By Richard Larsen

Published – Idaho State Journal, Published 01/17/10

I can’t help but think that Martin Luther King, Jr. would not be very happy with us today. After all, so many of the principles that were dear to him and gave his life purpose are not held with the same regard that they were when he was enlightening a divided culture.

He taught, for example, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” He wasn’t all that keen on welfare programs, and yielding our personal responsibility and accountability to the state.

He probably wouldn’t have been too supportive of the identity politics going on these days, either, where politicians sell out to special interests for votes, rather than doing what’s best for the nation. For as he said, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” And as if to underscore this notion, “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

I think he would be supportive of the peaceful and principled “Tea Party” revolts against a government seeking to diminish individual liberty and exact oppressive taxation on the productive members of society. As he said, “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” Certainly those are wise words of encouragement to those of us who object to the direction the country is headed now.

As further evidence of his support for the “Tea Party” cause, he once said, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom.” Individual and universal freedom was everything to him, without regard to ethnicity, and advocated freedom, as opposed to government programs that diminish the freedom to build, achieve, be rewarded for those achievements, and succeed.

On another occasion he said, “I say to you that our goal is freedom, and I believe we are going to get there because however much she strays away from it, the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be as a people, our destiny is tied up in the destiny of America.”

Echoing those immortal words of the father of the modern conservative movement, Edmund Burke, who said “All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing,” King said, “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

King was a highly principled man, driven by truths and fundamental values. He referred often to those values. “If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values – that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control.” Some of those values were the very foundational principles upon which the nation was founded, that he found lacking in their application to all American equally. “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

I think Martin Luther King would have concurred with Morgan Freeman a few years ago in a “60 Minutes” interview with Mike Wallace. Wallace started out, “Black History Month, you find…”, Freeman interjected, “Ridiculous.” The interview continued.

WALLACE: Why?
FREEMAN: You’re going to relegate my history to a month?
WALLACE: Come on.
FREEMAN: What do you do with yours? Which month is White History Month? Come on, tell me.
WALLACE: I’m Jewish.
FREEMAN: OK. Which month is Jewish History Month?
WALLACE: There isn’t one.
FREEMAN: Why not? Do you want one?
WALLACE: No, no.
FREEMAN: I don’t either. I don’t want a Black History Month. Black history is American history.
WALLACE: How are we going to get rid of racism until…?
FREEMAN: Stop talking about it. I’m going to stop calling you a white man. And I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man. I know you as Mike Wallace. You know me as Morgan Freeman. You’re not going to say, ‘I know this white guy named Mike Wallace.’ Hear what I’m saying?”

That sounds a lot like what Martin Luther King said, that his children would “one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” And for that, we honor you and your work, and strive to that end.

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Humane Society of the Upper Valley

There it is again…the desperate, heartbreaking howl. She’s been there over a year. When they moved in last winter, she was chained to a stake. I didn’t notice her until the first snowstorm. For 5 hours I waited for someone to return home. She remained curled in the snow with no shelter. I called the Sheriff’s Department. They located the family and shortly, a doghouse arrived. I wondered what type of people these were that had to be forced to provide shelter for the animal.

As time passed, I would watch as their son would go out to feed her. Often he would kick the dog to the ground before feeding her. I spoke with the father… a useless endeavor.

They erected a 10 x 10 chain link kennel at the back of the property. She’s been there a year now. We built a structure for shade to give her relief from the hot doghouse, but it was refused. “She’s a cow dog,” he responded, implying that she was meant to suffer.

Twice now, I’ve seen the kids let her run and her joy is boundless…running in wide circles but obediently coming when the kids call to return her to “the prison”. But that was last summer. Weeds have now grown up around her wire cage. She’s only visible when she stands on her hind legs desperately trying to catch sight of her family.

The howl comes more often nowadays…you can hear her growing desperation. Her loneliness is becoming unbearable.

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Idaho Chooses Life

We learned from Chuck Colson today that the Manhattan Declaration project has collected over 370,000 signatories since it was launched by Mr. Colson and some of the nation’s most prominent Christian clergy.

The declaration marks one of the (potentially) most important developments in modern American history. Christian leaders from numerous denominations have banded together to pledge that their faith will trump obedience to immoral regulations, laws or orders from our present government:

“We will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act,” the Manhattan Declaration says in its opening.

Clergy and Christians from across the nation have been adding their names, pledging to one another and to our Maker, that we will be obey God in matters of fundamental morality, particularly in the area of abortion.

