As we quickly approach the GOP Convention and the official battle for the Republican Party to retake the White House, have Conservative Americans once again forfeited their integrity in the selection process?

What appeared to so many, to be a long grueling Primary process that supposedly allowed the voices of most conservative and independent minded Americans the opportunity to select the next challenger to the Obama sham was little more than a spectacle, a side show offered by the “progressive” elite GOP establishment.  Even an ardent student of the political process would have to admit that the stage production, broad media coverage, showmanship, and even the cast of “pretender” characters was well scripted for prime time “sweeps” television.  The perfect stage settings were meticulously selected to ensure that the public eyes focused their attention on the spot-lighted “performer” of the hour; just like a “Card Trickster” guides the on-lookers attention away from the slide-of-hand to mesmerize the mind of even the astute skeptic.

Like current “Reality” shows, each week the audiences are offered titillating expectations of secret strategies , heated skirmishes, whodunits, colorful combatants challenging the other “contestants” into duels with swords, pistols, sound bites, and the promise of an even better episode the ensuing week!  As the weeks and Primaries passed before our eyes, the “players” seemed to change their stage placements, choreographed perfectly, as the media “handlers” and TV crews politely blurred the stage so the audience would enjoy the performance – and forget the purpose.  At the end of each performance, “talking heads” provided hours of slanted opinions commentary as to what was just seen and heard. The viewer, therefore, would never be required to listen, take notes, or even be concerned about the “thoughts” and ideas presented by the candidate.  Once again, “…we the people” let total strangers from a wide-screen TV decide for us.

To so many, “The American Dream” consists of living in a society filled with Liberties and Freedoms for all; opportunities abounding in every part of our “great” nation; our borders and vital government functions performed and protected by our paid civil servants and dedicated military; and the hope that our children and grandchildren will live a better life than we…but our Founders provided and hoped so much more for us!

Freedom and Liberty are not “free” – patriots, soldiers, statesmen, and working Americans from every race, faith, and walk of life have fought continuously, even before the birth of America, to ensure that our God given “rights” are protected.  When we choose indolently to sit idly in front of our TV screens, allowing a few elite politicians, technocrats, pollsters and processors to make our decisions for us, “…we the people” gave up our God given rights!

Whether we admit it, most Americans did not select Mitt Romney as their first or even second choice to be the Republican candidate for President of the United States.  As the “producers” and “directors” of our “Reality” show, called the political process, guided our “minds” though a maze of calculated directives, “…we the people” gave up our Integrity, our Dignity, our deep-seeded beliefs, and our faith, in the same manner as Judas did to Jesus; and we didn’t even receive 30 pieces of silver.  We willingly sacrificed Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Rick Perry & Ron Paul, as well as others on the alter!

It is my most humble opinion that Barack Hussein Obama’s election as President, right next to 9-11, is the single most devastating event that has affected modern-day America; but for Americans to accept a mediocre, at best, candidate like Mitt Romney who does not share our Conservative values; does not believe in the “sanctity” of life of the unborn; does not believe that we are a Nation of Law and not Man; but instead believes that the “state” and big government is the answer to our health-care and many other issues, is a clear sign that “…we the people” have given up the fight for our God given “rights”!  MAY GOD HELP US ALL!

Terry J. Sigmon, Author and Senior Business Analyst, Hickory, NC

Was it after we realized that America could withstand even an attack on our own soil such as happened on September 11, 2001?  On that horrific day in 2001 and for many days following, most citizens of our Constitutional Republic realized that we were no longer safe from attacks that could kill thousands while millions watched.  We even realized that our vulnerability created heart-felt fear, anxiety and doubt that our own government could protect us anymore.  Many roamed the streets for days and weeks questioning if this was a sign that America had lost its’ mighty power…others believed it was the beginning of the end of time.  For the families of those who lost lives, the agony and pain continued for months…even years and beyond, as they grappled with “who was to blame” and “how could this happen here”!

