dark closet or cabinet I was looking into for something. I recently purchased a head lamp to make it possible to use both my hands while still seeing what I am doing. I love it! I’m going to purchase a second one and put it in my ‘Go Bag’. YY I have several old-fashioned oil lamps and new lanterns I could use. One of the lamps is fairly small and will fit quite nicely on the shelf above the kitchen sink – where the cats can never go. I could also light several lamps and/or lanterns for use in the kitchen, bedroom or living room in order to create a fairly brightly lit room, but would not want to leave them unattended. I store spare lamp parts, extra wicks, lamp oil and kerosene. One of my lamps has a highly polished metal reflector attached to it and hangs on the wall – it does a pretty good job of lighting up a room reflectors magnify the light and make it brighter.
It’s also great for when the electric is off for long lengths of time because I can hang it on a hook on any wall in the house and have light in the room without worrying about my cats. (These lamps are available from www.Lehmans.com ) YY Did I mention I have several olive oil lamps that I made myself? (Lehman’s also offers kits for making them.) Did I mention glass canning jars (or other with lids) make great olive oil lamps – and that if tipped over the olive oil would smother the flame and it would not catch fire? Since they have a lid, they can be sealed when not in use to keep out dust and moisture. You can’t exactly read a book by them, but they most certainly give off enough light that you can find your way around a room without tripping over anything. The jars can get warm though, so handle them carefully. Most importantly, the cheaper the olive oil, the better it burns. Even rancid olive oil burns well in these lamps! They are both inexpensive and easy to make too.
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How to Make an Olive Oil Lamp Things you will need:
• Wide Mouth Pint size canning jar with lid and ring (or any jar, really) • Olive Oil • Plain round lamp wicks or 100% cotton mop string to use as a wick • 12 gauge wire, about 12 inches • Wire cutters and needle nose pliers
YY At one end of the wire, use the needle nose pliers and form a coil that is small enough to hold your round wick or cotton mop string. Try wrapping the wire around a nail to form a tight coil, then pinch the coil together slightly. The coil should be about 1-1/2 inches tall and gradually become larger so that it forms a stable base for the wick holder and positions the top of the coil in about the center of the jar. The coil also needs to be tight enough to hold the wick so that it doesn’t slip down into the oil while it is burning. YY Then bend the wire at about a 90 ° angle so that the other end of the wire sticks out the top of the jar. YY Bend this end of the wire so that it no longer sticks outside of the jar but so that it forms 22 MinuteMom Magazine
a small loop to serve as a handle to lift the wick holder. If necessary, shorten the wire enough that the “handle” is not overly large or dips back down into the space which will hold the olive oil. YY Thread the 6-to-8-inch wick into the coil so that it sticks up about 1/4 of an inch above the coil. A quarter inch is sufficient – a longer wick will only result in smoke. YY Place the wick holder and wick into the jar so that the wick sticks up about in the middle of the jar and the rest of the wick will rest on the bottom of the jar and remain submerged in the olive oil you are going to add. YY Add enough olive oil to the jar so that it is just below the point where the wick comes above the coil. Remember, olive oil will smother the fire, so don’t fill the jar so full that it snuffs out the flame. On the other hand, you should use enough olive oil that the wick won’t need to work too hard to get the oil to the flame YY Allow the wick to soak in the oil for about 30 minutes to make sure the wick is saturated. YY Using the handle of the wick holder, raise the wick far enough out of the jar to light it, but not so much that the other end of the wick comes out of the jar. YY Gently return the holder to its position on the bottom of the jar. YY The oil will be drawn up the wick where it is burned by the flame. Since it will burn several hours using just a few ounces of oil, it is much cheaper than most candles. YY Do not use expensive, gourmet olive oil for these lamps. The worse the quality of the olive oil, the better it will burn. In fact, if you can find it, there is an olive oil product called lampante oil that is not suitable for eating but will work quite well in these lamps; and, it’s also less expensive. YY If you like, you can infuse your olive oil with herbs or spices to scent it. Or simply add a few drops of an essential oil for the same purpose. YY These lamps can be made using quart, pint, half pint or jelly jars too. YY Any kind of oil can be used in these lamps, but with varying results – some oils produce more smoke and seem to burn less brightly than others. www.AsAMom.org
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So what did the pioneers do? They got up with the sun, worked very hard all day, and looked forward to going to bed when the sun went down! Campfires and fireplace fires provided enough light to cook, wash dishes or bathe sometimes, but most made their own candles and lamp oil for lighting purposes. Candles were made out of beeswax when they could find it. They also used animal fat to make tallow candles – using mostly beef or mutton fat, although any animal fat was used when necessary. They would cook the fat for hours over a wood-burning fire outside, strain it, cook it again, strain it again – a smelly, hot process – using the final product to hand-dip candles that would burn quickly and not put out much light. It took a great deal of time and energy to do this because of the need to use wood fires. If you’re curious and would like to try it the modern way using a slow cooker, try looking on the internet for instructions on how to make animal fat into tallow and candles or lamp oil. Without electricity, the pioneer life was a hard one; but, they managed to live, raise children and contribute to the formation of one of the greatest nations in the history of the world. It’s amazing what people can accomplish when they put their minds to it. Visit Preppers Pantry http://tinyurl.com/79cyvvb As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
Starting tonight put down the book, look your kids or grandkids in the eyes, and tell them a story from your heart of why you love America. Pajamas recommended. YOU WILL FIND A PLENTIFUL SUPPLY OF STORIES TO DRAW FROM THAT WILL INSPIRE PATRIOTISM, CHARACTER & FAITH AT:
gardenofliberty.org Look for the Freedom Series12 volumes of stories drawn from pre-1923 literature written for young people. Receive a book-a-month.
“A love of liberty is best grown in the home.”
Women of Principle, of Courage, and of Great Resolve
The founding women of our nation carried themselves with dignity and strength; believing with their hearts and souls the value of Liberty was worthy of their families’ sacrifice.
