We all want to change the world

That line from a Beatles tune keeps coming to mind as we observe not only the inauguration of a president, but the ushering in of an entire cultural revolution, a new heart throb, super jock, and teen idol to swoon over; a new rock star that storms onto center stage. "You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we all want to change the world."

More importantly, the media and Hollywood have now found religion.  They have witnessed the birth of their savior, and they are aglow with born-again fever.

I watched the introductions of dignitaries onto the inaugural platform, the swearing-in and the speech yesterday.  In the land of Hopeandchange, I was highly disappointed that Mr. Obama has not yet groomed his troops in proper etiquette and appropriate conduct during a historical moment.  His adoring fans that boo-ed both President and Laura Bush, their daughters and the Cheney family should really be educated so as not to tarnish that all-inclusive love fest atmosphere that is to surround our president. 

The speech did not inspire me, but then, this is the first president I can remember that has not reached out much at all to those that did not vote for him and do not support many of his policies.  Usually, a bone is thrown out to the tune of, "You may not have voted for me, but today, I'm your president, too, and I am here to serve you and listen to you, as well."  President Obama does not have to acknowledge the millions that did not support him during the election.  He dismisses us as insignificant, irrelevant and part of the past.  We are the group he referred to in his speech when he said "the ground has shifted" beneath our feet. We can either find our footing, which is squarely behind him in all things, or prepare to be ignored.

Critics are talking about the aggressive agenda President Obama has for his first days in office.  They say he's taking on more than he can manage in the early going.  While he may have more directives than he can get accomplished in a short while, you can't blame him for trying.  After all, he's at cruising altitude with a nice tail wind in perfectly clear skies and fantastic flying weather.  Why would he not seize those ideal conditions?  With an adoring media, mind-boggling amounts of money sitting at the ready to fund advertising to promote his agenda, he has the most friendly, conducive climate to achieve his goals of any incoming president. 

The youth vote takes much credit for electing their new pop culture hero.  Dick Morris made a statement recently that should prompt the Republican party to sit up and take notice and start sharpening their communication skills.  Morris stated that Obama will be able to push through much of his agenda by simply text messaging his supporters.  Obama's theme yesterday was that he needs his supporters now to help him bring about change.   Translation:  "Congress and the general public may not back me up, so I'll need you guys to make lots of noise to help push things through."  He'll reach out to his voters, asking them to contact their representatives in Washington each time he hits a roadblock in Congress or with dissenters in general.  Washington listens to massive input from voters--they want to keep their jobs.

Young people think its very cool to get an instant message from the guy they voted into office.  Using technology, along with his charismatic personality, he's gotten the under 30 crowd right where he wants them.  He promises them change and they sign on because they feel entitled to education, healthcare and other government subsidies.  Just as the Beatles changed hearts and minds in the 1960's and '70's about national defense, capitalism, personal responsibility, organized religion and morals, President Obama now has the power and backing to do a total remake of our culture as he sees fit.  His youth support will stand with him.

As policy discussions ensue about the Don't Ask, Don't Tell  issue, whether or not the federal government will pay for abortions both here and in other countries, increased spending and budget deficit expansion, nationalized healthcare, unionization of the workplace, increased taxes, and putting more people on the welfare roles, and thus, destroying incentive we will start to observe if the current level of popularity continues.  Education reform is also high on the 'to do' list and the new education secretary has trained and studied under Bill Ayers.  Before being tapped for this new position, he was working diligently in Chicago to create a socially reformed high school which would require half the students be gay and the other half straight. 

There is change coming, and we better get ready.  Our pubic school textbooks will continue to be written to support a political agenda.  Our healthcare will be delivered as the government deems appropriate and to whom.  Our place of work may well become an environment of organized labor and forced union dues to a political party we may not support.  We may see higher fuel taxes,  meant to discourage commerce and freedom to travel or drive a distance for a job  We may see taxes for our pets, luxury taxes based on the square footage of our homes and taxes on how much energy we use (the government will install thermostats to keep tabs on our usage). 

