Posted by Jacob Roecker on September 11, 2009 under Inspiration | 
Today is September 11. 2009. It has been 8 years since our land was scarred by a merciless and hateful organization. It is hard to comprehend why someone would commit such a violent act, an act which targeted, not soldiers, but unarmed civilians. Men. Women. Children. Both the rich and the poor. The Atheist, the Christian, and the Muslim. All were cut down indriscrimately. That could have been the end of the story, but it isn’t. The American people stood beside each other and forgot petty differences. Many, like the passengers of United Flight 93, showed courage and selflessly gave their lives to help their fellows. People from all over the country rushed to the aid of those who were hurting. It’s not what is done when everything is a blessing, but what is done when things are at their worst that shows the measure of a people.
I believe we should return to the basics. I believe there a nine principles and twelve great truths which can be our guide and return us to being the people we need to be, the people we were on September 12, 2001. You do not have to agree with me on all of these, or even with my definitions. If you can, however, agree with me that we need to get back to the basics, let us work together as allies, as friends, as a family, and make a brighter future.
The Nine Principles
The Founders created the United States with several ideals in mind. Among them were the ideas that all mankind is created equal, that all have a right to practice the religion of their choice, that a person is innocent until proven guilty, and that the individual, not the state, knows what is best for the individual. Most of these ideas had never been fundamental truth of any government prior to the United States. Although we have had our share of dark chapters in history, Americas has always strove to improve itself. Even in our darkest moments, there have been those who strove to do what is right. Today, the United States is the freest country on the planet. In a nutshell, America Is Good. There has never been a nation such as ours in recorded history.
In the United States, I have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results. The goal of society is to provide equal justice for all. To fulfill this aim, everyone must have equality under the law. We must not have different laws for different classes and races. Discrimination based on age, creed, disability, race, or sex should not be tolerated and is adverse to a nation which desires equality among its peoples. Despite equality under the law, there are no two people that are alike. We have all had different experiences, have made different choices, and have been raised and educated differently. As a result, we all have different ambitions and motivators that can drive us to fail or to succeed. It is up to the individual, not the government, to make a success of their life.
There has been a continual push by some people to separate religion and government. The intent of the founders was to ensure that no denomination was established by the federal government as the religion of the land. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that people were “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” Our nation has a belief in God at its foundation. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 said, “Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” Many of the members of Congress that passed this ordinance also took part in writing and passing the First Amendment of the Constitution. It would be a contradiction to the ordinance if the First Amendment was meant to create a wall between religion and government as many profess. I believe that religion, morality, and knowledge should still be promoted to encourage good government. When the founders said religion, they did not mean any particular denomination or religious belief; they meant religion in the broad sense. The dictionary defines religion as “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.” Just like the founders, I believe in God and He is the center of my life.
We are a nation of laws, not of men. I have benefited from working on both sides of a courtroom because I understand what is going on in the mind of defense attorneys and prosecutors. The Constitution provides protections in the Fifth, sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Amendments which entitle everyone to a fair trial. The work of the prosecutor is to fight on behalf of the victims, on behalf of the people, and to ensure that justice is done. They have an ethical obligation to dismiss charges when it is in the best interest of justice. The work of defense counsel is to ensure that the government plays by the rules and that the accused is adequately represented. John Adams said “Council ought to be the very last thing that… an accused person should want in a free country.” That being said, if you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
One of the oft forgotten or just plain ignored sections of our Constitution is the Ninth and Tenth Amendments. The former says that “the enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” The latter says “the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” Notice that these Amendments provide that some powers and rights not described in the Constitution are left to the people. It is in that section that the founders recognized that the family is sacred. Couples, heads of house, and parents are in charge of their private affairs and will make the decisions regarding themselves, not the government. This concept seems so simple and undisputed; yet, even it is under attack today. In 1990 a United Nations treaty known as the Convention on the Rights of the Child was created and during his campaign, President Obama expressed interest in signing on to the treaty. This should be stopped because it will severely undermine the familial structure in America if ratified. The treaty serves to disparage the rights and powers left to the people. This is one of many attacks on the family currently underway; we cannot afford to let any attacks succeed.
Once upon a time, it was believed that hard work would reap financial benefits. Today, winning the lottery or suing someone are a few of the preferred methods for obtaining wealth. Despite the precedence being set by our government, fiscal irres
ponsibility should not be rewarded. In the United States we have the freedom to dream, try, and, if all doesn’t go well, to fail. It is not the responsibility of the government to decide what companies are “too big to fail” and are worthy of our tax dollars. No one is too big to fail, and to create a system of bailing out failing companies will cause far more harm than good. The federal government has few enumerated powers, doling out money from the public treasury for the purpose of charity is not one of those powers. 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 redistribution of wealth.
