Russ Jenkins for US Congress in 2014

On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was ratified and declared our independence not only from external rule, but also from the corrupt and oppressive values and traditions of Europe at the time. The words, "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 the pursuit of Happiness," Was a very alien concept to not only a culture that believed one was born into a certain class of living and should remain there, but also to a new country that needed to grow into such a noble and radical proclamation. Many who signed the document were, in fact slave owners. They realized two things. First, if all men were in fact, equal, slavery was wrong and must be stopped. But, to stop slavery was a step beyond what the nation, so new, could possibly do without tearing itself apart and ending the dream right there. The fact is, 75 years later, the dream almost ended as the nation fell into civil war and destruction.
Both the epic greatness and the depth of tragic darkness within the human soul were revealed as we, as a nation continued to fight for and against the meaning of those words. Founded in 1854, The Republican party was formed by anti-slavery activists in a movement that saw our darkest moment and, over one hundred years later, some of our greatest triumphs.

The indictment.

It is hard to imagine for some, but the Democratic opposition was, in fact, the slave owning states and the authors of the Jim Crow Laws that prevented all from equal participation. The KKK, itself was formed by southern Democratic groups to enforce segregation and intimidate all who opposed the Democratic party. 
Jim Crow Laws continued until 1965, when even Democratic support dwindled. But here is where the story doesn't end at all. The realization that without poor and oppressed people, the rich simply were not that special and the powerful were simply not relevant, gave way to a solution. Simply entrap a whole society within a sub-culture that, like a Chinese finger trap, will hold tighter as anyone tries to pull themselves free. The instrument of this solution was, in fact, the welfare and other social assistance programs that promised to lift the grandchildren of slaves to achieve freedom and equality at last. Instead, as time went on, it became incredibly difficult for participants to break free. Instead, a permanent poor class was formed, mainly of minority and other groups previously oppressed openly. The oppressors could gain favor-ability appearing as allies to the oppressed. A further advantage was received by the Democratic Party in that those who were trapped into dependance on these funds now voted as Democrats to maintain their security. It became the indoctrinated belief that the party that had spent over one and a half centuries now was their best friend.
Where do the Republicans fit into all this? Oh they are certainly not innocent at all! Truth be told, you see it more today than ever before with the formation of such ideals as "Compassionate Conservative." What a crock! Here, let me translate that phrase for you.... "Hi, I am a bigot who, like my Democrat friend here will now get rich and powerful while pretending to care about you. Only I am going to do it by making your welfare programs more complicated, you more poor, and call that reform."

In the end, the only way to free the spirit and find equality is to end entitlements through actual ways out of the cycle of poverty. I find the Occupy Wall Street crowd most humorous because they call for access for all to wealth while trying to tear down the very institutions that can best deliver that access. Then they report to the banner bearers of slavery and segregation. Job done, no equality.
America is a nation not only enslaved, but the slaves bow willingly and submissively before their masters all the while grateful for their false freedom. Today, every aspect of our liberty and freedom seems to be under attack. Who stands guard as leaders twist and defy the meaning of our highest laws and traditions. We need to stop tolerating corrupt leaders and return INTEGRITY.

Solution

Everyone knows I am a Republican. But, I am NOT a "Compassionate Conservative" and I am also NOT an establishment Republican. It really pains me to say that last part because what I am is what the old establishment used to be... A Constitutional Republican. I believe in those words I opened this blog with.
"All men are created Equal". Black, White, Asian, Klingon, ect. I believe that what our Fore Fathers intended has been under attack since the ink hit the paper. What this country needs is to hit the "Reset" button and return to the values and integrity originally intended in our Constitution, Declaration of Independence, And our Bill of Rights. STOP ENSLAVING PEOPLE WITH ENTITLEMENTS! Provide a real way out for all who will reach for it. It will take faith from all to do it. faith in freedom, Faith in the USA, Faith in ourselves. But, we can do it! I am about to enter the race for the 1rst Congressional District of Massachusetts. Not as a Republican, though that is my party affiliation, but as a Liberator. And to return a voice to those who need it most. Only when we end the corruption and the exploitation of our poor will we ever be able to cry as Rev. King said, "Free at Last! Thank God almighty, I'm free at last!" Put me to work, and we will find that greatness and beyond.
I can promise this. I will not go to Washington to make friends. I will go to fight for the liberty and freedom of ALL! We need someone who doesn't care about money or power. We need a wild card. That is me, Russell Jenkins!