Farming as we know it may change because the newer mindset is that farming destroys the environment and livestock may be taxed, or preferably, done away with completely.  Off-shore oil drilling and increased efforts to extract clean coal and natural gas may be rejected.  The jobs and clean energy nuclear plants could provide will not be part of our energy policy.  While wind and solar may have great potential in years to come, they are not ready yet to assume the energy needs of our growing nation.  Military spending may be dramatically decreased with career soldiers discouraged from re-enlisting in order to save money.  As trouble sprouts around the world that threatens our national security, increased troop levels may be met by reinstituting the draft (if Charlie Rangel has his way). 

When Bob Dylan wrote, "The Times, They are A-Changin'",  he must have been able to see the coming of Barack Obama.  He chides mothers and fathers to get out of the way of their sons and daughters that are moving toward the change.  He tells congressmen that soon their windows will rattle with coming change.  He advises writers to use their pens to write about change.  He tells us change is engulfing us like rising waters.  Whether it's the Beatles, Dylan or other 1960's anti-establishment musicians, they surely inspired the Weather Underground crowd and other revolutionary factions of society.  It's taken longer than they probably had thought, but the agents of change and revolt of that era are finally realizing their visions.   Change has come to America.

Is this a movie?

Barack Obama said this week that this inauguration is not about him.  He's right.  Rather, it's about another huge influx of cash into our political system by donors, foreign and domestic, that have a clear vision for this country.  It's not about him, but he happened to have some of the qualities such as charisma and the gift of eloquence that enticed and seduced the money machines and high-powered  liberals enough to make them want to knight him as The One.  As they say, always follow the money.  Once Barack Obama's handlers decided he should go back on his word (That used to be a sacred contract in this country--guys like Abe Lincoln really bought into it.) on campaign financing, Mr. Obama was able to attract $740.6 million to his campaign.  In keeping his word, John McCain and the incredibly weak, inept campaign system behind him, had only $81.4 million to spend.  Follow the money.  It was never going to be much of a contest. 

Remember what the Democrats did with some of that $740.6 million?  They spent it on flash and pizazz and propaganda.  "Yes We Can" still resonates throughout the country.  In a CBS commercial, CBS is asking if they can put out a prime time line-up that you'll want to watch.  They answer for you with, "Yes We Can".  Pepsi is using the mantra to boost sales and the beat, along with the Pepsi Generation, goes on.  If the ongoing drum beat is getting on your nerves, the mute button works well.  What we can't unfortunately tune out is rhetoric of the RINO's such as Lindsey Graham sitting at the right hand of The One, saying he thinks all the Cabinet picks are going to be just fine and other pathetic ramblings.  Sen. Graham and his cohorts in the Senate are useful idiots in this Hollywood production we are calling an Inauguration and new administration.  They aren't just joining the "Yes We Can" chant, they've taken it to the next level with "Yes We Must"!

Speaking of Hollywood, this entire scenario may one day make a great movie.  Only in our dreams would we see situations like Mrs. Clinton sitting in confirmation hearings and telling the country that her husband is going to continue to accept funding for his projects, no matter the source, no matter the possible conflict of interest.  In that steely Hillary tone,  you'll do what I say.  End of subject.    Only in a movie would they trot out Sandy Berger to talk about how great things are going to be.  He is the only person likely to have ever stolen and destroyed documents from the National Archives and isn't sitting in a prison in Canon City.  He's another cast member that we should love and overlook his pesky little bad habits.  

Only in a movie would the American taxpayer be sold a bill of goods that if we don't pony up and bail out Wall Street, the world will end.  We would then go on to see those same companies use some of our money to help make Inauguration '09 a wonderful, extravagant success, and nary a CEO ever hauled up before a Congressional hearing panel to answer for their misconduct.  Only in a movie would the media buy into the hype to such a degree that cable stations are having celebratory countdowns this weekend much like they have on New Year's Eve.  It could not be believed except in a movie that labor unions that would not budge on any compromise in order to 'save' the auto industry, did in fact, have millions just months earlier to send to Mr. Obama's campaign.  

It would have to be a comedy plot for the First Couple's favorite cheesecake, Eli's in Chicago,  to spend 7 days and use 200 employees to bake and deliver a 1000 pound cake for the Inauguration when the same couple campaigned on redistribution of wealth and everybody having to have 'skin in the game'---what about the poor and starving only a few blocks away in D.C.?  Are they getting their fair share of cheesecake?  Crooks and cronies and people that forget to pay their taxes will occupy the highest seats of power in the land.  Watergate is starting to look like a segment on Sesame Street.  Only in a movie would the majority vote be persuaded by sit com and late night TV humor.  It's a movie plot, all right.  A real blockbuster.

