Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 30, 2009 under Declarations | 
This letter’s intended audience is to members and leaders of the religious congregations across America. Our organization is committed to principles and values which are very similar to those found in religious organizations. It only makes sense that the dialogue be opened up to discuss working together.
An Open Letter to the Religious Organizations of America
To whom it may concern:
Each generation of citizens in this country faces historical choices. Our current series of circumstances demands that each of us must now make decisions future generations will read in their history books.
Yes, it really is that time again. Yes, this is a call to action.
Across our nation we’re seeing the early signs of a political tsunami. Citizens are retreating from the shoreline of their political parties, attending rallies, and organizing themselves into like minded groups. As long as these groups stay disjointed they will each be easily defeated, but if the groups can unite for a great purpose, and agree on some standard that will still allow them to maintain their own identity, then the groups can be a political force capable of sweeping the corrupted political shoreline clean of all its filth.
Our government is attempting, with some success, at removing God from our society. The politicians supporting this agenda have forgotten that the justification for our American revolution, the legal cornerstone for our original rebellion, was that a king had denied his subjects the rights God had given man on the earth. When you remove God from the argument in the Declaration of Independence the fulcrumed logic of that singular document becomes nullified. Those who still believe God has a role in this nation are ridiculed, belittled, and intimidated to believe that our ideals have somehow expired.
I do not remember reading how a God who was the same “yesterday, today, and tomorrow” put an expiration date on His existence or on His interest with the lives of men. I do not remember the first amendment being repealed. I do remember what Joshua said in the Bible: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Our current politicians have taken from us the freedom as parents to offer this same teaching in our home. My children now have no choice but to serve the debt of this generation. My children have been sold into slavery by the very government designed to promote our liberty. My children will be forced to work and forced to pay back the financial thievery of our representatives in government. No, I cannot offer to my daughter the right to serve God according to her conscience. My daughter will have to serve our debt. Conscience will be required to take second place.
While this is happening, the government is applying itself in areas of responsibility where history has shown faith-based organizations to be the most effective. Religious organizations which operate food banks, homeless shelters, second hand stores, and other charitable solutions in society are more adaptive to the needs of the people they serve. Religious organizations are not forced to a “one solution fits all” model. They can tailor themselves to meet the needs of the people who are being served. The government’s solution is to “take people out of the slums.” The religious solution is to “take the slums out of the people.” History has proven that only one method is sustainable, and while it improves the situation, it also improves the people.
It is time to make a statement for the right type of change. We, as American citizens, need to rally around something. I am sure that many people will come forward and offer themselves as the person to lead the way–I’m not that man. We have many good leaders already in place; we do not need just one. Our leaders and our citizens must agree on a collective standard — a common denominator that will allow us to multiply our efforts in pursuit of accomplishing our goal of moral representation in our government.
The political guidance of many churches is to ask their congregations to “vote their conscience.” All too often voting upon this guidance results in choosing the lesser of two evils. Some involvement has to be made prior to voting to ensure that the presented candidates are worthy to advocate on behalf of their fellow citizens. The candidates being presented must be of good conscience themselves. The candidate must understand the miracle and sanctity of life. For, in defense of our liberties, in nearly every generation since this country was founded, someone has died to preserve those liberties. Representing your fellow citizens must be done with reverence for the sacrifice of those fallen patriots, as well as the respect for the rights gifted from God.
I would encourage any group of citizens, religious or otherwise, to band together and define themselves, then look for candidates who represent the values and principles that serve as the foundation of their group. The principles and values of my Christian faith extend beyond what I would expect in a government official. What I have found is a set of 9 Principles and 12 Values which can serve as a good place to start and be applied across a wide spectrum of beliefs.
I would like to propose these as a standard for us, all of us, everyone of us who reads this, or hears it from a pulpit, through a microphone, from a friend, or at the kitchen table, to support and demand in our representatives in government:
9 Principles
- America Is Good.