Lawmakers at all levels of government, city, county, state and in Washington, D.C. discovered an urgent need to cooperate in order to find common ground and to seek solace with the unknown and almost unbelievable series of events that occurred on that forever memorable day.  In the words and writings of every media outlet, “…this day will never be forgotten- planes crashing into tall buildings, smoke filled skies, people crying from fear and amazement, screaming sirens and firefights moving in all directions- no, this will be embedded in the minds and souls forever and never to be forgotten!”

Once quoted by Rose Kennedy, “It has been said, ‘time heals all wounds.’ I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”  Maybe we are protecting our sanity by hiding the painful thoughts in the depths of our darkest minds- or maybe we have decided that pain is not worth suffering for any long period of time.  When the question was once asked, “…are you stupid or just plain apathetic”…the response was, “…I don’t know and I don’t care!”

Have we become a society filled with apathy and lost interest in the process or did we just decide to become dependent on the ‘state” to take our problems and solve them for us?  Every day I hear and read about the masses in America, who say they don’t watch news because it is too negative, they don’t read printed articles because they don’t have the time; they don’t participate in religious or political activities because they are both old-fashioned and have no value; they don’t vote locally or nationally because it will make no difference; and so ‘they’ fill their days with routines to heal their pains and hopefully hide their fears. But, does this mean our problems will dissipate by thoughtlessness or be resolved by others?

Yes, we as Americans have forgotten, that is– if we even ever read, what the settlers went through to start this country and, most importantly, what our brave Founders were willing to sacrifice in order to form “…a more perfect union…”, a place where men are free, even to stop caring.   Each of us must introspect our own hearts and minds to determine when we stopped caring, believing, sharing, praying, trusting, giving, honoring, and fighting for what is “right”, what is “just”, what is “honest”, and how much is it worth to maintain our Integrity, Honor, Freedom and Liberty from tyranny?  “Are you stupid or just plain apathetic…?”          Terry J. Sigmon, Author & Senior Business Analyst #CVN

GUEST COMMENTARY: Terry J. Sigmon, Author and Senior Business Analyst, Business Service Associates, LLC

Many political writers are so very correct when writing that all of the Republican candidates have flaws, just like the rest of us in the general population.  Newt Gingrich, by the mere length and volume of his government service, strong leadership, speeches, legislative actions, appearances on TV shows, articles, books, bold activities in the private sector, and other appearances naturally leaves him open to more criticism…this we all know and I am sure Mr. Gingrich is also aware.

 When the Liberal media or the Obama Chicago Machine attacks Newt Gingrich or any of the Republican candidates, it is understandable and must be expected.  Further we should expect this election to be long, rough and nasty…this President will do ANYTHING & EVERYTHING and will spend beyond our wildest imaginations whatever it takes to be re-elected.  Would you expect anything less?

 But many voters are asking and do not understand why the Republican Establishment is attacking Newt Gingrich with vicious statements…the answer is simple.  They are not Liberals or even mean-spirited people, but they are Americans who care more about the probability of beating Obama in November than nominating a “Conservative” candidate.  “Their” feeling is that Mitt Romney is more laid back and will not generate the backlash or provide a Big Idea controversial approach that Gingrich will and is doing, ergo, Romney is their choice to be the moderate nominee in hopes of attracting moderate voters in a general election.  This is the approach “we the people” should expect for the rest of the nominating process.  Watch carefully!

Their approach seems reasonable unless you look at the 2008 election when the “establishment” backed Senator John McCain, a war hero and Patriot, who too was more of a moderate with no BIG ideas and eventually withered under the “bold”, fresh attacks by a young, charismatic and well spoken (with teleprompters) Barack Obama campaign.  McCain’s outcome should have been obvious by the way in which Obama simply brushed away and dispatched with ease, the prohibitive favorite or even regarded Heir apparent, Hillary Clinton.