The campaign that had unlimited resources for TV ads and spectacular productions (remember the convention in Denver?) now has obvious continued support.  Labor unions are paying big money to put out TV ads to push the card-check system.  We see actors and actresses that appear to represent the hardest working among us, imploring us with their soulful eyes to please get on board with the new administration and allow card-check to advance upon us in the quiet of night.  We aren't supposed to read or contemplate the countless written reports and even Congressional testimony about employees being harassed and badgered at work by union 'persuaders'.  Just like nationalized healthcare will be the savior for American industry, card-check is the icing on the cake.  Just sit there in front of your TV and be mezmerized and seduced by these commercials.  Hollywood is entrenched once again in the propagandizing of many and driving the political policy of a country that has more interest in Miley, Angelina and Britney than it has in addressing tough challenges and staying on course.

What are you going to do on Tuesday?  I know that I am not going to glue myself to the 24 hour coverage of the Inauguration.  I won't be able to stand the sight of Oprah and Hollywood trying to pretend for a day that they are true blue Americans in the spirit of Abe Lincoln and the Founding Fathers.  Every single Hollywood liberal that's vocal has trashed their country up one side and down the other, both here and abroad.  Kinda like only going to church on Christmas and Easter.  We aren't supposed to judge but you have to wonder where the commitment and sincerity really are.  The Democrats will party heartily, laughing at the Right all the way till morning.  I will fly my American flag on Tuesday, not because I celebrate the excess and hype, but in memory of what once was, and what may be again if our fellow citizens ever tire of the double standards and start thinking again with some real discernment. 

I wish the Obama's safety and happiness and I certainly hope their children are protected from the glitter of the media and have reasonably normal childhoods in the White House.  The country is eager to focus now on style and fashion, anything cool and hip and very much outside the norm of what we typically see in the White House.  We've got ourselves a really cool president to lead us at a time when we may want to put aside terrorism and financial threats to our country.  If as the song says, "It's hip to be square," then I've found my niche for the next four years. 

I won't watch all the glamour and fuss that is being made now and will endure through at least Wednesday.  I'll be one of the square ones, quietly writing to the GOP Congressmen in Washington that really are doing great work.  They deserve our encouragement.  I'll write searing letters to the RINO's in the Senate that need to find other work. 

While on the subject of movies, since there's so much talk about President Lincoln these days, I recommend you watch the old movie, "Shenandoah" starring Jimmy Stewart, who played a farmer named Anderson.  We surely could use some Mr. Anderson's right about now, but in real life, not in a movie.

Farewell to a president

George W. Bush gave his farewell address to the nation last night.  I thank him for his service. And in some important ways I will miss him.

Yes, there is plenty for conservatives to lament about his presidency. He presided over an unprecedented expansion of government pork and failed at every turn to rein in the profligate spenders in Congress. From 2001 to 2006 he presided over a unified government where the opportunities for driving home small-government conservatism were everywhere. But, alas, George W. Bush proved himself to be a big government conservative instead – failing to veto a single bill spending until 2006 (after the Democrats took control) and allowing a vast expansion of Medicare entitlements under his watch. Clearly, George Bush is no Ronald Reagan.

But it is equally clear to me that after 9/11, George Bush made a deal with himself and the nation: he would work tirelessly to keep us safe, even if he had to make compromises with Congress on spending and the economy. For as painful as the recent economic meltdown is, it is not fatal. 9/11 put this presidency on a wartime footing and in war you sometime make deals with the devil. FDR, the president the left likes to prominently stand up as the ideal Democrat, interned thousands of Japanese Americans in the name of national security.

War isn’t pretty. It requires lots of compromises in both policy and practice, and sometimes you have to do things that you don't want to do. One guesses that Barack Obama will soon see how tough this is.

So, George Bush decided that to keep Congress in line on fighting Al Qaeda and taking out Saddam Hussein, he would allow all sorts of domestic shenanigans. And this included looking the other way as the risks associated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac escalated, fueling the sub-prime mortgage mess that exploded late in the 2008 campaign. Yes, there were warning signs galore – the collapse of Bear Stearns, the puncturing of the housing bubble, the government’s own internal audits.

