As I look around our house and realize from Pixar DVD’s to the ipods to the iMac, our family works, relaxes, and plays differently because of what Steve Jobs helped create. And like my own father, who also died at 56, it feels the world has lost another great human being a bit prematurely. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

(Thank you to Jonathan Mak for creating such a great image.)

By John F. Pilmer

US Constitution: “provide for the common defense” – one of the pillars of government’s purpose. While Washington is chasing control of one fifth of the US economy (healthcare), they have totally lost focus of a primary role of the U.S. Government – protect the people. Instead, we have protected criminal rights so much that victims cannot depend on the government for protection. The southern border of the U.S. is a joke!The handcuffs are on the police & law abiding citizens- not the criminals.

I have to provide Social Security number, proof of insurance, or my drivers license whenever I interface with government. I expect no less for ANYONE else–including immigrants. We love immigrants! America is built on the excellent efforts of immigrants. We are also a nation that has survived because we value the rule of law. Illegal immigrants, as their first act of residency, break the law to get here.  Arizona and Texas are among states crippled by this emergency situation.

Washington needs a complete home makeover. We must kick congress out in November and start over with representatives who protect the Constitution, not illegal immigrants. Stop government takeover of private industry and protect the borders–that’s your job, Congress! If Washington won’t DO IT, then AZ, TX, and others must protect themselves!! This is an emergency worthy of emergency measures.

Leadership is not a popularity contest like Obama seems to think. Millions will disagree with tactics, but we must act. Protect Americans–NOW!

By John F. Pilmer

Applause was generous before, and deafening after, Ted Cruz spoke to the Heritage Foundation Resource Bank 2010 audience in Miami.  No doubt was left as to which side of the aisle the former Solicitor General of Texas comes down on.  He spoke encouraging words to tea partiers, republicans, and other conservatives about the future of the movement–in spite of recent liberal victories such as nationally controlled healthcare.

Among my favorite parts of his speech was his description of “What We Need From a Conservative  Candidate” in order to win back the White House and Congress.

1) He/She must stand for principles – Cruz gave examples of victories in Texas defending the 10 Commandments monument at the state capitol, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the 2nd Ammendment (to keep & bare arms).

2) The right candidate stands for sound principles; has backbone for the fight; and motivate, inspire and connect with the people.

3) The right candidate must understand the opposition. He pointed to the current president as a “committed ideologue” in a long line of smooth talkers like FDR, JFK, and Bill Clinton. (Obama’s Actual Platform Ted Cruz 4 23 10 audio)

4) The right candidate must be prepared to demand change and settle for nothing less.

My take is that many in the audience will be doing more research on Ted Cruz. We will see him again.

www.juntocommunications.com

By John F. Pilmer

There was standing room only in Miami at the Heritage Foundation Resource Bank 2010 conference. Fueled by the huge backlash against out of control government spending and erosion of personal liberty, conservatives welcomed national figures like Ed Meese, Bridgett Wagner, and Matthew Spalding to the podium. However, the hit of the opening luncheon presentation may have been Billie Tucker, founder of the First Coast Tea Party that has attracted up to 7,000 participants to a single event. A working mother herself, Billie indicated in her remarks that the current administration has “made some mommas mad” and “you don’t want to make momma mad.” Her activism in the conservative movement is inspiring women everywhere to get involved.

www.juntocommunications.com

Today on our radio show, The Conservative Professor, I threw out my top 5 books for conservatives if I were going to create a Conservative 101.

1. The Law: Fredric Bastiat
2. American Cause: Russell Kirk
3. Conservative Mind: Russell Kirk
4. Commentaries on the Constitution: Joseph Story
5. Road to Serfdom: F.A. Hayek

What would you add/subtract from this list and why?

I stopped blogging 18 months ago or so for a variety of reasons, but I’ve found that the bug to write never goes away once you start.  So now I’m back for round two.  I don’t guarantee that the writing will be any better, but I’m ready to have more fun.  After all sometimes, I just need to write.