Women of By KrisAnne Hall
Principle, of Courage, and of
Great Resolve
Many, who would rewrite history, would have us to believe the women during the revolution were oppressed subservient wives of overbearing husbands who dictated policy in the home. Nothing could be further from the truth. The founding women of our nation carried themselves with dignity and strength; believing with their hearts and souls the value of Liberty was worthy of their families’ sacrifice. These were women of principle, of courage, and of great resolve, willing to sacrifice all so that their children could be free. Many will recognize the men for their contributions, but true history will reveal that the wives of these men were just as important to the battle for freedom. We all have heard the jest that “if momma isn’t happy, then nobody’s happy.” That is not something that is said just because it’s funny. So why would we think that human nature was any different in 1774? The women of our founding nation were just as involved as the men, and often times bolder in their assertions. 24 MinuteMom Magazine
When Parliament and King George began attempting to recoup the money spent during the French and Indian wars by imposing unreasonable taxes absent any representation for the people of the colonies, outrage was the response. These laws did not only violate 500 years of established laws regarding taxation, but they also denied our founders many other rights; due process, property rights, the right to choose their commerce to name just a few. Our founding families relied on the goods imported from England to conduct their everyday lives. These laws violated centuries of established Liberty, bought through great sacrifice, were seen as a form of slavery and oppression. When petition after petition to the Parliament and the King were ignored, more drastic measures were required. George Washington asserted that a boycott of English goods may be a more effective way of getting the government’s attention. www.AsAMom.org
Wikimedia Commons,
By KrisAnne Hall krisannehall.com
bosom of her affectionate offspring. But may we not yet hope for more lenient measures!” Hannah Winthrop, wife of Dr. Winthrop, describes Mercy in January 1773 as “That noble patriotic spirit which sparkles must warm the heart that has the least sensibilities, especially must it invigorate a mind of a like fellow feeling for this once happy country. How often do we see people blind to their own interests precipitately maddening on to their own destruction!” As we look around today, I know that we can certainly empathize with Hannah’s frustrations.
Abigail Adams Abigail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren To stir patriotic sentiment even hotter, patriotic newspapers offered suggestions about colonial substitutes for imported teas, including sassafras, raspberry and mint. In support of these protests countless women gathered in private homes for spinning parties or participated in public spinning contests. Two women, whose names should be recognized, were Abigail Adams and her historian friend, Mercy Otis Warren. These were women of position, with husbands of reputation, yet they shunned tea and proudly wore homespun garments in lieu of British finery. James Warren was the president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and member of the Sons of Liberty, but it was his wife, Mercy Otis Warren, whose patriotic efforts encouraged the war efforts. Mercy was a prolific author of anti-British propaganda plays and an historian of the American Revolution. Her friend, Abigail Adams, said in 1773 that Mercy was “a sincere lover of [her] country” It was said that Mercy was so grieved by Great Britain’s actions that she felt her nation to be “oppressed and insulted”. Mercy Otis Warren was a vocal contributor to the independent efforts of the colonies and great pen pal to John Adams. John Adams often took great comfort from the words and advice of Mercy. In one letter, Mercy voices the sentiment of the American people. “America stands armed with resolution and virtue; but she still recoils at the idea of drawing the sword against the nation from whence she derived her origin. Yet Britain, like an unnatural parent, is ready to plunge her dagger into the As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
Hannah Winthrop, Penelope Barker and Elizabeth King Shortly after Samuel Adams and his men threw tea up and down the coast of America, a second Tea Party protest erupted within the hearts and minds of the women. A great revolutionary heroine by the name of Penelope Barker wrote a public statement in which she endorsed a boycott of tea and other British products, such as cloth. Ten months after the famous Boston Tea Party organized by men, Barker led a “Tea Party” on October 25, 1774, in the Edenton Home of Elizabeth King. She and fifty other women signed the protest statement. At the meeting, Barker said, “Maybe it has only been men who have protested the king up to now. That only means we women have taken too long to let our voices be heard. We are signing our names to a document, not hiding ourselves behind costumes like the men in Boston did at their tea party. The British will know who we are.” The women of this Tea Party signed a declaration that stated, “We, the aforesaid Ladys (sic) will not promote ye wear of any manufacturer from England until such time that all acts which tend to enslave our Native country shall be repealed.” The amazing part of this public protest and notice sent to parliament and the King was that these were women whose husbands and fathers were men of reputation. Many of the men related to these women were English merchants. The fact these women signed their names to a document of protest showed their courage and their dedication to the principle that the Liberty of their children was more important than a paycheck or even their lives.
Mercy Otis Warren
January 2012 25
On Jan. 1st, 1774, Hannah Winthrop’s patriotic spirit cries out. “Yonder, the destruction of the detestable weed, made so by cruel exaction, engages our attention. The virtuous and noble resolution of America’s sons, in defiance of threatened desolation and misery from arbitrary despots, demands our highest regard. May they yet be endowed with all that firmness necessary to-carry them through all their difficulties, till they come off conquerors. We hope to see good accounts of the tea cast away on the Cape. The union of the Colonies, the firm and sedate resolution of the people, is an omen for good unto us.”
Retired part of Newtown .... I beg you to Excuse the very poor Writing as My paper is Bad and my pen made with Scissars (sic). I should be glad (My dear), if you shouldn’t come down soon, you would Write me Word Who to apply to for some Money, for I am low in Cash and every thing (sic) is very dear.” Feb 19 1775
Penelope Barker
Hannah Winthrop Elizabeth Adams These brave women of resolve did not simply support the efforts of the men fighting for Liberty; they themselves sacrificed everything for Liberty. They were outcasts to the Loyalists. They were called “harlots” and “loose women,” and were literally chased from their homes, sometimes as their homes burned to the ground. Elizabeth Adams, wife of Samuel Adams, had to hide in a small cottage far from the city, since her father was an English Merchant. In a letter to Samuel, she does not chastise him or berate him for his neglect of their family. Instead she reassures him that all is well at home and that he should concentrate on the battle at hand. She writes; “I beg you would not give yourself any pain on our being so Near the Camp; the place I am in is so Situated, that if the Regulars should ever take Prospect Hill, which God forbid, I should be able to make an Escape, as I am Within a few stones casts of a Back Road, Which Leads to the Most 26 MinuteMom Magazine
Mary Bartlett Mary Bartlett wife of Dr. Bartlett, was as ardent in her patriotism as her husband. When their home lay in ruins and the family were driven to seek shelter and safety elsewhere, she fled to their little farm, which she managed from then on, leaving her husband free to devote himself almost entirely to the fight. In all her letters to her husband and her children, there is not one word of regret for his situation or pity for herself, left alone to bear the duties forced upon her by the tyranny of the British government. She had no complaints, only a spirit of loving, helpful sympathy for everything that her husband was going through. These women believed their sacrifice was just as much a fight for Liberty as the lives lost on the battlefield. These were women of courage and resolve, willing to give everything for Liberty. Mercy Otis Warren wrote, they were “…ready to sacrifice their devoted lives to preserve inviolate, and to convey to their children the inherent rights of men, conferred on all by the God of nature, and the privileges of Englishmen claimed by Americans from the sacred sanction of compacts.” Mercy was amazing at voicing the feelings and fears of these brave women in the battle www.AsAMom.org
Attorney, Speaker, and Mom
KrisAnne Hall
has some great tools for parents! Teach your children about American Exceptionalism, History of the Constitution and some of the Forgotten Heroes of America’s founding. KrisAnne presents information that you’ll find in no other book or curriculum. Take a look at her books:
Bedtime StorieS For Budding Patriots Essential Stories For Junior Patriots Not a Living Breathing Document - Reclaiming our Constitution