But it hardly mattered to this war president: By 2006, with Iraq in disarray and verging on catastrophic failure, the president was focused exclusively outward. The slow fires burning at home were nagging problems that could hardly compare to the challenges of war in the Mid East. Bush – nor anyone else – could have predicted the massive crisis that has ensnared the world economy.

This, of course, doesn’t give the President a pass. Hardly. His failure to create and sustain a clear philosophy on economic matters helped to ensure that the storm that hit the financial markets would be stronger and more sustained than it ordinarily might have been. He was derelict in his leadership, of that there is no question – and history will judge him so.

But I give the man ample credit for trying to change the balance of power in the Middle East and in keeping the homeland safe from attack. No one on 9/12/2001 would have bet that Al Qaeda would not attack again and soon. His strength and unwavering discipline to do “what is necessary” to keep America safe is something that he will be lauded for in years to come. And his courage to take out Saddam and create a democracy in Iraq has the chance to remake the Arabian peninsula for years to come.  And while he has failed to confront Iran with sufficient force, the opportunity to make Iraq into an ally in the region should provide a useful base from which to both oppose Iran and support Israel.  Iraq -- if successful and intelligently utilized -- can provide a critical "balance shifter" in the fight against Shia extremism.

Time will tell if the Obama administration will risk or reward this grand effort.

In the end, my guess is that George W. Bush will be kindly remembered by historians, though like Truman, it may take a generation or two for it to happen. The long-term impact of Iraq and the overall war on terror will not quickly be clear. But when it is, he will get much credit for seeing evil and trying to defeat it.

We can only hope that his successor has such clarity.

BHO steers US toward Eurosocialism

As Barack Obama is about to be inaugurated as America’s 44th President, a huge question mark hangs over the future of American society and, by extension, over the future of freedom in the world: Will a majority of the American people turn their backs on individual responsibility, free enterprise and the Constitution and follow in Europe’s Socialistic footsteps, or will they remain true to America’s exceptional heritage and destiny? As they make their fateful decision amid talk of Big Government entitlements, bail-outs and deficit spending, I would strongly urge them to ponder the penetrating analysis which Barry Goldwater made of the effects of the Welfare state on individual freedom in The Conscience of A Conservative almost fifty years ago:

“The currently favored instrument of collectivization is the Welfare state. The collectivists have not abandoned their ultimate goal – to subordinate the individual to the State – but their strategy has changed. They have learned that Socialism can be achieved through Welfarism quite as well as Nationalization.

They understand that private property can be confiscated as effectively by taxation as by expropriating it. They understand that the individual can be put at the mercy of the State – not only by making the State his employer - but by divesting him of the means to provide for his personal needs and by giving the State the responsibility of caring for those needs from cradle to grave.

Moreover, they have discovered – and here is the critical point – that Welfarism is much more compatible with the political processes of a democratic society. Nationalization ran into popular opposition, but the collectivists feel sure the Welfare State can be erected by the simple expedient of “free” hospitalization, “free” retirement pay and so on… (…)

I do not welcome this shift of strategy. Socialism-through-Welfarism poses a far greater danger to freedom than Socialism-through-Nationalization precisely because it is more difficult to combat. The evils of Nationalization are self-evident and immediate. Those of Welfarism are veiled and tend to be postponed. (…) The effect of Welfarism on freedom will be felt later on – after its beneficiaries have become its victims, after dependence on government has turned into bondage and it is too late to unlock the jail.”

Judging by Goldwater’s 1960 impeccably conservative standards, Big Government in a country like France has spread so much wealth around to build a Welfare state of its own that French society often feels like a gulag.

As Barack Obama’s term as President of the United States is about to start, calls for philosophical and political restraint within the GOP sound irresponsible, if not cowardly. Due respect for the democratic process should not be mistaken for acquiescing in America’s destruction as an exceptionally freedom-loving country.

As in 1964, 1980, 1984 and 1994, it is time for Conservatives to stand up and be counted.

Note: “Paoli” is the pen name, er, nom de plume, of our French correspondent. Monsieur is a close student of European and US politics, a onetime exchange student in Colorado and a well-wisher to us Americans. He informs us the original Pasquale Paoli, 1725-1807, was the George Washington of Corsica.