- I believe in God. He is the Center of my Life.
- I must try to be a more honest person today than I was yesterday.
- The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
- If I break the law, I must pay the penalty. Justice is blind. No one is above the law.
- I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. There is no guarantee of equal results.
- I work hard for what I have. I will share it with whomever I want. Government must not force me to be charitable.
- It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
- The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
12 Values
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Honesty
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Reverence
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Hope
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Thrift
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Humility
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Charity
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Sincerity
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Moderation
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Hard Work
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Courage
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Personal Responsibility
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Gratitude
I believe that these principles and values are capable of operating as a common denominator for our citizenry. I propose that we apply them across the breadth of potential candidates. I have taken these principles and created a morally binding contract which begins: “I pledge my sacred honor to representing my constituents and upholding these 9 principles and 12 values.” 912candidates.org has invited several representatives and candidates to sign this contract. Good citizens are stepping forward for the right reasons. Their consciences are clean; their ideals are sound, and they are willing to pledge their sacred honor. These candidates understand how morally significant it is to represent another human being.
We call these candidates “9/12 Candidates,” and we need more people like them to represent us. We need your help finding these 9/12 candidates and supporting them. We’ve created a website to help us coordinate our efforts (http://912candidates.org). Our current activities include finding state leaders, organizing letter writing campaigns, and finding groups, clubs, and organizations dedicated to helping us in our cause. It is possible to stop the cycle of voting “the lesser of two evils.” It begins with citizens realizing that they can be a part of the solution.
I invite you to join with us. Together we will ensure that we are not just active in voting our conscience, but rather active in finding candidates who reflect our conscience. As a nation we need to move beyond voting the lesser of two evils and start voting for the candidate with the highest ideals. I believe this is a matter of conscience. I will not dictate your conscience, nor will I mute my own by not sharing this with you. I believe “912candidates.org” is part of the solution. My vision can easily mesh with any organization which believes as I do, that providing a better America for our children is our God given responsibility.
If you believe as I do that our country is worth saving and that we as citizens can and must save it, please contact me at the email address below. God bless you all.
Jacob F. Roecker
Citizen, Patriot, Veteran
http://912candidates.org
jacob@912candidates.org
Please download a copy of this letter and take it to your next meeting.
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 28, 2009 under Inspiration |
It seems that around the time my father was born people produced media that made America proud of who we were. Now it seems things have changed. I downloaded this from archive.org. The copyright has expired and it is now public domain. The URL is below, and I would recommend everyone download it for the education of their families.
When you watch this, it wont feel like it’s 1948. The same issues are at stake today. Every generation has to define their America. Now, it’s your turn. Enjoy the film:
http://www.archive.org/download/MakeMine1948/MakeMine1948_edit.mp4
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 24, 2009 under Inspiration |
Jakob Roecker
I think it’s important for this organization to publicly state how grateful we are to the citizens who have given their lives for our liberties. One of the reasons for organizing in this setting is that their deaths on behalf of our freedoms are treated irreverently with marketing research on voting trends, gerrymandering, stupid party rules, and cost analysis voting. I don’t believe that’s the America our patriots died for, and I don’t believe I’m going to step into the grave without doing something to fix it.
Our rights were granted by God, bought with blood, and preserved with honor. There is a sacred reverence required when representing your fellow citizens. That reverence demands the pledge of one’s sacred honor. Nothing less will suffice. Nothing less will preserve for our children the nation purchased with so much blood.
On this day I think personally of walking through Arlington to visit the headstone of my grandfather who chose his final resting place to be with those whom he called his brothers. I think of my name, Jacob Roecker, and how it comes from Jakob Roecker, a German immigrant who served in the Civil War, was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, and who I believe may have been in attendance when President Lincoln gave his famous address. For this day, I will post the entire address on this site.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate… we can not consecrate… we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government : of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 17, 2009 under Inspiration |
Charity, Honesty, Gratitude, & God. There’s a reason why these are a part of what we’re doing: It helps make the world a better place.