www.KrisAnneHall.com for Liberty. “I have my fears. Yet, notwithstanding the complicated difficulties that rise before us, there is no receding; and I should blush if in any instance the weak passions of my sex should damp the fortitude, the patriotism, and the manly resolution of yours. May nothing ever check that glorious spirit of freedom which inspires the patriot in the cabinet, and the hero in the field, with courage to maintain their righteous cause, and to endeavor to transmit the claim to posterity, even if they must seal the rich conveyance to their children with their own blood.” We could learn a great deal about what real women act and sound like from the words and deeds of these great heroines. And, as I am sure you can now see, the revisionists have been lying to us for many years. These women were not oppressed by their chauvinistic husbands to the point of servitude. They were bold and brave women of resolve. They were dedicated to the cause of Liberty and the battle against tyranny. In her display of patriotism, Hannah Winthrop uttered the following battle cry, “And be it known unto Britain, even American daughters are politicians and patriots, and will aid the good work with their female efforts.” These women believed in their hearts and in their souls that without Liberty, life was not worth living. They supported their husbands and gave everything
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they could to ensure that their children would live free. As Mercy put it, “We will stand against tyranny today or our children will bow tomorrow.” They knew Liberty had been purchased for them through 700 years of battle and if they surrendered now, it would be their children who would be forced to buy it back. How can we deny these great women their due? These are the women of Liberty and they are heroes worthy of recognition. Without them, America would not be the shining city on a hill and the last bastion of hope. We should honor what these brave women have done not only for America, but for the world. We must answer their call. We must continue their fight. We must ensure that our children have heroines of today. We must be willing to commit to the same sacrifice and secure a future of Liberty for our children. Our children deserve it. KrisAnne Hall travels the country teaching groups the truth about the history of our great founding documents and the government that our founders really wanted us to have. She is a Constitutional attorney and former state prosecutor. She is a disabled veteran of the US Army, a Russian linguist, a mother, a pastor’s wife and a patriot. Author of several books. May 2012 27
YYRestoring Humor
Reposted by permission Antonio Branco http://conservativedailynews.com/category/political-cartoons/ 28 MinuteMom Magazine
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Paperback: List $12.99 - $11.00 Audio Book: List $24.99 - $20.00 Audio only downloads also available: www.longingforeden.com
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May 2012 29
The Last Monday in May Peggy Staggs
YYRemember
The Last Monday in May Many think of Memorial Day as a day to buy Buddy Poppies. But the history of the day is rich with twists and turns. Originally called Decoration Day, it was in remembrance of those who gave their lives in our nation’s service. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared there be a Memorial Day to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the Civil War. The first Memorial Day was celebrated by decorating the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868. Following a speech by General James Garfield at Arlington National Cemetery, 5,000 participants
30 MinuteMom Magazine
decorated the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1873. Even though by 1890 all the northern states recognized the day, the southern states refused to join them. The south honored their dead on separate days until World War I when the holiday changed from honoring only the Civil War dead to all those who’ve given their lives in any war. It wasn’t until after World War I that the day celebrated all Americans lost to war. In 1971 Congress designated the last Monday in May as the official Memorial Day. Still today states Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
and Mississippi; South Carolina, Louisiana and Tennessee have separate days to recognize the Confederate fallen. In 1915, Moina Michael was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian Army doctor John McCrae. Even though Moina had read the poem many times on one special day the last verse - “To you from failing hands we throw the Torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Fields.” Inspired her to write a poem of her own: “We Shall Not Sleep” (later named “In Flanders Fields”.)
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We Shall Keep The Faith Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields, Sleep sweet – to rise anew! We caught the torch you threw And holding high, we keep the Faith With All who died. We cherish, too, the poppy red That grows on fields where valor led; It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies, But lends a luster to the red Of the flower that blooms above the dead In Flanders Fields. And now the Torch and Poppy Red We wear in honor of our dead. Fear not that ye have died for naught; We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought In Flanders Fields.
May’s Book • Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst-Case Scenarios by Lisa Bedford
Written by Moina Michael, Nov. 1918
Moina Michael pledged to keep the faith by wearing a red poppy in remembrance of all those who’d died. Her idea was to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of soldiers who died serving our nation in time of war. The first to wear one, she soon began selling poppies to her friends and coworkers. The money she raised went to benefit servicemen in need. The custom started by Ms .Michael was taken up by Madam Guerin, a French woman visiting the United States. When she returned to France, she spread the custom to raise money for war orphaned children and widows. The idea spread to other countries and in 1921, the Franco-American Children’s League began selling poppies to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. Unfortunately, her efforts were disbanded a year later. On Memorial Day 1922 the VFW, became the first national organization to sell poppies. Within two years, disabled veterans were making and selling “Buddy” Poppy program. It wasn’t until 1948 that the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in the National Poppy movement. They As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
http://www.asamom.org/group/freedomfridaybookclub
issued a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it. In December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act.” The act created the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission encourages, “the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity.” The idea was to encourage the coordination of commemorative ceremonies in the United State for Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance. The idea was to encourage all Americans to pause wherever they were at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence in honor of service men and woman who have died in the service of our nation. Carmella LaSapada the founder of Moment of Remembrance said, “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”
We see veterans selling Buddy Poppies. In some places there are still parades, concerts and other celebrations, but Memorial Day is fast becoming a long weekend devoted to shopping, auto races and a signal of the beginning of the summer vacation season. With our men and women returning from war, we need to take back the day as a tribute to those who have given their last full measure. This year as we hit the stores for sales or venture out for picnics or camping trips, we need to take a few minutes to stop, thank the men and women selling the small red flowers. Shake their hands, and thank them for their service. Those few words mean a lot to those who serve. —Peggy Staggs www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html http://www.history.com/topics/memorialday-history http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp
May 2012 31
Remaining Vigilant Gisela Dieter
YYCountry
“I’m offended that you think public prayer is offensive,” is what I thought when I heard the news. A member of my local school board had raised an objection to the non-denominational prayer that had invoked God’s protection at each meeting for nearly 30 years. “I find public prayer to be offensive, insulting, and annoying,” he had said. The board then voted to eliminate the opening prayer citing their reservations regarding possible violation of the often misused reference to “separation of church and state.” How could the board think they could direct the destiny of our school district without asking for the help of Divine Providence? The decision awoke a sleeping giant in the community – the people. Attendance at the meetings spiked. Letters were written. Strong words were spoken. Spontaneous, heartfelt prayer and a renewed spirit of commitment to the Lord arose in the slumbering citizens. A member of the community began to use the patron speech time to pray an invocation at meetings. In response, the board voted again, this time to institute a “moment of silence” instead of the prayer. As a person of faith and a citizen of this country which was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and values, I was happy to see the community awake, if only for a short time. I am under no illusions, however, that the attempts to remove God from public life in our country will recede. I cringe every time I learn of yet another attack on religious liberties. They threaten 32 MinuteMom Magazine
our collective conscience, our way of living and thinking. The misguided attackers hope to force the abandonment of God, the source of our strength, help, and protection.