GOP: Reclaim the spirit of Lincoln

Lincoln inevitably came to mind when I toured the Civil War coin exhibit currently on display at the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs. My grandson asked me to take him to see the exhibit which he'd already seen  a few times and will likely see several more times before the exhibit moves on in October.  The museum is a hidden gem, and the Civil War displays are well worth your time.  My grandson is an avid coin collector, history buff and is developing a very keen interest in our presidents, at the tender age of 6. The Civil War era holds so much history beyond the typical textbook renditions.  As we hear alot about Mr. Obama hoping to fashion his presidential career after that of Abraham Lincoln, I've spent time delving into some of the oft-missed historical content of Lincoln's presidency and politics of the day.  As a quilter, I'm intrigued with the accounts of the Underground Railroad quilts, love letter quilts women made to send with a loved one going off to war, and the message quilts that were hung on clotheslines to assist soldiers in avoiding nearby enemy encampments, or depicting a route they could take if wanting to defect. It is incredible to ponder what it must have been like for the women that stayed behind, with some having sons fighting against each other.  The conflict and mental anguish they must have suffered is beyond my comprehension.  There are amazing stories also of women that joined the soldiers in the combat fields, served as surgeons, helped with burials, and other sobering duties.  Many women believed so strongly one way or another on the slavery issue that they disguised their femininity and enlisted under a man's name.  They fought and died side by side with men.  The issue of slavery and civil rights in general caused great divide and aroused fervent passion and desire to stand up for what one believed.  There were few 'moderates' in terms of support for or against Abraham Lincoln.   People were outspoken with respect to how they viewed their president.  Families were often divided in opinion and friendships were severed.  The press frequently did it's best to undermine Lincoln and create dissent.  Sound familiar?

The Obama's visited the Lincoln Memorial over the weekend and it's reported Mr. Obama will be sworn in with his hand on the same Bible that Lincoln used, and will dine on some of Lincoln's favorite foods for his Inaugural luncheon.  While neither Lincoln nor Obama were born in Illinois, it's reasonable to expect certain similarities between the two, both coming to the White House from the state of Illinois .  {Of note, Ronald Reagan was born in Illinois, yet little recognition  is made in that regard.}  Some are suggesting Mr. Obama may be going a bit too far in trying to mimic President Lincoln.   No matter, the coming Inauguration will be, as always, a monumental point in America's history.  Our system allows for a peaceful transfer of government with as much pomp and circumstance and celebration as the incoming President chooses to enjoy.  The true connection between Mr. Obama and Mr. Lincoln is yet to be revealed in terms of how the country will be governed.

As we look at some historical context, let's clarify that Lincoln was a Republican.  I spoke with a woman during the campaign that said she was voting for Obama because he was going to be the next Abe Lincoln.  I kindly suggested that might be difficult if Obama follows a partisan agenda.  She looked confused, so I told her Lincoln was a Republican.  She was immediately angry and disputed it.  She had believed her entire life that Lincoln was a Democrat.  Afterall, he was against slavery and he wanted equal rights for all people.  It was hard for her to swallow the idea that 'all men are created equal' and civil rights, personal freedoms, along with small government have been foundations of the Republican platform since inception.   Democrats have done a good job of convincing the electorate that it is their party that is compassionate and protective of rights.  I wonder as Lincoln's name continues to be invoked during the coming presidency, how many people will learn for the first time of his political party!

During the Inauguration festivities we will hear repeatedly about the phenomenon of our country electing the first black president.  While it is rarely stated that Mr. Obama is actually bi-racial, the country as a whole should be proud of this  accomplishment.  A particular landmark that is significant to many has been achieved.   Yet, there has been no support from the Left for other African Americans that happen to also be Republicans.  When I think of Ken Blackwell, Rod Paige, Thomas Sowell, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Michael Steele, J.C. Watts, Lynn Swann and Condi Rice of our modern era, I believe any of these individuals may well possess the qualities, experience and background requisite to serve our country as President or any high office in government.  They are Americans of great character and integrity. The media and Democrats as a whole have little to no respect for these individuals, but still claim to be the party of progression and fairness and equality for all.   