I would like to take this opportunity to share with you one illustration of these values.
Jacob Roecker
Citizen, Patriot, Veteran
http://912candidates.org
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 14, 2009 under Inspiration |
I have told people that what we’re doing here is possible, and that it will change the way our political system runs. I have come across Mr. John Bates, a 9-1-1 Dispatcher in Detroit, who is running for office. I haven’t officially announced him as a 9/12 Candidate (and wont until I can publish his contract). I can’t avoid telling you about this man any more. He took the time–as soon as he heard about what we were doing–and decided to issue his manifesto on the 9 principles and 12 values.
This is what a 9/12 Candidate looks like.
This is the breath of fresh air in our political system we need.
People who believe The Patriot Standard ought to be the American Standard are alive and now they’re seeking office. I don’t know how you can lose a debate and believe these things. Glenn Beck, will you moderate?
I would encourage ALL FUTURE 9/12 Candidates and 9/1 2 Constituents to take the time to comment their beliefs on each of these principles.
This post was pulled from John’s Site: http://thecitizenpatriot.wordpress.com/912/ and I will let it speak for itself:
There are several basic “pillars” that I believe will be crucial to taking our country back. The ideas are not new, but bear repeating here for the sake of my pending campaign. These were adopted from the grass-roots group “www.912candidates.org” (link), and will become my mantra in the coming months. Basically, the platform consists of nine simple principles and twelve values which articulate the beliefs that most folks instinctively abide by. Not only do I subscribe to these, but I will take a written oath to uphold them, if elected. My own thoughts are outlined in red text for clarity.
Nine Principles
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America Is Good. (Actually, America is better than good – it is the greatest civilized society ever devised by modern man. What makes the U.S.A. so desirable that others will literally risk their lives to get to our shores ? It is the individual liberty so eloquently defined by our Constitution and Bill of Rights which enhances the opportunities for prosperity through determination, hard work, and the concept of private property rights.)
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I believe in God and He is the center of my life. (I was raised a Christian, and married a Catholic girl. Together, we raised two handsome sons to adulthood – no small feat in these day and times, I’d say. It is this freedom to worship as we so choose that sets America apart from other societies. No matter whether you practice your faith in an organized religion or simply believe in a Higher Being, our democratic republic recognizes your right to worship as you choose….. I refer to it as individual liberty.)
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I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday. (As I begin to ease into the prime of life, I have become increasingly aware that how I live my life matters – no longer a carefree teen, I must weigh my life decisions against many different factors and life experiences. When all is said and done, I hope to be fondly remembered as a man of integrity that yearned to serve his country.)
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The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government. (Not much I can add to this without becoming verbose, except to say that I intend to work very hard to get government off our backs and out of our collective wallets in order that individuals and families might thrive.)
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If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it. (Our elected judges are one of the critical components of our society, and must be chosen wisely. In a lawful society, we must support law enforcement while insisting on rational justification for procedures that recognize and respect our inalienable rights. As a Senator, I would vehemently oppose any nomination of an “activist” judge to the Supreme Court, for that is not their proper role. More importantly, I would seek to affirm any justice that demonstrates a record of upholding the Constitution and our Bill of Rights as defined by our Founding Fathers.)
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I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results. (Actually, this particular principle is self explanatory for anyone with a lick of common sense, but perhaps I can elaborate just a bit – I am particularly disgruntled with the current crop of “professional politicians” on both sides which are marching our country away from capitalism toward a socialist “nanny state”. Conversely, I find it troubling that more and more Americans look to their government for solutions of every kind instead of solving their own problems with hard work and ambition. In my mind, there is but one “minority” that really counts – the individual. America has liberated millions of oppressed with one hand while feeding millions of hungry or starving people with the other – more than ANY other nation on the planet – because of our great wealth and sincere generosity toward those less fortunate.)