What happened in my school district is not uncommon today in America. These secularists attack at all levels and in many different scenarios seemingly each and every day. They wage war in big cities as well as small towns. They are relentlessly at work undermining faith in schools, courtrooms, in the media, and throughout our institutions, leaving “normal folks” to be constantly on the defensive wondering where the next attack will take place. Recently at a school in Massachusetts, in the name of political correctness, administrators tried to eliminate
the name of God from a rendition of the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” The song’s writer, Lee Greenwood, who penned the most memorable line of the song, “I’m proud to be an American,” weighed in on the issue. “The most important word in the whole piece of music is the word God, which is also in the title ‘God Bless the USA.’” Popular outcry on the side of God paid off as the school decided to allow the song to be sung as it is written without modifications. Secularists and Statists disregard the need to obey God’s laws and commandments and think that their destiny lies solely under their control and completely within their power. They don’t acknowledge that blessings come as a fruit of obedience as curses fall on those who are disobedient. The proud desire a state of godlessness despite overwhelming evidence from history that people without God will be oppressed and their societies will be less compassionate and more violent. These misguided, arrogant individuals and groups cannot see that to remove God is to remove our protection. They are blinded to the undeniable fact that the Hand of Divine Providence has directed the path of our nation since its very inception, and that it is precisely that fact which had been the secret of our exceptional success. The secular Statists want to relegate God to a corner where they believe He can exert no influence, because they do see that people who worship God are, indeed, free. They know that those who follow the Way have no earthly www.AsAMom.org
AAM Bard
Remaining Vigilant
kings and that their ultimate authority is not from the material realm. They sense that believers are ruled by the Holy Spirit of truth; therefore, they are not so easily manipulated and deceived. They recognize that when people remember that their rights come from God, no man can take them away. They realize that believers know they have been set free and cannot be made into slaves. Those whose goal is the expansion of government power under a secular flag cannot allow the people to remember that their nation was founded under the tenet “No king but King Jesus!” On the other hand, believers know that regardless of the relentless attacks of the enemy, true hope is in the Lord. We trust the promise that states, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,” Psalm 145: 5 (NIV) And we know that when we put our trust in Him, He will not let us be put to shame, Psalm 71: 1(NIV) Extraordinary things happen when the people of God pull together for His Kingdom. We seek Him first; He ensures our protection and the provision of our portion, Matthew 6: 33(NIV) He hears from heaven, forgives, and heals our land when we, who are called by His Holy name, humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, 2 Chronicles 7:14(NIV) He is the Strong Tower where we seek and find refuge against our foe. Psalm 61: 3 (NIV) We are well aware that the battle is against more than flesh and blood and that we must fight with all we’ve got for victory is at hand. Let’s keep pressing on. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6: 9(NIV) My neighbors and I must continue to stand up and pray at every school meeting. Parents in Massachusetts need to sing “God Bless the U.S.A.” loud and proud. Americans must remain vigilant as we seek the Lord and His righteousness. If we are obedient and stand up for Him in this spiritual war, the Lion of Judah, the righteous warrior, will fight for us, protect us, and lead us to victory. That is a promise and a certainty. —Gisela Dieter
As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
Be a
Mollytician moll•y•ti•cian |mäl i´ti sh en| noun
1. a mom* who is involved in politics, 2. a mom holder of or a candidate for an elected office. antonym – politician: a person who acts in a manipulative and devious way, typically to gain advancement within an organization.
Let your voice be heard! When an issue effects you, stand boldly, write eloquently and be heard by those around you. Write a letter to the editor, Tweet , Facebook or blog. There are others out there who still feel alone. Let them know they have a sisterhood waiting for them.
* Mom: a member of Asamom.org may be a mom or mom-at heart.
YYPolitical View
GOP Women Discuss So-Called ‘War on Women’, Political Jockeying For Female Vote Michael Sandoval
DENVER—A legislative aide at the Colorado House of Representatives and political consultant, a former options trader and Tea Party entrepreneur, a lifelong activist and community organizer, a local government transparency crusader, and a liberalturned-conservative lawyer. Two of them elected as national delegates from the state of Colorado by their fellow Republicans for two different GOP candidates, all of them women concerned about the 2012 election, and all of them aware of women’s unique impact on promoting conservative values and fighting against the loss of freedoms, not just to women, but all Americans, according to moderator Linda Hoover. “This is really not about a ‘women’s agenda,’” Hoover opened. “We’re being sold a bill of goods, and we’re being asked if we want to let somebody buy our vote by [buying] contraception, while all the while our freedom of conscience is disappearing, our freedom of religion is being taken right out from under us,” she continued. “We’ve got targets on our back.” Targeted by pollsters, campaigns, database managers, get-out-the-vote efforts, and political advertising—the clearly non-monolithic bloc of women voters will hear quite a bit about themselves and what women want from a flurry of organizations with widely varying agendas. 34 MinuteMom Magazine
But that will not be as important as “working block by block,” R Block Party co-founder Lori Horn said. Horn, a lifelong political activist since the days of Senator Bill Armstrong, is a newly minted Romney delegate, elected at the GOP state assembly this past Saturday, and one of a half dozen “Romney slate” delegates chosen to travel to Tampa this August. “We believe that grassroots activism is what is going to make the difference here [in Colorado],” said Horn, pointing especially to local races and local governmental appointments, which are quite often overlooked. Individual women working collectively, Horn argued, will be able to promote conservative principles, and also return the Republican party’s visibility at events and in corners of the Denver metro area that have previously been ceded by conservatives in favor or more reliably Republican voting areas in the suburbs and elsewhere along the Front Range. Nikki Mata, Horn’s co-founder, added that both women and men in conservative circles are seeking a more meaningful volunteerism than simply showing up at a campaign office. “We educate and activate,” Mata said, giving people direct action items and connecting them directly to campaigns in need – not simply existing as a pro-GOP cheerleading group. Nancy McKiernan, an options trader, became “energized” by former Gov.