O what a wicked web we weave when our plan is to deceive. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday. Honesty truly is the best policy. Lying always hurts someone. You may not know it or believe it, but it does. From the dawn of time, politicians have told the people what they wanted to hear rather than the truth. Telling the truth could cost an election, so why would they want to do that? We’ve become contented with these slick talking politicians because they make us feel comfortable and happy because the truth is too scary. We need honest people in Washington who will say what they intend to do and actually intend to do it. We cannot afford lying, dishonest politicians any longer. The stakes are too high.
The First Amendment of our constitution orders Congress to not abridge the freedom of speech. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinions. Expressing our views is a very basic right and doing so is probably the most American thing we can do. It gives us an opportunity to let our representatives know what we think and gives them fair warning that failure to heed the people could have consequences for them during the next election. After all, the government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
The Twelve Values
Honesty – The opposite of lying. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Jesus said in Matthew 5:37 “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ “I don’t know” is an acceptable answer if you do not know the answer to a question. People have more respect for people when they are honest than when they make something up which may or may not be correct.
Reverence – Have respect for your neighbor, your God, and your country.
Hope – When things are falling apart around you, remember that it is not over until it is over.
Thrift – Be frugal. Be responsible when making purchases and do not waste, you never know when you might need that quarter.
Humility – Will Rogers was quoted once in the New York Times for saying “You know everybody is ignorant, just in different subjects.” Keep that in mind when you speak with someone, they will more than likely tell you something you do not already know. Everyone has something to offer, and I am only one person out of many.
Charity – Charity is self sacrifice. It is doing something for someone else despite personal loss of time, energy, or money. Charity is a personal decision and it cannot be imposed upon someone. At the point the giving is forced, it ceases to be charity and becomes plundering. Charity is good, it not only helps someone with whatever their issue may be, but also lets them know that someone else cares enough about them to sacrifice on their behalf.
Sincerity – Sincerity and honesty go hand in hand. Be frank, although flowery words are appealing to some, most would rather hear honesty. If you do not mean it, do not say it.
Moderation – There is a saying, “too much of a good thing.” Sometimes people act hastily because they believe what they are doing is for the best. It would be great to not have to work, to have all of my health issues taken care of, and to have everything given to me that I desire. But, as Thomas Jefferson said, “government big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take all you have.” Slow down; make sure it is good and that there are no hidden dangers before you act. It is far easier to build a house correctly the first time than to have to tear down and rebuild.
Hard Work – The best things in life are worth fighting for, and the fight is usually a tough slog and a lot of hard work. When you work for something, it means that much more when you accomplish your goal. There is something to be said for doing something yourself and not having it given to you.
Courage – Despite overwhelming odds, you fight on. Sometimes it is not the popular position and sometimes it is something we fear but we keep on keeping on. That takes courage.
Personal Responsibility – The Preamble states that the purpose of government it to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. The People are the government and therefore it is our responsibility to do these things. We must provide for the common defense and establish justice. We must secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our posterity. If we want a nation of freedom left for our children, it is our responsibility to provide for it.
Gratitude – Nothing comes without a price. From the food we eat to the fact that we can sleep in peace at night with the knowledge that there are people guarding our borders to keep the wolves out, we have plenty to be grateful for. Show your gratitude often, it will make the world a better place.
Posted by Jacob Roecker on August 16, 2009 under Inspiration |
I, Howard W. Houchen, pledge my Sacred Honor to representing my constituents by upholding these principles and values.
9 Principles
1. America is Good. I have been a blessed and fortunate soul throughout life to have been able to witness and experience the great things United States of America has accomplished both domestically and abroad. No one has ever claimed perfection relative to American goals and objectives…what can be certain is that throughout history, America has been the driving force behind lifting nations and individuals above tyranny, above lawlessness, and above abject poverty. Do these issues still exist? Of course they do, and the foreseeable future tells us they will continue for quite some time but in far fewer cases than had an America not existed. The charitable heart of the American character is clear and inarguable. The notion of American Exceptionalism is real and quantifiable, the furtherance of civil society and world-wide recognition, thought not always acceptance, of basic freedoms are deeds of GOOD!
2. I believe in God. He is the center of my life. I have never questioned the existence of God. Having been raised Church of Christ, I have learned He has always been and He shall always be. As the Creator of All, God is the center of my life and the center of every life. Though not always recognized or acknowledged by others, God is the reason of and for existence itself. Understanding and accepting that belief in God takes on many different meanings to many different individuals is key to accepting God as the center of one’s life.
3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday. A history of honesty goes very far. Being honest frees the soul and frees resources. Dishonesty breeds contempt and distrust. To strive for honesty is a noble endeavor lost in today’s political environment, complete honesty is virtually extinct. Only through honesty can total trust be approached. The more we strive for, and achieve, honesty the more apt goals are to be achieved. It is my opinion that one is either honest or dishonest…there is no middle-ground. Being honest begins with being honest with oneself before you can be honest with others.