I need 2000 petition signatures to start my campaign. All who would be willing to help, please let me know.
RUSS JENKINS FOR US CONGRESS!

Civil War facts versus media hype

A while back, we commemorated the 150 year anniversary of the start of the civil war. I remember talking heads on all networks hyping the slavery aspect of the war and calling for all to recognize that the war was about slavery. I guess that is the price of our high technology lifestyle. The one with the most media access gets to re-write history. Yes, slavery was a big part of the civil war. It was, in fact, the single biggest factor for President Lincoln. But, let us not forget, it was the South that fired the first shots. So, why did they declare war on the north? To answer that, or really to un-answer that, put yourself in the heads of two men in 1861.

First, picture yourself a man from Massachusetts in 1861 such as several of my great great grandfathers were. You are told that people of color are being oppressed in southern states and feel that this just will not do. You want to make things better for these people. The question is put before you, "Will you fight to the death for this cause?" It is easy to imagine yourself saying, "Yes! Sign me up!" The cause is noble and right..... Only thing is, in reality, people in the north did not have anywhere the righteous indignation on the subject we like to imagine. There was arguably even more distaste for Blacks in the north.

Now, put yourself in the head of a man from a southern state at the time. You are asked, "Will you fight to the death to keep your slaves?" The likely answer would be, "What do I look like? I can barely afford seed for this years crop! I don't have slaves! Go ask a plantation owner!" How many people would ever fight such a bitter war to continue an immoral and unpopular practice?
The fact is, though the issue at the time was whether the Federal government could tell states that they had to change laws about slavery, that was just part of the issue. Most southerners not only didn't have slaves, they didn't believe slavery was moral. General Lee, the highest southern general, was greatly opposed to slavery. But the real reason the south fought was simple. They felt the Federal government infringe on the sovereign rights of states on many levels and issues for a long time. Presidents who were supposed to have little power usurped power from Congress time and time again. Southerners felt that the freedoms fought for in the Revolutionary War were dwindling
as Presidents assumed more power becoming the new monarchy. States, that were supposed to operate independently, felt the Federal government usurp more and more authority from them.  Slavery was something most would never have fought for. Freedom from oppression was worth the fight.

The reality of the time, different from what is portrayed, is that most times, a slave would escape the terrible master who beat them and run to the north where they would then be captured, tortured and killed. Northern prejudice and ignorance is far deadlier that southern... because they smile at you as if they were your best friend while they do it.

I take issue with the distortion of this war for a few reasons. First, it is just plain not truthful and it slanders a whole people and labels them and the generations that followed. Second, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We see that today as once again, Americans are reaching the breaking point as the federal government usurps authority from states and a power crazed president usurps more and more power from congress. This has been going on since the precedent set by Jackson, Lincoln, and others presidents since. Now, we are seeing a president approaching the appearance of a King and Americans are talking about rising up. Is this really a new idea? No, it is the very same reason the south rose in 1861. It happens because truth is hidden behind the hype in hopes that it will die. But, as we are seeing now, a government out of control will always breed rebellion. The old battle cry was that the "South will rise again!" But I am here to correct the record... it never fell. A terrible practice that most in the south at the time despised was banned. The rebellion against a government out of control continued in the hearts of Americans South and North, keeping check until the day our freedom is so threatened that AMERICA RISES AGAIN!

Food for thought vs. Feast for thought

Often, people like to throw opinions around and end by calling them "Food for thought". While often, these tid bits can be very informative and educational, I am left to wonder if maybe there could be more substance if only the person "sharing" their opinion was actually engaging others to share their points of view on the matter. An open dialog of intelligent {that is important,} views. Many courses to the meal of knowledge....... A FEAST FOR THOUGHT. I dedicate this blog to all who are hungry for truth and knowledge.. and this who are just wanting to snack on random trivia.