Their goal is to reach 1 million faithful. We urge our readers to visit the website and, if you’re comfortable, join with us and others across the nation by adding your own name:

www.ManhattanDeclaration.org

The days of decision are fast upon us. We must be good citizens, and render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar; but we must strengthen our resolve to deny Caesar what belongs to God.

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By Richard Larsen

Common sense may be in short supply in Washington these days, but it isn’t in Boise. Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter sent a scathing letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid denouncing their attempt to take over America’s health care system.

Echoing the sentiments of most Americans, Otter began, “I am alarmed by the recent actions of Congress, with both the House and Senate rushing to pass ‘health care reform’ over the past two months. The deal making, arm twisting and the ends-justifying-the means attitude that we saw throughout the process and recent votes on HR 3590 (as amended) and HR 3962 reflected a fundamental disconnect with the real challenges and priorities of ordinary Americans.”

Questioning the constitutionality of congress’ proposed health-care reform, Otter queried, “Where does the U.S. Constitution grant Congress the power to pass legislation mandating compulsory health care coverage or creating a nationalized health care system? Even the wildest interpretations of the ‘general welfare clause’ in Article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution cannot justify what congressional leadership and the Administration propose within the bills. It is disappointing that some members of Congress have seemingly forgotten that the U.S. Constitution limits the authority of the legislative branch to the enumerated powers of Article I, and that absent such power it cannot enact laws no matter how ‘just’ or ‘well-intentioned.’”

Otter’s question of constitutionality is legitimized further by Pelosi’s exchange with a reporter a few weeks ago where she was asked where the Constitution authorized congress to do what they are attempting. Pelosi responded emphatically, “Are you serious?” Not once, but three times. Yes, Madam Speaker, we are serious. Her spokesman later told the press that Pelosi didn’t consider that a legitimate question. It appears self-evident, that constitutionality is of no concern to Pelosi. She and her fellow radicals in Washington are intent on doing whatever they desire, regardless of whether it’s legal or constitutional.

Reid displays equal contempt for law as he has been liberally circumventing or rewriting Senate rules to ensure passage of the Senate version of health-care reform.

Otter then lashed out over the financial elements of the legislation. He wrote, “States -including Idaho -continue to point out the financial burdens associated with the most recent proposals. The astronomical costs projected with either bill will greatly impact our children and grandchildren as taxpayers shoulder the tremendous debt associated with these potential ‘solutions.’ Moreover, many states and local governments will experience increased costs not covered by either bill, which could constitute a crushing unfunded mandate and violation of federal law.”

“Perhaps even more troubling are the undemocratic and inequitable compromises reached in the U.S. Senate to push HR 3590 through the process. It is appalling to learn that both Nebraska and Louisiana have received deals, now referred to as the ‘Nebraska Compromise’ and new ‘Louisiana Purchase’ in return for their senators’ support. I find it dubious that taxpayers in Idaho and other states will have to cover 100 percent of costs associated with newly eligible Medicaid enrollees in Nebraska or provide an additional $300 million in Medicaid aid to Louisiana.”

Questioning the congressional leaders’ motives, Otter continued, “I understand many families are struggling to meet their basic needs today, including health care. However, that is no excuse to sacrifice fiscal responsibility, sound judgment and constitutionality for political expediency.”

Then the teeth are bared as he concludes his letter, “I question the wisdom as well as the constitutionality and legality of these bills and will explore all my options, including legal action, to protect Idaho and the U.S. Constitution should Congress adopt and the President sign compromise health care legislation. Given the bills now before the conference committee all that truly will be ‘compromised’ is our American system of government in exchange for a multi-generational legacy of debt.”

Otter is not alone in threatening legal action over “Obamacare.” At least 13 states are exploring legal action against the health-care proposal. Considering the unconstitutionality of the proposals and the dubious manner they were drawn up, we might wonder why all 50 states are not fighting it.

Thank you, Governor Otter, for standing up for the rule of law and constitutional principles! Thank you for being willing to fight this unprecedented assault on individual liberty, and a “multi-generational legacy of debt.”

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Don’t miss Halli & Friends Tuesday, from 1-2pm, at BlogTalkRadio.com/IdahoTalk.

Idaho Representative Marv Hagedorn will be explaining his proposal to drastically reduce Idaho personal and corporate income tax rates, as well as giving us his predictions for the newly begun 2010 Idaho Legislature.