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government. My wife and I have been married for 23 years. Our eldest son is 15 years of age and the youngest son is 8 years of age. As my wife and I learned the most important lessons of life from our families, our children will learn them from us. I consider my job as parent as the most important duty I have accepted in life. Our family is exactly what the term denotes: “OUR family”, not the governments’ family. Jeannie and I, through “consultative agreements” at times, possess the God given right as authority over OUR family. Government suasion to the contrary can not be allowed nor tolerated.
5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it. Immediately, the quote “we are a nation of laws, not men” comes to mind when discussing the above principle. Undoubtedly, this was the vision our Founders had at the outset of our current long-lasting experiment of self-governance. If we are a nation of laws, no man can be above the law, to be so would render the law itself illegitimate and justice would not be considered equal. If any one member of society is above the law, the power center entrusted with enforcing those laws would not be just.
The second part of this is the fact that we have become a nation of too many laws due to “majority whims”. There are actually very few pockets of individual liberty left untouched by some sort of law. With that being said, until such time as this issue addressed, based on the foundational morality of American law, we must remain a nation of equally just and equally binding laws.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results. This uniquely American Declaration, “…that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” is a powerful testament to what has become known as the American Character and forms the base for achieving the American Dream. Government’s role is to set in place an environment where these three Rights can be enjoyed by the individual. What that individual does with these Rights is not up to government…it is up to the individual. To guarantee equal outcomes would be nothing short of the antithesis of what the founding principles outline. These Rights establish a productive work ethic…the Right and ability to keep the fruits of one’s labor. If one individual chooses not to be as industrious as the next, where is the incentive for increased productivity and ingenuity?
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable. Directly related to the above principle…the coercive nature of government confiscation of legally obtained property for redistribution, based on the premise of taking care of others, runs against the grain of Our Founders intents and the purpose of the Constitution. History proves that the American heart is a charitable heart; government efforts at forced charity only dampen this spirit.
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion. On the contrary, it is un-American to blindly follow authority without voicing personal opinions that run counter to that elected authority. It is OUR patriotic duty and OUR right, as responsible self-governing citizens, to question authority when we believe that authority has overstepped its Constitutional boundaries. Not doing so only serves to embolden those who are interested in the acquisition and maintenance of power rather than proper representation of their constituents.
9. The government works for the people. The people do not answer to the government; the government answers to the people. Our Founders were quite clear and specific regarding this principle: We are, very simply, a Government of the People…meaning representation is derived from the citizenry, By the People…meaning the citizens choose, through the exercise of the vote, who among Us will represent Us, For the People…meaning those chosen by Us to represent Us, work for Us. When a time comes where American citizens must answer to government, we have lost that which is most precious…Freedom.
12 Values
1. Honesty: Unadulterated honesty can be cruel or it can be sweet. Regardless of the outcome, it builds trust. For far too long the lack of honesty, emanating from the halls of congress has fostered an environment of mistrust. Mistrust among the political creatures that inhabit its offices and mistrust between the constituents and the elected officials. Honesty, be it tough truth or easy truth, must become the order of the day.
2. Reverence: The deep-seated feelings of respect and honor I feel for God, Country and family. The wise fore-telling words of Our Founders and subsequent generations who fought and died for Our liberty should be held in awe.
3. Hope: That which each successive generation should have that theirs will not be the last to have at least the same chances as the one preceding it to achieve the American Dream. The ability to realistically dream that the ideal of a free prosperous America will never cease to exist, that is Hope!
4. Thrift: That which is required for sound money management? Do not spend all that you have, save a portion. Government and Thrift should be synonymous rather that laughed at when uttered together.
5. Humility: The realization and acceptance that we all are but people, citizens of the same great nation. No one is above or below me, we are all equals. I do not demand respect, if respect is given that is the free choice of others.
6. Charity: Is what defines the human spirit. It is an innate value that calls to every single one of us at various times throughout life. It is that inner call to help, to assist, to give. We all deal with this value in different ways. Some are able to ignore what they know is right…most, however, heed the call and do what is right.
7. Sincerity: Is derived form the heart, when one speaks from the heart it is clear for all who is present to judge. The American people have become attuned to the sincerity, or lack thereof, of their elected officials.
8. Moderation: I take this as avoiding excess in virtually every aspect of life. Personal moderation will translate into professional moderation. Government exists in the realm of excess, what is required is moderation of these excessive tendencies.
9. Hard Work: I can not help it…”Endeavor to persevere” are the words that come to mind when considering the value hard word. No matter what it takes…accomplish the goal. This value is ingrained into my being, as if it were hereditary. One of the most memorable compliments I ever received was from an individual who had worked directly with a family member. He stated he knew of only one other person that worked as hard as that family member I refer to…and he pointed to me. If you work hard and work smart, life will be easier.