Just as many may not know Abe Lincoln was a Republican President, some may also not realize that the great civil rights activist, Martin Luther King, Jr., was a Republican.  His niece, Dr. Alveda King, also a Republican, is an accomplished author, college professor and believes the most significant civil rights issue of our time is school choice.  She is also adamantly pro-choice.  While the election of Mr. Obama is a historical benchmark, the clear division in our country that follows party lines veils the deserved acknowledgement of other black Americans that have equally remarkable personal stories,  professional accomplishments and contributions to their country.  As Mr. Obama settles into the Oval Office, hoping to fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, he must recognize that the great divide in thinking and opinion today is not necessarily between races, but rather between political parties.  It is partisan politics that has diminished our standing in the world and divided families and friends.   It is the vitriolic and caustic rhetoric of the Left, supported by the MSM, that inflames dissent and inspires anger.  To be fair, there are some extremes also on the Right, however, they don't get nearly as much media coverage, and often when they do, they are quoted out of context within 30 second sound bytes.

The heroics of Harriet Tubman during the Civil War are very inspiring.  The restraints of space here don't allow an adequate tribute to her contribution to civil rights and humanity in general.   History also recounts the difficult work of Sojourner Truth, who also fought hard in the Abolition, and later stood up for women's rights.  Both black women staunchly supported their Republican president and praised his work in supporting freedom for slaves.   In the post-war late 1860's black men were granted the right to vote.  Women--black or white--were not yet allowed to vote, but many Republican women became activists.  Black women are credited for recruiting many Republican voters in the South during this time.  They supported their fathers, husbands and sons as they started to run for office, make speeches on the issues  and other political involvement.  Black women organized political rallies, marches and parades to support Republican candidates, and many became very active in making speeches themselves and worked to get out the vote.  This effort to support Republican causes did not go forth without conflict and threat to personal safety.  In South Carolina, Democrats still angry over the freeing of slaves organized raids to terrorize blacks that were so vocal in support of the Republican Party and it's platforms. 

Today, it is little reported and seldom mentioned that it was the Republican Party, lead by Abraham Lincoln, that stood for free speech, abolition of slavery and women's suffrage.   At the time the Republican Party was founded, the country was divided by political discord among Democrats and a handful of other parties, such as the Free Soil Party, the Whig Party of the South and their spin-off, the the Conscious Whigs of the North that were anti-slavery.  The Kansas-Nebraska Act provided for states and territories to determine for themselves whether or not slavery was legal.  President Lincoln saw the great divide all these radical factions were causing.  He won the presidency campaigning on determined action and strong resolve to end slavery and bring the country together.

As Republicans, let's stand up for our conservatism.  Let's not allow the Beltway Boys, Bill Kristol, Pat Buchanan and other moderate-to-left voices carry our message.  While they have every right to speak and have opinion, they do not speak for us on many issues.  Here in Colorado, don't let our GOP leadership whither away until the next election draws near.  Get involved, ask why you aren't receiving weekly emails with updates about Party activity in your county and our state.  If you don't get the desired response, make noise at the state level and ask why.  Help identify bright, energized, articulate, persuasive, charismatic youthful conservatives and then get behind efforts to set them up for speaking engagements at our colleges, universities and civic organizations.  Find out what is being taught to kids in your school district in terms of accuracy in civics and government.  We need to make sure people around us know who the Republican Party is, what we've done, what we stand for and where we intend to lead.  We aren't just the minority party, we also have an uphill battle to get any press coverage or make any opposition known.  A great effort continues to silence questions and differing points of view.  In the spirit of our founding fathers, we have a responsibility to defend our right of free speech.  As they say in the football coaching industry, "Next year starts today." We won't win back anything in '10 or '12 unless there is activism and movement happening today.

Perhaps Democrat leadership will help us out.  As government grows larger and becomes more intrusive, our version of hope can be that our country takes a hard look and decides it wants some of the freedoms back, and change of a different sort will be desired during the next election cycles.  

Bold leadership worked for Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan in bringing about real change.  It's past time for Republicans to do some history homework and revisit what wins elections and brings people together.  Reclaim Lincoln's goal to "lift the artificial weights from all shoulders, and clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all."  Thomas Jefferson had the same philosophy in mind.  Reagan perfected it.  Freedom of expression, free markets and enterprise, freedom to vote, freedom to practice religion, and opportunity limited only by an individual's personal desire to succeed are the foundations of the Republican Party.   As the spirit of Abe Lincoln prevails during next week's Inauguration, I'm inclined to believe he'd have stern words today for his party:  "Return to your party's values and core principles, and do not become weary in that pursuit."