Sarah Palin’s message in 2008. Before launching her own Tea Party Brewing label of conservative merchandise, McKiernan found herself disgusted with the framing of Palin’s candidacy and role as both mother and politician by Democrats and the media, which she labeled a “disgrace.” Now McKiernan finds herself on the way to Tampa as well, elected last Friday at the 1st Congressional District assembly as a Santorum/Paul unity slate candidate. But she remains a committed individualist, charting her own path. “I, unlike a lot of other women, am extremely independent, and I wanted to do my own thing,” said McKiernan, quickly dispelling the myth that even Republican or conservative women act and vote as a bloc. Transparency activist Natalie Menten has also struck out on her own, finding herself returning again and again to local politics focused on issue campaigns, including the repeal of a grocery tax in Lakewood, Colorado. While Menten began with painting “No to tourism tax” slogans on her vehicles to increase the reach of her message—“it was a better way to get the word out”—she has recently taken up the cause of using open records act legislation to pry open local government salaries and school board expenditures. For Menten, transparency is an addiction. www.AsAMom.org
Reposted by permission Antonio Branco http://conservativedailynews.com/category/political-cartoons/
GOP Women Discuss So-Called ‘War on Women’, Political Jockeying For Female Vote
“Spending every little available penny I can sneak out of our household budget to buy government records and put them out there [on her website],” Menten said to boisterous laughter from those in attendance. She posts her findings at nataliementen.com. “Some of these things I just stumble upon, like many of us,” said Menten, referring to the various avenues of activism available to those concerned about government spending, property rights, and the activities of the state legislature. The power of one activist, Menten said, is not usually visible until after the hard work is done. “That’s what all of us have that within us to be able to do,” Menten offered. Nissa Szabo, daughter of Rep. Libby Szabo (R-Arvada), formerly of the Starboard Group, has served two sessions as a legislative aide for the Colorado House of Representatives. As the youngest panelist, Szabo argued that finding a relevant issue for younger, unaffiliated, and especially women’s vote cannot be confined to cultural, or single issue arguments. “It’s cool to be a Democrat, and I’m not sure why,” said Szabo. The key in turning heads and changing minds, according to Szabo, means not buying into the way the left frames the issues, like contraception. “Reframing the argument—finding another issue that appeals, find another way to let them know ‘hey, you’ve got to look at how this affects you, your life, your family, every day,’” she said. While Democrats have argued that the contraception controversy can be reduced to reproductive freedom, most of the panelists agreed that a bigger freedom was at stake—freedom of religion. It was precisely this debate in 2010 that led to what Hoover called the “Ken Bucking” of the Republican U.S. Senate candidate that year. She As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
called the contraception issue—part of the so-called Republican “war on women”—as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” attempting to distract from other issues, like the debt and unemployment. “The most influential group with women is other women,” Hoover echoing comments made by Debbie Brown of the Colorado Women’s Alliance. “Talk, talk about it [contraception], and even if they don’t want to talk about it, you’ll make them think.” Horn agreed that Republicans, and especially conservative women, have allowed Democrats to frame the arguments for too long, allowing them to devolve into sloganeering. While Democrats try to churn up votes with a “war on women” message, Republicans can ask about real economic questions in a struggling economy. “I want to talk about the real war on women,” Horn demanded. “Gas or groceries, that’s the real war on women. We have to feed our families. We have to decide whether we need to forego things because we need to put gas in our car,” said Horn, referring to stickers she has seen recently. It’s clear, the panel said, that there
is much work to be done. According to some recent polls, women still favor President Barack Obama over Romney, the potential GOP challenger in November. While there has been some push back against Democrats after a recent Democratic commentator was seen as attacking Romney’s wife, women remain divided. And that divide is even more apparent among younger women voters, who tend to be unmarried and without children (married women with children tend to vote strongly Republican). A Pew poll analyzed by the Washington Post found that Obama holds a staggering 45-point advantage among women aged 18 to 29. The panelists agreed that diverse viewpoints require diverse messaging. “What does that [issue] look like for you,” Horn asked. Personalize it. Customize it. In other words, individualize the conservative message. And stop thinking that all women—conservatives, liberals, or unaffiliateds—are alike, because they’re not, the panel agreed. —Michael Sandoval
May 2012 35
YYIn Your State State News from AAM Groups The Presidential Primary/Caucus Information As A Mom has shown the earliest known political activity in each state. To make the greatest impact on your state elections, it is suggested that interested individuals be involved as early and as often as there are opportunities to make a difference. Often these are at straw polls, at mass meetings, conventions and early caucuses as listed by state and by party. With thanks to Stacy Finch, Samantha Harris, Patsy OH and special thanks to Wiki, to Fox News and to The Green Papers http://tinyurl.com/7b2g9fo Background information and previous elections for primaries, caucuses and states’ participation can be found in the Minute Mom Magazine: editions Jan., Feb., Mar. and Apr. 2012, Dec. and Oct. 2011. http://issuu.com/minutemom A review of terms: binding: delegates must vote for a certain candidate until released by that candidate non-binding: candidates may, at further conventions, change their votes, depending on viability proportional: delegates must vote in proportion to the percentages received non-proportional: or “winner take all” viability: a term for having a minimum percentage of votes for a candidate required to have them proceed in the caucus/convention race. The viability percentage is often 15%. delegates-look at the number of delegates from each state and look to see if they are bound or not when looking at possible outcomes from the National Convention. Many states lost one half of their voting strength (delegates) to the Republican National Convention due to holding their primaries early**. Since caucuses are nonbinding, this rule did not hold true for caucus states. 36 MinuteMom Magazine
**”No primary, caucus, or convention to elect, select, allocate, or bind delegates to the national convention shall occur prior to the first Tuesday in March in the year in which a national convention is held. Except Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada may begin their processes at any time on or after February 1 in the year in which a national convention is held ...” [Rules of the Republican Party. Rule 15(b)(1)] brokered convention: there are not enough delegates to support a “win” for one candidate on the first vote. The pledged delegates are released from their pledged candidates and can vote for anyone they choose. Before the era of presidential primary elections, political party conventions were routinely brokered. Adlai Stevenson (of the 1952 Democratic Party) and Thomas Dewey (of the 1948 Republican Party) were the most recent “brokered convention” presidential nominees. The last winning U.S. presidential nominee produced by a brokered convention was Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1932. PLEOs The Democratic Party has what has been termed “Superdelegates” or PLEO’s- Party Leaders and Elected Officials who are non-pledged going into National Convention.