10. Courage: The notion that I can face adversity, sometimes laced with fear, and still stand up for what I believe is right and just. I believe that courage consists of the ability and fortitude to stand on principle, when many others will not.
11. Personal Responsibility: I have the Right to make choices…I am obligated to the outcome of those choices. If the outcome is positive or if the outcome was not the desired effect, I am responsible for making the choice. The burden lies with me and no one else.
12. Gratitude: Being grateful or thankful to or for someone or for something. This value seems to be faltering, like so many others today. I am always reminding myself to acknowledge others for their deeds and words of kindness. The sincere, outward, expression of gratitude reveals a soul is not self-centered.
Posted by Jacob Roecker on August 3, 2009 under 9/12 Candidates |
Extracted from (houchenforcongress.com):
Howard W. Houchen is a proud Oklahoman, a Reagan Conservative and constitutionalist. He is a small businessman and graduate of University of Oklahoma with a degree in Political Science and a Masters degree in National Security Studies from American Military University.
Over the past few years, his disappointment relative to American governance has sharpened. Seeing the travesty which is occurring to the country that he loves culminating in the truly shocking ways our current make up of American government disregards the rule book by which we are to govern ourselves…the U.S. Constitution. This, coupled with its unprecedented central planning system power grabs as well as its take over private companies, which in all of recorded history has ended poorly for the countries in which this happened and the flood of requests from private citizens for Howard to seek public office, has prompted his decision to run for U.S. Congress
In early 2009 Howard became a Contributing Author to American Daily Review, joining the likes of David Horowitz, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, Mansoor Ijaz, Maj. General Paul Valley (US Army Ret.), and many others who also contribute writings to this Conservative media. He also contributes to American Pundit, and is a contributing author to Canada Free Press His articles have been picked up and redistributed by several national media outlets and is fast becoming recognized as a “Common Sense” conservative voice.
Howard Houchen’s family moved back to Hugo, Choctaw County, OK when he was three in 1969, returning to their hometown rich with their families’ Oklahoma heritage. A fourth generation Oklahoma family on both sides of the family tree, Houchen’s great-grandfather, John “Mack”Houchen had ‘walked’ from Kentucky to Indian Territory in S.E. Oklahoma prior to Statehood, settling where what would become home for all of the generations of the family to follow.
Howard attended Hugo Public School System until 1978, when his step-father accepted the position of Drilling Operations Manager in Banda Aceh in the S.E. Asian country of Indonesia. After attending junior high at Medan International School and the first part of high school at the Singapore American School in the Republic of Singapore, he returned to Hugo, and graduated from Hugo High School in 1984. Throughout his schooling, Howard developed his love of football, and played every chance he had – even winning the American League Championship as a member of the Singapore American School Aggies. Upon his return to Hugo he proudly played for the Hugo Buffaloes, still treasuring the friendships made while playing for his hometown team. After high school Howard attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1988 with B.A., Political Science, while working full-time to pay for college and already married for three years at the time of his graduation to his lovely wife Jeannie Leigh Houchen.
In December 1988 Howard began working for Parker Drilling Company, assisting in projects based in Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Gabon, Sao Tome & Principe, and The Congo. He has lived, worked, or traveled extensively in Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, South Africa, and Great Britain, just to name a few of the 45 nations Howard has spent time in. During his work in South Africa for Parker, he served as a substitute teacher in Johannesburg, teaching high school students History.
In 1993, the couple happily returned home to Hugo to ready for the birth of their first son Collin Lee Houchen, born in April, 1994. He also served Hugo on the City Council, fulfilling an unexpired term of another councilman in 1995, assisting in transitioning the city from a mayoral to a city manager form of government. Second son Jared Melvin-Wayne Houchen followed in April, 2001.
A short time later, Howard began managing the operations of a fledgling family business, All American Garage Doors, Inc. While serving as Operations Manager of this small business full-time, he completed his Master of Arts in National Security Studies, with Honors, in 2004 from American Military University.
Howard is an active member of the Hugo community, from coaching a Hugo Buffaloes Little League Football team in 2005 to helping coach another Hugo Buffalo Little League Football team, of which his youngest son Jared was a player, to a Super Bowl Championship in 2008. The couple’s oldest son, Collin, now plays for the Hugo High School Buffaloes, and Howard and Jeannie are present at every game to cheer on their hometown team. Howard is the team’s “unofficial” photographer and documents every aspect of the season culminating in him donating a CD presentation to each member of the team and staff. He and his family are avid hunters and fishers, treasuring the outdoor life and family activities plentiful in our beautiful state and abundant in our rural communities.