Then Captain Steve Lucks, a member of ACT for America, will explain the threat of Islamic extremists in America, including Idaho. You will be surprised to learn of incursions in your own backyard.

Thanks for listening to Halli & Friends, and for your patience as we work through a few technical issues in the quest to have the best radio show out there!

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Idaho Chooses Life

The Central Committee of the Idaho State Republican Party met this weekend to deal with various party matters. We are gratified to report that it took the time to issue a call upon the Idaho Legislature to enact a strong and comprehensive law protecting the conscience rights of Idaho health care professionals.

The resolution adopted unanimously by the Central Committee said, in part:

“Whereas the present national administration has repealed conscience protections for the nation’s health care professions enacted by President Bush, and whereas medical personnel are facing increasing pressures to compromise or violate their deeply held religious principles, leading some to reconsider their involvement in medicine, and whereas Idaho already suffers from a shortage of doctors and nurses… Be it resolved that the Idaho Republican Party Central Committee hereby calls upon the 2010 Legislature to enact strong and comprehensive conscience protections for all health care professionals practicing in our state.”

That is a terrific piece of leadership from the party’s elders, and ought to add some real momentum to our efforts to protect all Idahoans by protecting the integrity of the healing professions.

The Central Committee also adopted a very strong resolution calling upon the Legislature to resist liberal efforts to nationalize health care. The resolution was based upon the principle that the 10th Amendment does not allow Congress and President Obama to force us into collectivist scheme on health care.

The Republican committee specifically petitions the Legislature to pass legislative which will help protect the freedoms of Idaho families to make our own decisions on health care and to actively challenge as unconstitutional any national health care program.

We shall see what the Idaho Legislature does with these important and timely calls to action. States must rise to defend the people against the numerous threats being created by the Obama Administration.

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In order to allow listeners to hear Governor Otter’s State of the State address, scheduled to begin at 1pm, Halli & Friends will air 1 hour later than usual this day only. Tune in at BlogTalkRadio.com/IdahoTalk at 2pm for the live show, which will include reaction to the governor’s speech.

Remember that past shows are available on demand at any time on this blog, or on the above website.

Please help spread the word about Halli & Friends, heard weekdays at 1pm, except for Monday, Jan. 12, when the show will be at 2pm. And don’t forget to call in at 917.889.3946 to participate!

Idaho Chooses Life

The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer issued a press release this week highlighting new research corroborating the linkage between abortion history and breast cancer. While the corporate media has failed, again, to inform women of the research – it is highly significant that the research comes from Louise Brinton, a researcher with the National Cancer Institute. Perhaps most important is the fact that Brinton has been among those denying such cause-and-effect in previously published research.

Brinton organized a 2003 NCI workshop designed to debunk the science showing a link between abortion and breast cancer.

This is no casual oversight by the media and medical establishment: Her research paper was published in April of 2009.

“Although the study was published nine months ago,” said Coalition President Karen Malec, “the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen and other cancer fundraising businesses have made no efforts to reduce breast cancer rates by issuing nationwide warnings to women.”

Malec could have included a chastisement of groups like Planned Parenthood – who purport to be champions of women health while making millions over future misery.

The study by Brinton and Jessica Dolle also found that girls who start taking oral contraceptives before age 18 multiply their risk of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly deadly form of the disease, by some 370%.

This continuing conspiracy to tell women the deadly truth about abortion is disturbing on so many levels. But it confirms the Biblical principle that death begets more death. It also proves that the pro-Life movement is not just pro-baby – but pro-woman as well.

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By Richard Larsen

The heroics manifested by many of our founding fathers are literally beyond comprehension of the contemporary mind. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, a rag-tag militia and collection of colonialists stood up against what was then deemed insufferable oppression by the greatest military and economic power in the world. They rose to the occasion, displaying the character of those men and women and the resolve with which they approached their challenge.
One such example of revolutionary heroics came on Christmas, 1776. As recounted on the ushistory.org website, General George Washington and his ragged army had experienced defeat and despair, unable to make any appreciable dent in the British defenses and losing ground on every front. The struggle for independence was not fairing well, as Washington’s defense of New York and the battle of Long Island ended in disappointment and failure as the British troops outmaneuvered Washington’s Continental Army. With those failures, Washington was forced to retreat across New Jersey to Pennsylvania in early December.