Third party candidates are generally elected at Conventions only. Please look at your own state’s Secretary of State’s or voter information website to find links to viable Third Parties for your state. Please be aware that there is voting going on the US territories also. Indiana Indiana Republican
• Primary: Tuesday 8 May 2012 • State Convention: Friday 8 June - Saturday 9 June 2012 Delegate Selection: Combined Selection [Winner-Take-All Primary for District Delegates with Caucus/ Convention], • Polling hours 6:00a EDT (1000 UTC) / 6:00a CDT (1100 UTC) to 6:00p EDT (2200 UTC) / 6:00p CDT (2300 UTC). Although much of this state is in CDT, the majority of the polls are closed by the time indicated EDT when the networks feel they can project. • Voter Eligibility: Open Primary
Indiana Democrat Presidential Nominating Process
• Primary: Tuesday 8 May 20121 • State Convention: Saturday 16 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, www.AsAMom.org
Where is Molly nOW?
Recently Molly took a traditional photo with the famous Texas Bluebonnet. See more www.asamom.org
Where is YOUR Molly? Directions:
1. Print Molly on cardstock or heavy paper. 2. Color and decorate to your liking. 3. Cut out and mail Molly, along with a Constitution and personal letter or story, to your friends. You can find a copy of the Constitution to print here: http://www.rollingchrome.com/AAM/docs/ USConstitution.pdf
4. Ask the recipient to take Molly to a local landmark, town hall or other place that a Constitution is needed and document the visit with a photo. Make sure Molly and her “sponsors�
are in the photo too! 5. Ask your family/friends to email the photo to you. 6. Post your favorite Molly photos at AsAMom.org. 7. Request that your friends send Molly and her message on to someone else, or help them create their own. If you have a scanner you can always email your Molly or use the handy pre colored Molly! Complete instructions and Downloadable PDFs can be found at www. asamom.org
Only at www.asamomestore.com • Polling hours 6:00a EDT (1000 UTC) / 6:00a CDT (1100 UTC) to 6:00p EDT (2200 UTC) / 6:00p CDT (2300 UTC). Although much of this state is in CDT, the majority of the polls are closed by the time indicated EDT when the networks feel they can project. • Voter Eligibility: Open Primary • Voter Affiliation: Party affiliation is changed • 106 total delegate votes - 63 district / 22 at large; 11 Pledged PLEOs; 10 Unpledged PLEOs • 46 total delegates - 10 base at-large / 27 re: 9 congressional districts / 3 party / 6 bonus
In South Bend, St. Joseph County Prosecutor Mike Dvorak is investigating allegations that numerous names and signatures on the 2008 Democratic presidential primary petitions were fakes. For the first time, the state is scanning the presidential petitions that have been certified by local election boards and posting them online for everyone to see. “These are public documents, there is no reason that they can’t be distributed early and quickly over the Internet so people can look,” said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, a Republican who also addressed the group.Read more: http://tinyurl.com/c3r2lz7 Friday 8 June - Saturday 9 June 2012: 16 delegates (10 base at-large delegates plus 6 bonus delegates) are chosen by the Indiana State Republican Convention. These 16 delegates are not required to reflect, in any way, the 38 MinuteMom Magazine
results of the primary voting; it has been determined that these delegates will go to the Republican National Convention officially “Unpledged”. [Rule 9-30] In addition, 3 party leaders, the National Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, and the chairman of the Indiana’s Republican Party, will attend the National Convention as unbound delegates by virtue of their position. [Rules 10-4, 10-5] Note: The district delegates are elected on 8 June [Rule 9-29] and the at-large delegates are held on 9 June [Rule 9-30]. To read more on the IN GOP, go to http://www.indgop.org / To read more on the IN Dems, go to http://indems.org / North Carolina North Carolina Democrat
• Primary: Tuesday 8 May 2012 • Congressional District Conventions: Saturday 19 May 2012 • State Convention: Saturday 16 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, • Voter Eligibility: Modified Primary • 158 total delegate votes - 93 district / 31 at large; 15 Pledged PLEOs; 19 Unpledged PLEOs
For Dems Saturday 19 May 2012 Congressional District Convention Presidential Preference Caucuses. National Convention district level delegates are selected according to the results of the primary. Saturday 16 June 2012 : State Convention
The State Convention selects National Convention Pledged PLEO and At-Large delegates according to the results of the primary. Information on the NC Republican schedule can be found in the Feb issue www.minutemom.org Information for the NC GOP can be found at http://www.ncgop.org / Information for the NC Dems can be found at http://www.ncdp.org / The primaries for state wide elected officials will be held Tuesday 8 May West Virginia West Virginia Republican
• Primary: Tuesday 8 May 2012 • Delegate Selection: Delegate Selection Primary, • Polling hours 6:30a EDT (1030 UTC) to 7:30p EDT (2330 UTC). • Voter Eligibility: Modified Primary • 31 total delegates - 10 base at-large / 9 re: 3 congressional districts / 3 party / 9 bonus
West Virginia Democrat
• Primary: Tuesday 8 May 20121 • State Convention & Executive Committee: Friday 8 June - Saturday 9 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, • Polling hours 6:30a EDT (1030 UTC) to 7:30p EDT (2330 UTC). • Voter Eligibility: Modified Primary • 46 total delegate votes - 24 district / 8 at large; 4 Pledged PLEOs; 10 Unpledged PLEO
In 2008, the Democratic party delegates voted 23 for Hillary Clinton and 12 for Barak Obama. Many www.AsAMom.org
believe that West Virginia actually is no longer considered a swing state as the GOP has taken the last three Presidential election cycles The last time West Virginia played a critical role in a Democratic primary was when John F. Kennedy’s 1960 victory established that an urban Roman Catholic could prevail in a rural Protestant environment. More information on WV GOP can be found at http://wvgop.org / More information on WV Dems can be found at http://www.wvdemocrats. com / Nebraska Nebraska Republican
• Non-binding Primary: Tuesday 15 May 2012 (tentative) • County Conventions: Friday 1 June Sunday 10 June 2012 (tentative) • State Convention: Saturday 14 July
2012 (tentative) Delegate Selection: Advisory Primary, • Voter Eligibility: Not applicable • 35 total delegates - 10 base at-large / 9 re: 3 congressional districts / 3 party / 13 bonus
Information on Nebraska Dems was in April issue of Minute Mom Magazine. Tuesday 15 May 2012 (tentative): Nebraska’s National Convention delegates are not bound by the results of today’s Presidential Preference Primary. Saturday 14 July 2012 (tentative): The Nebraska State Republican Convention convenes. Congressional District Caucuses made up of the State Convention delegates from each of Nebraska’s 3 congressional districts choose the 9 district National Convention delegates (3 per congressional district). The State Convention
as a whole selects 23 (10 base at-large plus 13 bonus) at-large delegates to the Republican National Convention. Prospective delegates must indicate their Presidential Preference and are bound to vote for that candidate for the first 2 ballots at the National Convention. In addition, 3 party leaders, the National Committeeman, the National Committeewoman, and the chairman of Nebraska’s Republican Party, will attend the convention as unpledged delegates by virtue of their position. More information on NE Dems can be found at http://www.nebraskademocrats.org / More information for NE Republicans can be found at: http:// www.negop.org
Fundraising Campaign All We Have Left is Change. For over 2 years our all-volunteer board and team have been working with members “to empower Moms and Moms-at-Heart in preserving our Constitution, country and children’s future.” We would like to continue to expand the message and support Moms everywhere. But we need more than kind hearts to do so. The change you find this week can help fulfill our budget needs. Look around… under couch cushions, in the dryer, under the dresser… Lori’s kids would like to point out that children’s piggy banks are off limits… and donate your extra change! * Our budget has been very carefully thought out, and we have made every effort to economize where we can. These funds will cover needs such as software, bookkeeping services, state group and travel needs. There are also ongoing fees for the web domains, mail box and legal services.