More Information
Contract || houchenforcongress.com || Twitter || FaceBook || Newsletter
All readers are welcome to comment on this particular announcement or offer further information using the comment feature below. Often times (though not always) the candidate will also use the forum to respond. Please express yourself with civility, read the comment guidelines, and we look forward to hearing from you.
| Howard W. Houchen is a proud Oklahoman, a Reagan Conservative and constitutionalist. He is a small businessman and graduate of University of Oklahoma with a degree in Political Science and a Maters degree in National Security Studies from American Military University. |
| Over the past few years, his disappointment relative to American governance has sharpened. Seeing the travesty which is occurring to the country that he loves culminating in the truly shocking ways our current make up of American government disregards the rule book by which we are to govern ourselves…the U.S. Constitution. This, coupled with its unprecedented central planning system power grabs as well as its take over private companies, which in all of recorded history has ended poorly for the countries in which this happened and the flood of requests from private citizens for Howard to seek public office, has prompted his decision to run for U.S. Congress |
| In early 2009 Howard became a Contributing Author to American Daily Review, joining the likes of David Horowitz, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, Mansoor Ijaz, Maj. General Paul Valley (US Army Ret.), and many others who also contribute writings to this Conservative media. He also contributes to American Pundit, and is a contributing author to Canada Free Press His articles have been picked up and redistributed by several national media outlets and is fast becoming recognized as a “Common Sense” conservative voice. |
| Howard Houchen’s family moved back to Hugo, Choctaw County, OK when he was three in 1969, returning to their hometown rich with their families’ Oklahoma heritage. A fourth generation Oklahoma family on both sides of the family tree, Houchen’s great-grandfather, John “Mack”Houchen had ‘walked’ from Kentucky to Indian Territory in S.E. Oklahoma prior to Statehood, settling where what would become home for all of the generations of the family to follow. |
| Howard attended Hugo Public School System until 1978, when his step-father accepted the position of Drilling Operations Manager in Banda Aceh in the S.E. Asian country of Indonesia. After attending junior high at Medan International School and the first part of high school at the Singapore American School in the Republic of Singapore, he returned to Hugo, and graduated from Hugo High School in 1984. Throughout his schooling, Howard developed his love of football, and played every chance he had – even winning the American League Championship as a member of the Singapore American School Aggies. Upon his return to Hugo he proudly played for the Hugo Buffaloes, still treasuring the friendships made while playing for his hometown team. After high school Howard attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1988 with B.A., Political Science, while working full-time to pay for college and already married for three years at the time of his graduation to his lovely wife Jeannie Leigh Houchen. |
| In December 1988 Howard began working for Parker Drilling Company, assisting in projects based in Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Gabon, Sao Tome & Principe, and The Congo. He has lived, worked, or traveled extensively in Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, South Africa, and Great Britain, just to name a few of the 45 nations Howard has spent time in. During his work in South Africa for Parker, he served as a substitute teacher in Johannesburg, teaching high school students History. |
| In 1993, the couple happily returned home to Hugo to ready for the birth of their first son Collin Lee Houchen, born in April, 1994. He also served Hugo on the City Council, fulfilling an unexpired term of another councilman in 1995, assisting in transitioning the city from a mayoral to a city manager form of government. Second son Jared Melvin-Wayne Houchen followed in April, 2001. |
| A short time later, Howard began managing the operations of a fledgling family business, All American Garage Doors, Inc. While serving as Operations Manager of this small business full-time, he completed his Master of Arts in National Security Studies, with Honors, in 2004 from American Military University. |
| Howard is an active member of the Hugo community, from coaching a Hugo Buffaloes Little League Football team in 2005 to helping coach another Hugo Buffalo Little League Football team, of which his youngest son Jared was a player, to a Super Bowl Championship in 2008. The couple’s oldest son, Collin, now plays for the Hugo High School Buffaloes, and Howard and Jeannie are present at every game to cheer on their hometown team. Howard is the team’s “unofficial” photographer and documents every aspect of the season culminating in him donating a CD presentation to each member of the team and staff. He and his family are avid hunters and fishers, treasuring the outdoor life and family activities plentiful in our beautiful state and abundant in our rural communities. |
Posted by Jacob Roecker on August 1, 2009 under 9/12 Candidates |
Extracted from (rickflanigan.com)
Rick Flanigan is a husband, father and grandfather. He was raised in Oklahoma and graduated from Del City High School in 1987. He left Oklahoma in 1988 to report to boot camp in San Diego, Ca. After “A” School at Treasure Island, Ca he reported for duty aboard the USS Tarawa as a Damage Controlman where he participated in a six month Western Pacific deployment as well as many other shorter term deployments.