 Now the Liberal Media and the Republican Establishment will attempt to guide “we the people”, like herding cattle to the slaughter in hopes that a NE Moderate like Mitt Romney, by dressing and looking Presidential, will somehow be able to “stutter” his way through even while experiencing relentless attacks the likes never seen before, by a well-financed Barack Obama and his henchmen…only to watch in the end the election results in disgrace.  To help understand this better, McCain is lending his campaign knowledge and support in order to prepare Romney for his “concession” speech.

 If “…we the people”, the true conservative who believe in “this” America, but do NOT stand up for what we believe, hold our ground and maintain our true integrity to a conservative way of life, we will surely see 4 more years of Barack Obama and the beginning of the end of a Constitutional Republic called America. Even if by some miracle, a Moderate from the Republican Party were to be elected to the White House, the changes would be minor, the ideas small, and the process of “Fundamentally Transforming America” and eliminating God’s Divine American Experiment would continue.

 Our Founders will weep from their graves and we will weep in the streets of a European style Socialistic & Economic Euro-America…then onward for our children and grandchildren to watch as our Freedoms falter into the abyss like most of Europe is now experiencing.  This is not what Conservatives want; this is not what most honest American loving Democrats desire; this is not what those who choose to be called Independents hope for; and this is not what our “Creator” established for this wonderful Nation called America.   Participate now to “Reform” our great America…or ONLY observe the “Transformation”!

TERRY J. SIGMON, Author and Senior Business Analyst, Business Service Associates, LLC, www.expectbsa.com

When Newt Gingrich developed a video depicting the heroics of General Washington’s devotion to a new America, Newt was not comparing himself to George Washington, but instead sharing with all of us how we must hold steadfast to our beliefs and integrity if we really wish to Restore “our” America.  Freedom is not free and General Washington new it then, and Mr. Gingrich knows it now.  Instead of the harsh criticisms, false statements, half-truths, and political posturing, we all can learn from Mr. Gingrich, how to overcome our past mistakes, seemingly impossible obstacles, biased media outlets, and learn from history how America became a great nation.  We have a current administration who is leading us down the path of European Socialism and failed economic policies on a Fast Moving Train…but Mr. Gingrich is teaching us, if we choose to listen, that “…we the people”, with a true leader for our Constitutional Republic can lead us back to the nation our Founders and Patriots created.

When General George Washington, while crossing the Delaware River, in freezing and unfavorable conditions, faced what seemed to be an inevitable defeat but… he didn’t complain, whimper, make excuses, or blame the problems on someone who may have proceeded him. No, he marshaled the hand full of war-weary troops and forged on, across the icy River to defeat and capture the German soldiers. General Washington and his men didn’t have the comforts of warm clothes, boots, home cooked meals, and very little hope, but they fought the good fight and because of their heroic actions, America was born.

It is our time now to stop complaining about how little we have, how hard life is, how “they” are taking our freedoms from us, how we are being over-taxed and over-regulated; now is the time to understand just how important a battle we are facing in 2012. This battle may be the most important battle of all times for America.

Will our motto be Liberty or Death, or will we succumb to the powers of those minority few Progressive Leftist Liberals who believe the “elite” deserve the riches of America and the rest of us should lower our “expectations” and accept being mediocre. We as American Patriots will soon decide if we wish to keep what our Founders and others like George Washington gave us, A Constitutional Republic, and decide if our motto will be LIBERTY OR DEATH. God help us all…are YOU in the battle or will you accept defeat in the warmness of your homes? Our founders gave us this Republic…but then asked, “…can we keep it?”  We can listen to “sound” bites, talking heads, and Administration minions, or we can lean for ourselves what history has taught us about fighting for our own Freedoms.  It is “your” choice and whatever it may be, it will most likely impact how we, our children and our grand children will live, work, and maintain the freedoms for DECADES to come.  Will you follow in the footsteps of General George Washington and fight the good fight, read our History of how we became a Fee Nation; or will you complain and resign your rights to those few who wish to take those Rights and Freedoms away from us.  Newt is ready to fight…are we?