As A Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots, Inc is a 501 (c) (4) entity under the IRS code Your donations are very much appreciated, however they are not tax deductible.
As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots®
May 2012 39
Oregon Oregon Republican
• Primary: Tuesday 15 May 2012 • District Conventions: Saturday 23 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, • Polling hours 7:00a PDT (1400 UTC) / 7:00a MDT (1300 UTC) to 8:00p PDT (0300 UTC) / 8:00p MDT (0200 UTC). OREGON is the reverse of the norm because the by far largest portion of the state is in the lagging time zone and the networks have no choice but to not consider the OREGON polls closed until 8 PM PDT. • Voter Eligibility: Closed Primary • 28 total delegates - 10 base at-large / 15 re: 5 congressional districts / 3 party
Oregon Democrat
• Primary: Tuesday 15 May 20121 • Congressional District Conventions: Saturday 2 June 2012 • State Convention: Saturday 16 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, • Polling hours 7:00a PDT (1400 UTC) / 7:00a MDT (1300 UTC) to 8:00p PDT (0300 UTC) / 8:00p MDT (0200 UTC). OREGON is the reverse of the norm because the by far largest portion of the state is in the lagging time zone and the networks have no choice but to not consider the OREGON polls closed until 8 PM PDT. • Voter Eligibility: Closed Primary • 84 total delegate votes - 46 district / 16 at large; 8 Pledged PLEOs; 14 Unpledged PLEOs
Elections in Oregon are all held using a Vote by Mail (VBM) system. This means that all registered voters receive their ballots via postal delivery and can vote from their homes. A state Voters’ Pamphlet is mailed to every household in Oregon about three weeks before each statewide election. It includes information about each measure and candidate in the upcoming election. Residents of Oregon can register to 40 MinuteMom Magazine
vote with or without a political party. Monthly and annual voter registration statistics are published by the Oregon Secretary of State. On March 1, 2010 Oregon became the fourth state in the country (along with Arizona, Washington, and Kansas) to allow online voter registration. Many believe that this causes more voter fraud; others believe that it makes voting available to more people. More information on OR GOP can be found at http://tinyurl. com/d56u6ge More information on OR Dems can be found at http://www.dpo.org / Arkansas Arkansas Democrat
• Primary: Tuesday 22 May 2012 Special State Convention: Saturday 16 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, • Polling hours 7:30a CDT (1230 UTC) to 7:30p CDT (0030 UTC). • Voter Eligibility: Open Primary • 55 total delegate votes - 31 district / 11 at large; 5 Pledged PLEOs; 8 Unpledged PLEOs
Arkansas Republican notice is in April Minute Mom Magazine since their first political activity was in April. In 2008, Hillary Clinton won 27 delegates and Barak Obama won 8 for the National Convention. Clinton carried every county in Arkansas by nearly two-to-one margins with the exception of three counties won by Obama: Crittenden, which contains West Memphis and is a part of the Memphis Metropolitan Area; and Lee and Phillips counties, located along the Mississippi River Delta. More information on Arkansas Dems can be found at http://arkdems.org /
Kentucky Kentucky Republican
• District Conventions: Saturday 7 April - Saturday 19 May 2012 • Primary: Tuesday 22 May 2012 • State Convention: Saturday 9 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, • Polling hours 6:00a EDT (1000 UTC) / 6:00a CDT (1100 UTC) to 6:00p EDT (2200 UTC) / 6:00p CDT (2300 UTC). Poll closing time could be rather problematic in KENTUCKY. A large chunk of the state is in CDT [but the networks consider that “most of the polls have closed” in KENTUCKY by 6 PM EDT. CDT voters in KENTUCKY may note the networks’ willingness/ eagerness to project a winner as early as 6 PM EDT. • Voter Eligibility: Closed Primary • 45 total delegates - 10 base at-large / 18 re: 6 congressional districts / 3 party / 14 bonus
Kentucky Democrat
• Primary: Tuesday 22 May 20121 • State Convention: Saturday 2 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, • Polling hours 6:00a EDT (1000 UTC) / 6:00a CDT (1100 UTC) to 6:00p EDT (2200 UTC) / 6:00p CDT (2300 UTC). Poll closing time could be rather problematic in KENTUCKY. A large chunk of the www.AsAMom.org
state is in CDT [but the networks consider that “most of the polls have closed” in KENTUCKY by 6 PM EDT. CDT voters in KENTUCKY may note the networks’ willingness/ eagerness to project a winner as early as 6 PM EDT. • Voter Eligibility: Closed Primary • 73 total delegate votes - 45 district / 14 at large; 7 Pledged PLEOs; 7 Unpledged PLEOs
Since the 1950s, Kentucky has been reliably Republican, although its voters have been willing to vote Democratic when a southern governor has run – the state voted for Jimmy Carter in 1976 and for Bill Clinton in both 1992 and 1996. In 2008, John McCain defeated Barack Obama 57% to 41%. More information on KY GOP can be found at http://rpk.org / More information on KY Dem party can be found at http://kydemocrat. com / Texas Texas Republican
• Primary: Tuesday 29 May 2012 • State Convention: Thursday 7 June Saturday 9 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Proportional Primary, • Polling hours 7:00a CDT (1200 UTC) / 7:00a MDT (1300 UTC) to 7:00p CDT (0000 UTC) / 7:00p MDT (0100 UTC). Only the area around El Paso is in MST, so the vast majority of polls have closed in TX by 7 PM CST. • Voter Eligibility: Open Primary • 155 total delegates - 10 base at-large / 108 re: 36 congressional districts / 3 party / 34 bonus
Texas Democrat
• County and Senate District Conventions: Saturday 21 April 2012 • Primary: Tuesday 29 May 20121 • State Convention: Friday 8 June Saturday 9 June 2012 • Delegate Selection: Combined Selection [Proportional Primary with Caucus/Convention], • Polling hours 7:00a CDT (1200 UTC) / 7:00a MDT (1300 UTC) to 7:00p CDT (0000 UTC) / 7:00p
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MDT (0100 UTC). Only the area around El Paso is in MST, so the vast majority of polls have closed in TX by 7 PM CST. • Voter Eligibility: Open Primary • Voter Participation: Party members • Voter Affiliation: Party affiliation is changed • 288 total delegate votes - 172 district / 57 at large; 31 Pledged PLEOs; 28 Unpledged PLEOs