He was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1990 and immediately returned to Oklahoma and began a career as a fire alarm technician. In 1996 Rick and his wife Cathie started their own small business that includes a small Mom and Pop retail battery store in Bethany, OK. They have been in business together since that time and both feel blessed to be able to work together nearly everyday for the last 13 years.
Concerned about the current path our Country is on, I decided that it was time to become more involved in the process. After attending the Tax Day Tea Party rally at the state capital I began talking with friends and neighbors, looking for a candidate to get behind. Believing that the best candidate would be one who places preservation of the Constitution and individual freedoms at the top of his list of responsibilities, I came up empty handed. I do not question the loyalty or intentions of any other candidate and I am not running against anyone, however I know where my loyalties lie. I feel that any candidate should be a person who has never been tainted by the money of special interest. I have never been a part of the political machine and have only ever sworn one oath, that being to defend the Constitution against ALL enemies foreign and domestic, and I reaffirm that oath today as I swear to you that I will do everything in my power as an American, an Okie and as your representative in Congress to defend the rights and freedoms that belong to everyone of us. Make no mistake, the Constitution is under attack and the only way that we can defend her is in the voting booth in 2010. I only pray that we are not too late.
We deserve a candidate that we can vote for, instead of voting against another. The choice should never be between the lesser of two evils and how great it will be if in 2010 you are able to choose the best person for the job from a field of great candidates. One can hope. I may not have all of the answers but I am certainly not afraid to ask the questions. “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country” — Let the revolution begin.
Here are some of Rick’s One Liners
I wish my DVD player had come with instructions as easy to read as the Constitution
My youngest son was reading the instructions on the sun screen bottle and asks “what does apply liberaly mean?” I could only respond with “put it on like someone else is paying for it.”
You know why they put serial numbers on dollar bills? Because they are supposed to be limited edition.
The Tree of Liberty is being overgrown by the oak tree of Socialism, which produces no fruit, only the acorn nut.
Return Congress to the People by returning the People to Congress
More Information
Contract || rickflanigan.com || twitter || FaceBook || MySpace
All readers are welcome to comment on this particular announcement or offer further information using the comment feature below. Often times (though not always) the candidate will also use the forum to respond. Please express yourself with civility, read the comment guidelines, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Posted by Jacob Roecker on July 21, 2009 under 9/12 Candidates |
Daniel Allen (Dan) Arnett was born in Okmulgee County on July 10, 1984, the middle son of James and Bettina Arnett, and spent his formative years growing up in Henryetta where he learned the value of hard work from his studies in the Henryetta School System as well as in the Church of Christ, of which he is a member.
After graduation from Henryetta High School, Dan worked to make ends meet and, like the rest of his brothers, paid his own way through college arriving at Oklahoma Christian University in 2003. While at Oklahoma Christian, Dan spent a semester studying history, art, and philosophy in Vienna, Austria. During this trip, he spent a lot of time conversing with the locals of whichever country he was in, seeking their true opinion of America and seeing firsthand how our liberty and freedom sets us apart.
He also served as Treasurer of the Student Government.
After earning a Bachelor’s in History and Political Science, Dan was accepted to Drexel University in Philadelphia where he is in his final year of studies. Balancing between his off-time here at home and spending his semesters in the same city where the founders built this great nation has been a very unique experience; an experience that has filled Dan with a passion to make sure the people he grew up around, the citizens of the Great State of Oklahoma, can maintain their rights and their liberties.
Dan has gained a wide range of experience in the area of criminal law, seeing it from both sides while working with the Public Defender’s Association in Philadelphia and with the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. Dan does not see the role of the defense counsel as to “get someone off the hook necessarily” but to see that the rule of law is upheld.
Dan is ready to work harder than ever before to fight for the people he is ready to represent. With your blessing, Dan Arnett will go to Washington and be the outsider that is needed to help bring about “real” change.
More Information
Contract || Campaign Website || Facebook
All readers are welcome to comment on this particular announcement or offer further information using the comment feature below. Often times (though not always) the candidate will also use the forum to respond. Please express yourself with civility, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Posted by Jacob Roecker on July 3, 2009 under 9/12 Candidates |
9 Principles
- America Is Good.
- America has done nothing for which it needs to apologize. There have been mistakes in our national judgment in the past, but the actions of a few, or those long dead, are not actions of the whole or of those now living. Moreover, wrongs that have been made as right as they can be made are behind us. We should not allow the mistakes of the past to be used against us in perpetuity. Because of our freedom, the United States is a nation which can continually re-evaluate itself and its actions and correct its wrongs. This is one of our strengths; it is not a weakness.
- I believe in God.
- There are some who argue that the United States is a “Christian” nation. If that is so, it is only so because of our people and their collective belief in the Judeo-Christian God. However, our Founders understood that should we ever allow any single religion to be established, our religious freedom would fall under threat. Given the weight of legal precedent on the law, it remains critical that we carry on the precedent of dis-establishment, so that we will never have to fear reprisal from a new majority religion should our religion cease to be the majority. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. I pledge my sacred honor not to ever use the force of government to force that axiom on anyone else.