In response to a friend’s hypothesis that Mr. Cain would be the strongest candidate to run against Obama because he (Cain) is a Black American…I submit the following: It is possible that this theory is correct to some degree, but may not be an accurate portrayal of how the electorate may react on Election Day.  First, the black community historically cast a very large majority of votes for the nominee of the Democratic Party…and not because of a candidate’s skin color.  Therefore, Mr. Cain may or may not draw any more democratic voters away from Obama than another Republican.

Second, this president has most likely been advised by his analysts that he (Obama) will have to galvanize his base, including black Americans, hard-core leftists, and fringe voters. He is surely aware that he has little chance with the Conservative vote and most likely knows that he has lost a large portion of the Independent votes that help elect him in 2008; and even some of the Moderates.

Although I think Mr. Cain can be formidable against Obama for President, it is my opinion that Mr. Gingrich would be a much stronger opponent…because of his vast understanding of how the government works both domestically and internationally, because of his (Gingrich) statesman qualities, and his ability to master complicated questions almost effortlessly…and without a teleprompter.

 Currently, Cain has the edge over Gingrich but IF certain influential individuals and groups begin to see that Gingrich CAN win the Republican nomination his support will widen, contributions will increase and the dynamics of the political landscape will change so very quickly. If you noticed, there are a lot of IFs’, but look at what happened with both parties in 2008 (Hillary supposedly had it in the bag & the Republicans ended up with McCain) and you will see that the paradigm changes with the mood change of the electorate.

This is my opinion, what’s yours?

TERRY J. SIGMON, Author & Senior Business Analyst, Business Service Associates, LLC,  www.expectbsa.com 

Morning Bell: Big Government Rising? By: Mike Brownfield  September 6, 2011

In response to the article above, where our President, Vice-President, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Union Leader Hoffa, and Progressive Liberals in general state and believe the only way to make America great again is for “government” to spend more of the people’s money and control the daily lives of all of its citizens…I wrote the following:

For those who need an “outright” sign that our current Administration is trying to move America towards Socialism, look no further. To spend billions or even trillions on construction or other infra-structure projects and having no way to pay, but instead by using borrowed money would be much like paying your spouse to wash your clothes and using a credit card that is in both names. The budget battles recently fought in Congress and will continue shortly, is not about building things, improving our roads and bridges, and especially not about creating jobs, but is about “CONTROL”. Control, especially by people in Washington, DC, who don’t mind spending your, your children and money of your grandchildren is the opposite of FREEDOM.

Today, America is still a great country, founded on the principles of Liberty and Freedom and divinely inspired, encouraging individuals to be vigilant in their labor, responsible in their habits, and thankful for their blessings. Today, the motto of those seeking a “Fundamental” change of America are not asking “…what you can do for your family or country”, but will you let your country control every aspect of your life by providing you with handouts, no personal responsibility, government dependence, and a society described by George Bernard Shaw and Carl Marx…and all you have to give up…is your FREEDOM.

It truly is the time for Americans to decide if they wish to be free and provide their own labor in return for an honest living or stand in line in order to accept your daily bread from a government employee. Your choice…you decide!

Terry J. Sigmon,  Author and Senior Business Analyst, Business Service Associates, LLC, www.expectbsa.com &  http://www.apexreviews.net/Above_The_Fold_-_4_6_11.html

In the DAILYFINANCE article, College Dropouts Cost U.S. Billions in Lost Earnings, by Sheryl Nance-Nash states:

“When students drop out of college, it’s not just disappointing for them and their parents — it’s also bad news for Uncle Sam, and even for their next-door neighbors.

A new study from the American Institutes for Research examined the outcomes for more than 1.1 million full-time students who entered college in 2002 with the best intentions of getting a bachelor’s degree. AIR says nearly 500,000 did not graduate within six years. The quitting spurt is expensive: AIR says those dropouts cost the nation $4.5 billion in lost income, and lost federal and state income taxes.”