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I work hard for what I have and I will share it with whom I please. Government cannot force me to be charitable through complicated schemes for distribution of wealth. (I have worked hard all my life for what little I have, and I’ll be damned if my government is going to keep taking and taking until – at some point – I, too, am clamoring for the government to take care of me. In my mind, “we are our brother’s keeper”, and should set an example for others to follow by helping others whenever and however possible. If your neighbor is ill and no one has cut their lawn, go over and mow the grass – how hard is that, really ? We must work to reverse the mind-set that others should provide the solutions to society’s ills, and recognize that each small act of kindness makes our country stronger. Charity really does begin at home, whether you live in a shack, on the family farm, or a suburban McMansion.)
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It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinions. (This is exactly why I started this journey and this blog – the opinions expressed here are my own, and we may disagree on some issues, yet none of that negates our individual liberty. Heck, my own brother disagrees with some of my political ranting, yet we continue to love and respect and debate each other…. how great is that ? )
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The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me. (Sadly, I have found myself thinking many times, “I love my country, but I fear my government”. For an in-depth look into just what I believe about our dysfunctional government, please read my blog entry entitled 545 People [link])
12 Values
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Honesty (state my positions on a given issue with clarity, then stand on principle against those who would attempt to stray from the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.)
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Reverence (Empathy…. the art of understanding another’s opinions or values without sacrificing or compromising my own.)
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Hope (working to dismantle the barriers to individual liberty and prosperity so that every American has the best possible opportunities to achieve greatness as they define it.)
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Thrift (spending no more than is reasonable and necessary, based on sound financial principles which rely on Constitutional authority as opposed to an unregulated Federal Reserve.)
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Humility (I do not wish to go to Washington to become a wealthy career politician – I ask for one term to be judged on my performance based on these values and principles. I may or may not accomplish my objectives, but at least I’ll have the satisfaction of knowing I gave it my “best shot”.)
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Charity (see #7, above)
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Sincerity (With me, what you see is what you get – literally. I speak my mind, yet I am tolerant of others until their actions undermine my quest for individual liberty.)
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Moderation (At this stage in my life, I’ve learned that moderation can be crucial to survival if properly applied.)
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Hard Work (I enjoy my leisure time as much as anyone, but my work ethic is above reproach. As my Dad once said, “Boy, when you latch onto a project you just don’t give up !”) Fourteen and sixteen hour days are not uncommon for me, although I’m slowly trying to cut back on that just a bit. I might not be a “spring chicken” anymore, but I might just be that tortoise that makes it across the finish line !)
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Courage (Again, self-explanatory. I have faced evil on the mean streets of Detroit as well as in the jungles of the Pacific …… that, plus I’ve been married for 27 years and raised two teenagers – I don’t scare easily.)
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Personal Responsibility (see my blog entry regarding “Responsible Liberty” [link])
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Gratitude (Every day above ground is a good day, made especially sweet by the liberty and inalienable rights bestowed upon us by God’s grace and the Constitution.)
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 12, 2009 under Updates |
It seems that 912canidates.org is getting some new attention. So, many of you visiting might be visiting for the first time. We need to get you caught up on what we’re doing, and how you can help.
First, we’re looking for state organizers! If your state has one the links to the right are active. If your state doesn’t have one, we need you to step forward. Just send an email to jacob@912candidates.org and we’ll work through the process from there.
The mission at 912candidates.org has four basic parts, although all four parts will function together to reach our goal.
- Communication - our state and national websites function as the primary means to that goal.
- Reminders - We remind our elected officials through our post card program that they work for us.
- Contract to be signed - We ask potential candidates and already elected officials to sign the contract we have developed. The contract pledges the individual to the 9 principles and 12 values which have made America a great nation.
- Provide names of complying candidates - We publish the names and website addresses of those individuals who have the courage to join us by signing our contract.