As the harsh Pennsylvania winter set in, American troop morale was decimated. Not only from the military defeats, but because the troops had to fight their losing battles with a dearth of food and warm clothing. With a growing sense of despair, Washington watched as his army shrank to desertions and expiring enlistments. If ever there was a time when they needed a victory in battle and a resurgence of revolutionary spirit, this was it.

Washington drew up an aggressive and risky plan to capture the British encampment in Trenton that would include a three-pronged attack with troops crossing the icy Delaware River led by him and Generals Cadwalader and Ewing. Against all odds, Washington hoped the battle for Trenton would bring a victory to help curtail the desertions and prevent complete abandonment of the army by those troops whose enlistment expired on December 31.

Just a week before the planned attack, Thomas Paine, author of the “Common Sense” pamphlet which had done much to inspire the early revolutionary movement, came out with another inspiring publication, “The American Crisis.” This new publication began famously, “These are times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

On Christmas morning, Washington assembled his leadership for final preparations for the troop movements and the attack on Trenton, and provided them with the password for the mission, “Victory or Death.”

By six in the afternoon on Christmas Day, Washington’s troops had begun crossing the ice-choked Delaware River. The weather abruptly changed for the worse, forcing Generals Cadwalader and Ewing to back out of the operation, unbeknownst to General Washington. This left Washington’s 2400 troops alone in their mission.

By 3 a.m. on the morning of the 26th Washington’s troops had successfully crossed the river, and still cold and wet from the sleet and blinding snow storm, marched into Trenton for a victory over the British and Hessian troops stationed there. The Americans lost but three soldiers in the battle for Trenton, while six were injured, but there were numerous casualties by the British, and over 1,000 prisoners of war were captured as they retook the city.

This is not just an inspiring story for the revolutionaries 234 years ago, but it should be inspiring to all of us who love America and the principles upon which it was founded. We have faced a challenging year in the battle for the American spirit, and this winter has been a daunting one as legislation has passed which not only threatens individual liberty, but is arguably unconstitutional.

Our battle today for freedom is not against a foreign power, but a domestic one, determined to transform the nation into something it was never designed to be. And our battle is not with muskets and powder, but with words based on fundamental principles of liberty and constitutionality. But that same American spirit which removed the yoke of oppression years ago can, and must, be the spirit which motivates us to stand up and be counted, doing all we can to influence our elected officials and supporting electoral change at the ballot box. Liberty won 234 years ago, and it can reemerge supreme yet again, but it takes all of us who love freedom.

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Idaho Chooses Life

Idaho AARP’s Jim Wordelman threatened Governor Butch Otter yesterday for his promises to defend Idaho from the health care boondoggle pending in Congress. In doing so, Wordelman merely seeks to defend the billions his organization is about to receive from Democrat pals in Washington.

It is the height of political cynicism for the AARP to attack Otter for “selling out” Idaho when the organization has gleefully endorsed a half-trillion slashing of Medicare budgets, which are guaranteed to jeopardize Idaho seniors. Just last week the Mayo Clinic announced it would no longer accept Medicare patients at one of its Arizona clinics because of absurdly low reimbursement rates. That situation can only become a spreading crisis if ObamaCare becomes law.

So why is the AARP, supposedly an organization dedicated to protecting the interests of seniors, working overtime to sell America on a reform package which threatens the very lives of vulnerable seniors?

Money. A lot of money.

Most of the AARP’s large budget comes not from its $16 membership dues, but from Medigap insurance kick-backs. The AARP is currently losing potential revenue to seniors that purchase Medicare Advantage health plans to supplement Medicare benefits. Grace Marie Turner of the Galen Institute declared back in November that the AARP leadership determined it was essential to end the Medicare Advantage program by forcing seniors to buy Medigap insurance instead.

Ben Nelson and Mary Landrieu were not the only ones to trade their integrity for some big pork:

Galen reports that ObamaCare would dramatically cut money out of Medicare Advantage programs, forcing people to buy the Medigap policies that are such a big cash cow for the AARP.

Insurance kick-backs netted the AARP some $650 million in 2008. That figure will dramatically increase if ObamaCare becomes law.

Governor Otter deserves a great deal of encouragement for his declared intention to fight ObamaCare in federal court. More than that, given the proven manipulative power of the AARP. Otter needs encouragement to follow through on his righteous determination to protect Idaho seniors, as well as the rest of us, from Washington’s outrageous scheme to remake the entire culture.

Hopefully Butch will put some additional energy into exposing the corruption of the AARP.

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