The question must be asked if the losses calculated assume ‘those who drop out of college’ would be able to find a higher paying job if they did complete their education and receive a BS Degree; or a job of any kind.  Is it possible that those individuals, if they  did complete their degree programs would continue to add to their “student” loan amounts, only to graduate and not be able to find a better paying job or even worse, find NO work and have to seek state or federal assistance to live.

The article further states:

“At a time when the fed and state governments are hungry for revenues, those losses are felt keenly.

“…According to the Census Bureau, college graduates between the ages of 25 and 34, working year-round, earn about 40% more than those with some college who have not completed their degrees, and around two-thirds more than those with just high school diplomas. The lifetime earnings of a college graduate can exceed those of a high school graduate by as much as $500,000, reports AIR.

“Federal income tax losses parallel these numbers: with losses in federal income taxes exceeding $50 million per year in California, New York and Texas and more than $15 million in losses from Massachusetts, North Carolina, and New Jersey,” writes the AIR.”

The same question must be addressed, if those who do complete their Degree programs do not find one of those “higher” paying jobs, they also will not be paying higher state and federal taxes…but they will have those increased student loan amounts and no way to repay.

As a college graduate, I am a strong believer that a college education is valuable and of utmost importance;  and should be regarded highly, but statistics do not always provide the answers to the dilemma…do I accept NOW, an opening with a company, even though the pay may be less and get a head start on accomplishments or wait a few more years and hope the employment conditions for top paying jobs improve…and what if they don’t?  College Placement Counselors need to study the affects and be prepared to give honest answers to those students considering dropping out of college.

TERRY J. SIGMON, Author & Senior Business Analyst with Business Service Associates, LLC, www.expectbsa.com

Transforming America

For those of you who are following the activities of this Administration, I hope it causing you to pause and ask – just how is our President “Transforming” America.  For the most part, this kind of rhetoric that was espoused during the 2008 Presidential election were nothing more than “catchy” phrases (“Yes we can”) and platitudes (“…Change has come to America”), unchecked by the media and unquestioned by the American voters.  But by now, I sincerely hope and believe that most Americans have uncovered the real meaning behind those well delivered slivers of demolition. 

This President didn’t start the process of “Progressively” changing our long founded Republic and Capitalistic society into a socialistic welfare and entitlement State, but he has fueled the flames of those liberal “Progressives” who came before him and drastically increased the velocity of the transformation.  Our Founders by Divine intervention, created a document, unlike anything before, that created, from a loosely knit group of territories – a “Republic”, and when asked of one of our founders, what have you given us, he replied, “A Republic…if you can keep it”?

In a court case, “Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005)^[1] was a case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States involving the use of eminent domain to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development The Court held in a 5–4 decision that the general benefits a community enjoyed from economic growth qualified such redevelopment plans as a permissible “public use” under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. “

To explain this in simple terms, with the stroke of a pen, by only 5 Unelected US Supreme Court Judges; without any kind of “legislation” passed by congress; or without a Constitutional Amendment approved by the States, has literally amended, by changing one word, “use” to “benefit” and forever may have eliminated our Founders definition of Private property…including “your” property.

The “TRANSFORMATION” began many years ago and that Train is speeding down the track with NO breaks, attacking most if not all of our “Bill of Rights”, especially the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 10th and even one beyond…the 14th Amendment.  The above is just one example of how we are loosing our freedoms quickly and I hope this will challenge each Patriot to realize this President is using  Czars and Federal Departments to bypass Congress in order to take away more of our freedoms.  Please don’t think waiting until the 2012 election is soon enough to begin your understanding of the real “Transformation” and what you can do to slow and eventually turn the “train” around.  We MUST start NOW! 

Terry J. Sigmon, Author & Senior Business Analyst, Business Service Associates, LLC, www.expectbsa.com