We’ve got a facebook group that helps us communicate with people who want to help. We’ve also got a couple of youtube videos that help you share our message.
If you’re headed to another rally please print off our signs asking for 9/12 Candidates: http://www.freesignartwork.com/unite-die.html
My name is Jacob, and I’m the guy people see when they come here, but I represent people who are far better than myself. I’d be happy if you’d join us, but the choice is up to you. If you’d like to vote for a 9/12 Candidate then you’re going to have to work for it. We can’t do it all. Please review what we have and see if there’s some way you can help.
“We the people” means “WE” are the solution. Please join us.
-Jacob Roecker
Citizen, Patriot, Veteran
http://912candidates.org
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 11, 2009 under Targeted Invitations |
This week we’re sending postcards to the two main parties in two great states. Remember these parties formed way back in the day with a platform and commitment to represent the people. I believe that both parties have good individuals representing us, but I don’t think they know how to represent us, yet. This week, we’re going to try and fix a bit of that.
If you’ve never sent in postcards or written letters before. This is the week to start!
This weeks postcards are for:
Blank Postcards
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Round 4 Postcards |
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The Oklahoma Democratic Party
The Oklahoma GOP
The Texas Democratic Party
The Texas GOP |
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-Jacob Roecker
Citizen, Patriot, Veteran
http://912candidates.org
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 10, 2009 under Updates |
Dear Tennessee:
It says something about a state when people pick it out on a map and dedicate some portion of their lives to living within it’s borders. So far, I’ve known lots of people who’ve moved to Tennessee, but I don’t know of anyone who’s moved away from it. You can say I live a sheltered life, but it seems to me that they’re doing something right in the state that gave us Davy Crockett.
Tennessee is one of the first seven states to have a 9/12 Candidates organizer, his name is Brent Roberts. Here’s how he describes himself.
I am your typical American; I was born and raised in the great State of Tennessee! I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I am glad I didn’t. I was brought up by a single mother that worked all her life just to provide for me and my brother! My grandfather was an American hero; he was a World War II vet. So I know what happened that gave us our freedom!
For me the 9 principles and 12 values, I was brought up with values, it’s not news to me. It is the fabric of our land. We just need to hold others to that standard. It seems that the country I live in has changed! We have become dormant, and let things go. We put off what is important, just to watch American Idol. We let Washington pass bills without reading them! We have to tighten our budget, yet Washington will spend money by the billions and trillions. This isn’t a Republican or Democrat problem, the road we are on is a dead end!
Sometimes I even wonder if any of the elected people officials, have even looked at the Constitution.
We need to get out of the one side versus the other, do we forget we are all on the same side! I remember how I felt on 9/11, I watched TV almost for days and days trying to understand what happened and why? Then I watched Congress on the steps of the Capital, united. It shot a tear down my eye. I remember seeing flags everywhere, on cars, houses, it brought us together. But, if you look around now, seems the flags were put in the closet! Let us now find the flags and wave them, we are “One Nation Under God, with Liberty and Justice for All”…
I sincerely hope you stand next to me; lets not leave our mess for our children to clean up! I signed up to do this because if we just keep sending the same people to Washington, we will get the same results! Its time we see where they stand, if they don’t stand for the values of our founders, if they don’t we need to send them packing. We have drawn the line in the sand, if we stand together they won’t cross it!
I’m sure if you’re reading this and you’re NOT from Tennessee you’re thinking that I just made this guy up. You might think that they don’t make people like this anymore.
Well, the people from Tennessee know the truth. There’s something in the water that makes patriots in that part of the country. I don’t think they’re too far from the Patriot Standard. Brent is the right person to work on http://tn.912candidates.org,because he cares. I hope he finds more people who are impassioned to take this movement forward. This is the sort of thing a citizen does, in this generation he’ll be called a “Patriot.” In some future generation, he’ll be called a hero.
Thank you, Tennessee.