- I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
- A habit of honesty makes being dishonest difficult and uncomfortable. Finding difficulty with dishonesty in turn leads to a habit of honesty. This circle of “right living” will be noticeable by others and will become part of the actions of the whole. Through these efforts we can begin to restore the American People’s lost trust in their Congress.
- The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
- You know what is best for your children and your household, not the federal government. As it applies to the family, the preamble of the Constitution articulates one of the allowed and agreed upon functions of government, “to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and to our Posterity…”. Within the limits of protecting the lives, liberties (universal human liberties not those bestowed by your parents) and properties of the children within your home, I pledge my sacred honor to ensure that your federal government remains removed from your daily life and that of your family.
- If you break the law, you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
- There cannot be two laws – one for the high born and one for the low. To allow such would create a caste system of inequality not befitting of a free society.
- I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
- These inalienable rights guarantee the level playing field required for all to succeed. Protecting these rights from infringement is the promotion of the “general Welfare” referred to in the preamble of the Constitution. However, realization of our individual Welfare is incumbent upon our willingness to work and participate within the free market.
- As well as being inalienable, the rights to life, liberty and property are guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. When in conflict with one another, legal precedent has established their order of merit as they appear in the that amendment. This means that slavery and abortion are not social/religious issues, they are constitutional issues. Under the Fifth Amendment, due process and equal protection under the law are required to deprive someone of their life, liberty or property. Since the unborn are guilty of no crime, there can be no due process for them; hence abortion is unconstitutional.
- Just as the right to life for the unborn cannot be trumped by the right to privacy/liberty, so too, the right to property cannot trump liberty. The Civil War settled the issue that humans cannot be property. Convicted criminals may have their liberty infringed through due process. However, no one can be born a slave for the same reason that the unborn cannot be executed. Hereditary slavery requires a lack of due process under the Fifth Amendment and is askance of the legal precedent set by the outcome of the Civil War.
- Since we cannot be born into slavery, slavery through incremental socialism is also unconstitutional under the Fifth and Thirteenth Amendments. Under the Fifth Amendment, there can be no levy against my property to pay for unconstitutional expenditures since there can be no due process stemming from illegal government action. Under the Thirteenth Amendment, slavery or involuntary servitude is forbidden.
- I work hard for what I have and I will share it with whom I want to. The government cannot force me to be charitable.
- Socialism is slavery, because both control labor through force. If the slave does not give over the fruits of his labor, he will feel the whip on his back…if the victim of socialism does not give over the same, he will find himself jailed by the IRS or worse. As was previously mentioned though, the Fifth and the Thirteenth Amendments forbid slavery, thus they forbid socialism. Legal imposts, taken under the authority of the Constitution – a contract with the people requiring super-majority ratification-are surrendered with the people’s consent for the purpose of paying for those functions of government enumerated under that supreme law. Levies collected for any other purposes can therefore be nothing other than government imposed and sanctioned theft. Despite out-of-control taxation, Americans are typically more generous with their charitable giving than most other citizens on the planet…imagine the power of our charity to help others, if we were allowed to keep 40-60% more of what we earned…
- It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
- The Founders considered our free speech liberty so important that is was established in the Constitution’s very first amendment. The outspoken manner of our citizens against governmental infringements began with the Founders themselves. Thus, exercising this right, established and practiced by the Founders, and enshrined in our supreme law, is anything but un-American.
- The government works for its citizens. I answer to them, they do not answer to me.
- As an elected representative of the people of Oklahoma’s 4th District, it is my primary responsibility to represent their interests and the interests of Oklahoma, and the Native Nations within Oklahoma, to the federal Congress and to ensure that the Constitution and treaties that binds those entities together are upheld at all times. I must not subjugate the people’s interest to my own, nor may I permit the interests of individuals or organizations, whether within the 4th district or without, to influence my duty, loyalty, and commitment to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, the individual liberty of its citizens, or the sovereignty of Oklahoma or the sovereignty of the Native Nations within Oklahoma.
12 Values
- Honesty: Is required for there to be value in our words. Without the value of honesty, the things we say are nothing more than noises that escape our vocal cords or meaningless scribbles on the page. The American People demand and deserve representatives who will speak the truth even if it leads to our death or dishonor. Without honesty the American People cannot carry out their charge to wisely select representatives using votes purchased for them with the blood of patriots.
- Reverence: Is required for honor to be shown to our Creator, our Founders, those that have died for our Liberty, and for the sacred charge placed upon us by the American People.
