Often before writing on a subject I open the dictionary (these days the app on my iPhone) and I read the definition of a key word.  Not because I do not know the definition of the word, but because I want to see how a conceptual word or term has been standardized.  Words have a way of meaning different things to different people especially when our emotions and our politics are involved in defining a word.

I looked up conservative today, you know the noun that we use to define ourselves as in I am a Conservative, and here are some of the definitions I found:

1. a person who is reluctant to accept changes and new ideas

2. resistant to change

3. unimaginatively conventional

I must admit at first I felt insulted by being defined this way.  I thought perhaps being conservative was dull and lacked vision.  Then I realized I use this term to define my concept of government and how I expect those in office to govern.  I am not unimaginative and conventional in every aspect of my life, that would be dull.  Reluctant to change, that I will accept because as conservatives we are reluctant to change.

We like things the way they are (were) because conservatives don't see an issue with limited government or a constitution that protects us from a change in how we as a people are governed.  Let me put this in women's terms (don't start the feminist stuff, remember I am resistant to new ideas).  A new style of shoes comes out, and while they look smart and savvy, they are uncomfortable and you can't wear them very long so essentially the new unconventional shoes do not serve the purpose.  Are you going to change?  I guess some will and endure the pain because it looks good, sounds good even though the shoes really do not work or serve their purpose well.

A conservative however, is not going to wear those new style shoes.  We have shoes that fit and work well, so why change styles?  We do acknowledge our friends who are not conservative may indeed find that change and a new style of shoes are perfect for their feet.  They will endure anything to create change, even standing for hours in line at the polls to vote with painful feet.

What we as conservatives need to send is a clear message about just how uncomfortable those new shoes will be on their feet.  Now remember those shoes look savvy and they appear to provide everything you want and need in a shoe.  So choose your message wisely when you try to stop your friends from buying into change.  They see a better choice, and you must be sure to engage them in why you choose not to change.  If your message is unreasonable and filled with insults, then you will probably not be effective.  You will get the boot and they still buy the shoes.

As conservatives we suffered great loss in the 2012 election cycle and how we work and message our politics in the future will need to be evaluated on every level.  I personally will work harder, not fight harder.  This is not a concession, but rather a strategy because I am not changing my principles or beliefs.  I am not changing what I think is best for our country, no not in the least.  I will however acknowledge we may be at a tipping point and the only way to overcome is to reverse the numbers.  How we message and how we learn to integrate those who differ in their beliefs will be a monumental task for conservatives.  It will require new ideas and some (ugh here it comes) change in how we get out the vote if we are to be effective.

Buckle up or lace up your shoes, we have a long walk ahead.

     As we move towards the opening days of the RNC, Tampa is gearing up for a welcome week of Republicans as we occupy Tampa from out hotel rooms.  That's right we have reservations and rooms, not tents.  We will enjoy all that Tampa has to offer and supply a boost to the local economy.  While we celebrate the conservative cause the nomination of Mitt Romney, what will the opposing view be doing?  From the looks of the Internet communications, they plan to protest.

According the website http://resistrnc.org the pièce de résistance includes everything from Canning, Preserving & Pickling to Traveling with Medicinal Plants and Copwatch Training.  While I am not certain about the Film Screening: Vote for Jesus I do note that it will be held at Voice of Freedom Park with Vermin Supreme according to the schedule.  And just in case law enforcement has any qualms about this organized group of liberal protestors, they can read the ever-informative press release to law enforcement http://resistrnc.org/press-release-august-25-2012/ where it clearly states they are peaceful and not coming to commit acts of violence, because they are after the "Power Elite".  The press release defines clearly whom they come to confront:  Elected Officials and Power Elite.  So if you fall in this category, they have a 'peaceful' bone to pick with you.  I am searching to figure out if all Republicans are Power Elite or do they have a special event in which they designate who is included in this group.

Certain questions come to mind, would I qualify if I had a job, paid my taxes, strive to be the best at anything in life, have a certain amount of competitive spirit?  Or would I be the Power Elite if I were trying to keep the America I know from extinction and capitalism alive and well?  While I have chosen not to attend their themes of Anti-War / Peace Day because I believe in a strong military defense, I am still not certain where to draw the line of power or elite.  And, if I am not up to their absurd standards because 'Code' Pink means my lip gloss is wearing off, not that I should wear a piece of pink tape over my mouth in protest, then call me elite.  By definition it isn't exactly a bad thing and I will never downgrade how hard my grandparents and parents worked to provide an education and an opportunity for me to advance in life.  I am thankful for God's grace every single day that I was born to hard working middle class Americans who built this country in its early economic days.

So while the leftist liberals attend the Foods not Bombs cook off, I will be working hard in support of our Republican nominee.  Occupy the RNC can keep their permaculture and puppetry agenda, we will keep America strong and prosperous.  GOP have a great week in Tampa, proud to be a member and we will see the Romney-Ryan ticket to victory in November.

Courage is an amazing attribute, but let's face it, courage isn't something everyone uses daily unless faced with a set of circumstances that require as Hemingway described "grace under pressure."  It is obvious that courage isn't easy for some people, especially if it involves standing up against all odds and against the comfort of popularity.

There are so many times throughout history where courage such as that of our Founding Fathers was not only necessary, but without courage I believe the America we know and love would not be here today.  So it is in these difficult economic and political times it is once again going to take courage to see us through.  Some days that may mean you have to leave you comfort zone and take a stand, an unpopular stand.  It may be downright painful to be the one person willing to speak out, but often when you step forward others will follow.  I think courageous people help dredge up courage in others, sort of the strength in numbers phenomena.  A small, but courageous voice from a group of individuals willing to be heard, may well be the loudest voice.

For the record I want to note that stubborn and ill informed courage is not exactly the stuff I am trying to have one muster up this election cycle.  After all Hemingway did say "grace" and if you study that word long enough, you manifest its meaning with words like charm, courtesy, kindness and by Hemingway's definition all "under pressure."  So yes there will be times for anger, but manage it to be effective.  Take a stand, be firm and deliver your message all with courage.  We cannot win over the opposition in a battle armed with nothing but anger and alienation, that my friend is just a fight.  You sometimes win, but have a little courage, find the grace to fight with principles and stand firm.  I believe you will win more and win smart.

I just finished skimming through the Constitution.  I get it out from time to time and read through just to remind myself that we have a wonderful and rich set of rules for America.  Rules that create a sense of Liberty and establish freedom from a government that would intrude too much into our daily lives without it.

I hear a great deal these days about how our Constitution is no longer respected or followed and that the further we get from following its basic principles, and from applying them to our legislative process we seem doomed to fail.  If this be the case and if things are as critical as we believe, then get behind the Romney-Ryan ticket and VOTE and make sure that we turn the tide by winning what is surely the most critical election of our time.  Don't just complain and don't just say it is critical; get out there with the American spirit and make it happen.

Talk to everyone you meet, ask them if they are registered to vote and help them understand if the answer is no why it is important.  Arm yourself with facts and not just our side of the story but understand the talking points from the other side.  You have to be able to support the truth and dispel the false rhetoric.  If you do not understand what your opponent is telling the voters, how are you going to fight back and win the debate?  It is going to take a well informed, educated and civil debate to convince others why the conservative way is the better way.

As a reminder there are people all over this country who are NOT registered to vote.  Find these like-minded individuals and get them registered to vote; we are going to need every possible person.  If they are not on board do everything you can to inform them of the truth about where we stand as a nation.  And, understand that the Left is working hard to do the same, we just need to work harder.  If you need a little motivation, take a look at your children or grandchildren and imagine the future.  Imagine that you didn't do everything you could to keep America strong.