Jacob Roecker
Citizen, Patriot, Veteran
http://912candidates.org
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 6, 2009 under Updates |
Dear Florida:
The Sunshine State has another reason to smile. I’m pleased to announce that we now have a Florida chapter of 912Candidates.org. You’ll find it linked on the right, or you can tell your friends the URL is http://fl.912candidates.org.
Ok, so you’ve been to the tea parties. You’ve realized that you weren’t the only one who’s been yelling at the television. It’s been fun. Now Florida has several tea party organizers working on the next step. All of their ideas are valid, and now they have a new advocate.
Floridians, if you believe you ought to be represented by 9/12 Candidates Jennifer is just the person to help you find them. Ask her who she is, and in one sentence and you get: I am a Proud American!
That’s exactly the sort of person I look for when I’m finding people to run local chapters! She’s part of what’s right with this country.
She describes a bit of her philosophy as follows:
I am very concerned in the future of this country. I feel that it’s headed down a road, that if not stopped soon, we will never get out of. I am a firm believer in our Constitution, and our rights as Americans! I feel that our founding fathers fought for our freedoms, and gave their lives for our liberty, and that this administration is taking and spending that all away, one bill at a time. I also feel that if we do not find strong conservative politicians that believe in the constitution and our principles and values, we will never be able to overcome this liberal majority.
I will try my hardest to find the best candidates to represent our great state of Florida, so that we have a good chance of getting some Common Sense back in our Government!
This is a Mother, and a Patriot. Jennifer, like many of you reading this represents what’s right with America. My last name may not be easy to pronounce, but I try very hard to make sure I don’t do anything to tarnish it. I don’t believe, as I sign my name to recommend Jennifer as the representative for Florida, that I’m doing anything to harm my good name.
Good luck Florida. You’re in good hands.
http://fl.912candidates.org
-Jacob F. Roecker
Citizen, Patriot, Veteran
http://912candidates.org
Posted by Jacob Roecker on May 5, 2009 under Updates |
Dear Texas:
You deserve to be represented by 9/12 Candidates. Through your state’s history you have born your share of troubles, and have emerged victorious over your trials. You have a past to be proud of, a present to be grateful for, and a future filled with hope. Part of that hope lies with a Texan named Franciene McDonald, and though you may not know her, I’d like to say that you’re in good hands.
Franciene has volunteered to organize and run http://tx.912candidates.org. I asked her to describe herself so I could make this blog post and the first thing she said: “I am an American mom.“ I’ve heard of “soccer moms,” “quilting ladies,” and “tupperware parties,” but I’ve never known anyone to state their identity more boldly than Franciene did to me. Yeah, Texans, you’re in good hands. You’ve got an American Mom looking out for you.
I’d like you all to learn more about Franciene, and will let her email do the talking:
I am an American mom. I am proud to be an American and proud of my country. I have been married for 38+ years, and I have one daughter. My family and I have lived in Texas more than 35 years. I would never live anywhere else.
I have worked as a teacher and a computer programmer. I have volunteered in my community in our schools, churches and nursing homes. I helped care for my parents in their last years. I am the webmaster of several websites including a neighborhood blog.
I am concerned about the direction this country is being taken. I believe it is time that ordinary citizens demand that their paid representatives adhere to the values and directions given to us by our Founding Fathers. The Constitution is not a living, changing document, but a contract between citizens and their government. It is time for all citizens to demand that it be honored.
Well Texas, if you think I’ve made the wrong choice let me know. I don’t think I have, and I don’t expect you to sit idly by letting this fine lady do all the work. If you’re thinking she’s going to do the job for you I’d seriously question your upbringing. She’s going to need help. Take a minute and visit http://tx.912candidates.org I’m sure your parents taught you to say “thank you.” It also seems to me like some gratitude is in order.
Sincerely,
Jacob Roecker
Citizen, Patriot, Veteran
http://912candidates.org