- Hope: Is required for us to endure in the face of supreme adversity for the sake of carrying on the freedom and liberty passed to us, that we may in turn pass them on to our posterity.
- Thrift: Is required for us to properly husband the resources placed in our charge by the American People, who have worked hard for that which they have given to the United States. Honor demands that we not waste those resources freely given for those agreed upon functions of the federal government contained in the preamble of the Constitution.
- Humility: Is required for us to understand and respect the responsibility placed upon us. We must always remember that it is not for our glory that we are chosen to serve the American People, but for theirs.
- Charity: Is required for us as individuals so that we may be examples of noble spirit to the people we lead. However, we must never be charitable with the peoples money; it is their task to be so, not ours to make them be so.
- Sincerity: Along with honesty, sincerity is required so that our constituents will know that we are truly placing their needs before our own. We should work tirelessly for them until we are called to leave public service. We should serve our constituents with our own hand and ear when we are home in our districts. Moreover, we should make sure to return to our districts to convene with them at every opportunity. In this way we demonstrate to our constituents that we represent them and not ourselves.
- Moderation: is required for us to show that we are mature enough for the level of responsibility our constituents have placed upon us. “Living hard” is not becoming of a public official. We must always remember that we are truly representatives of all the people we serve and not any single constituency.
- Hard Work: is the crucible by which we turn our ideas and the needs of the country into acceptable results. Our citizens deserve representatives who will work as hard as do they themselves. They have sacrificed the fruits of their labor to pay for good representation. We should strive everyday to ensure the citizenry get that for which they have paid.
- Courage: is required for us to stand up to the “interests” that besiege the Congress from all sides. We must remember that, as federal officers, there is no greater interest than upholding and defending the Constitution. The time will fast come when party whips demand reciprocity for their party’s support. We must be prepared to see them disappointed when what they ask for is out of step with the Constitution and the best interests of the United States.
- Personal Responsibility: The single greatest threat to our liberty comes from congressional delegation of its Constitutional Authority to persons or entities who are not politically accountable to the American People. Once elected we must work tirelessly to end these illegal delegations of congressional authority and be willing to take on the responsibility for our actions as individuals and our votes as representatives.
- Gratitude: is the endearing spirit by which we ingratiate those who have helped us in the past to be willing to help us again in the future. Much is asked of those who must pay the bills and wear the uniform of our Republic. We must always ensure that the next generation of Americans will know that their service will be rewarding and appreciated.
Mr. Harris’ links:
Homepage || Bio || Video || Facebook || MySpace || Meetup
Editor’s Note:
Mr. RJ Harris discussed these principles and values in an online radio broadcast, Friday 26 June 10:00-Midnight EST. Please tune in. RJ is an eloquent advocate for the solutions this nation needs to embrace in order to survive. Please visit his site for more current campaign information and to find out how you can support this 9/12 Candidate.
Posted by Jacob Roecker on July 2, 2009 under 9/12 Candidates |
912Candidates.org is pleased to announce our first 9/12 Candidate: RJ Harris.
Mr Harris is running in the fourth congressional district in the state of Oklahoma for the Republican nomination against incumbent Tom Cole. Mr. Harris identifies himself as the husband to his wife of 18 years, and the father of five children. He is currently in the Oklahoma National Guard, and has served two deployments to Iraq.
His political activity stems from his love of the constitution. His interest in the constitution began as a young sergeant in the Army when he decided to read the very document he had sworn his life to defend. Now as a candidate, he describes the mission of his campaign:
The primary mission of this campaign is to elect a Constitutional Conservative to represent the people of the 4th Oklahoma Congressional District. Execution of this mission includes an educational effort to make Oklahomans aware of the liberties that are being robbed from them by a central government, which has been operating outside the strictures of the Constitution for far too long. The Republican Party promised to fight to reduce, restrict, and restrain the size and scope of government and I am running to make good on that promise for the people of the Fourth District. Nearly as important, I intend to carry a message to Washington, from the people of Oklahoma, which puts the US Congress on notice that the days of their infringement into our States Rights and Sovereignty are coming to an end.
When asked why he wanted to become a 9/12 candidate he said “Unless we do something to preserve this Republic, we may not have a Republic left to pass on to our children.”
Mr. Harris we salute you for your service to our nation and wish you luck with your campaign.
Download his Signed Contract
Mr. Harris’ links:
Homepage || Bio || Video || Facebook || MySpace || Meetup
ponsibility should not be rewarded. In the United States we have the freedom to dream, try, and, if all doesn’t go well, to fail. It is not the responsibility of the government to decide what companies are “too big to fail” and are worthy of our tax dollars. No one is too big to fail, and to create a system of bailing out failing companies will cause far more harm than good. The federal government has few enumerated powers, doling out money from the public treasury for the purpose of charity is not one of those powers. 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 redistribution of wealth.