In 2008, of 12,752,417 registered voters, 22.49% turned out. The contest between the two candidates was very close: Senator Clinton won the primary, while her opponent, Senator Obama received more support in the caucuses. In the end, Obama secured 99 pledged delegates to Clinton’s 94. Unlike other states, and even the The Republican Party of Texas, the Texas Democratic Party does not allocate its delegates to Congressional Districts. Instead, it allocates its delegates to the state’s 31 Senatorial Districts. The number
of delegates that the Party allocates to each District depends on the votes cast in each district for the Democratic candidates during two previous general elections. One effect of this allocation scheme is that districts with a high population of African-American residents are awarded a higher number of delegates, while districts with a high population of Hispanic residents are awarded a lower number. In 2008, many TX Dems felt disenfranchised by the way the TX Democratic Step primary/caucus was held. A short history of the TX Republican Party at http://tinyurl.com/cfnpmu7 Find more information on TX GOP at http://www.texasgop.org / Find more information on TX Dems at http://www.txdemocrats.org /
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YYAs a Family Temperance /Self-Control Sometimes it takes a lot of self-control to keep moving forward when everyone around is afraid. Listen to the story of Abraham Davenport who was a man of great self-control.
MorgueFile
THE DARK DAY Listen, and I will tell you of the famous dark day in Connecticut. It was in the month of May, more than two hundred years ago. The sun rose bright and fair, and the morning was without a cloud. The air was very still. There was not a breath of wind to stir the young leaves on the trees. Then, about the middle of the day, it began to grow dark. The sun was hidden. A black cloud seemed to cover the earth. The birds flew to their nests. The chickens went to roost. The cows came home from the pasture and stood mooing at the gate. It grew so dark that the people could not see their way along the streets. Then everybody began to feel frightened. “What is the matter? What is going to happen?” each one asked of another. The children cried. The dogs howled. The women wept, and some of the men prayed. “The end of the world has come!” cried some; and they ran about in the darkness. “This is the last great day!” cried others; and they knelt down and waited. In the old statehouse, the wise men of Connecticut were sitting. They were men who made the laws, and much depended on their wisdom. When the darkness came, they too began to be alarmed. The gloom was terrible. “It is the day of the Lord,” said one. “No use to make laws,” said another, “for they will never be needed.” “I move that we adjourn,” said a third. Then up from his seat rose Abraham Davenport. His voice was clear and strong, and all knew that he, at least, was not afraid. “This may be the last great day,” he said. “I do not know whether the end of the world has come or not. But I am sure that it is my duty to stand at my post as long as I live. So, let us go on with the work that is before us. Let the candles be lighted.” His words put courage into every heart. The candles were brought in. Then with his strong face aglow in their feeble light, he made a speech in favor of a law to help poor fishermen. And as he spoke, the other lawmakers listened in silence till the darkness began to fade and the sky grew bright again. The people of Connecticut still remember Abraham Davenport, because he was a wise judge and a brave lawmaker. From Fifty Famous People by James Baldwin
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The Road Map
YYPoem
Madison Calhoun
The Road Map By Madison Calhoun Grade 10 - KC Academy - Home School In Philadelphia almost two hundred years ago Fifty-six men signed their lives away. They pledged their lives, their fortunes, And their sacred honor that day. Eleven years later, thirty-nine signed The Constitution of the United States. This country has shown humanity Everything this sick world hates: Freedom to have and use guns, The freedom to worship as you please, Newspapers can print the unbiased truth, The freedom to speak your mind with ease. Now, we can’t even pray without ‘offense’. We are told what to do, what to eat, Not to worry about rising costs. We cannot even walk down the street And be safe anymore. Racism rampant, mobs on the roads, What happened to our beloved country? Our Road Map is not considered a ‘code’. The Road Map was made to create a safe Environment for future generations. This country was made to last Among the other world nations. Throughout the years, we blindly have given Our freedom, our identity to those in power. We fear for ourselves when we should defend The trouble we’re in will create a miserable tower. Bring out the Road Map: it is gathering dust. It is meant to be used, to guide and help, The country is falling, use it we must! What is the Road Map? Do you not know? It is many documents written for a reason, They are documents signed so long ago. The Constitution, The Declaration, and others, Should be used, and must be used for us The American people. We must stand up. We have to protest, put up a fuss. Fetch those old papers and read them loudly Make everyone hear those simple, true words. And wear the name ‘American’ proudly.
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May 2012 43
The Save the Constitution - Read It! Campaign is not a group or a program. It is an Attitude. The purpose of Save it! Read it! is to encourage patriots everywhere to do two things: 1. Commit to reading The Constitution and review it often. 2. Encourage others to read the Constitution. We have received challenges to read and defend the Constitution of the United States of America from various sources. All of us must commit to reading the Constitution of the United States of America and review it often. Only by understanding the principles upon which our government was founded can we recognize Constitutional abuses and be able to step up and stop that abuse. The Save the Constitution - Read It! Campaign started as an extension of the Patriot Pin Program developed by As a Mom... A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots to encourage patriots everywhere to save the principles of the Constitution of the United States of America.
Classroom packs of 25 bookmarks are available from www.AsAMom.org Pins, Pendants and bumper stickers are at www.asamomestore.com
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