If You Love America Please Read This
Hello my friends. I know this site is about bodybuilding and I hate to get politcal on you but I love this country and I am very afraid at the direction it’s heading. I came across the following letter today and everything that is written is as though this man was reading my mind. I don’t know if this guy is real or not but the words are true!
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING, REGARDING THIS ELECTION… LET THIS BE THE ONE THING!!
Please keep an open mind and come Tuesday please let your vote be an informed one. Btw I agree with everything in this letter 100%
An impassioned letter from a ‘nobody’. But he gives his telephone number at the end.
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 3:19 PM
Subject: A letter from Ilinois
Dear Friends:
My name is Joe Porter. I live in Champaign, Illinois. I’m 46 years old, a born-again Christian, a husband, a father, a small business owner, a veteran, and a homeowner. I don’t consider myself to be either conservative or liberal, and I vote for the person, not Republican or Democrat. I don’t believe there are ‘two Americas’ but that every person in this country can be whomever and whatever they want to be if they’ll just work to get there, and nowhere else on earth can they find such opportunities. I believe our government should help those who are legitimately downtrodden, and should always put the interests of America first.
The purpose of this message is that I’m concerned about the future of this great nation. I’m worried that the silent majority of honest, hard-working, tax-paying people in this country have been passive for too long. Most folks I know choose not to involve themselves in politics. They go about their daily lives, paying their bills, raising their kids, and doing what they can to maintain the good life. They vote and consider doing so to be a sacred trust. They shake their heads at the political pundits and so-called ‘news’, thinking that what they hear is always spun by whomever is reporting it. They can’t understand how elected officials can regularly violate the public trust with pork barrel spending. They don’t want government handouts. They want the government to protect them, not raise their taxes for more government programs.
We are in the unique position in this country of electing our leaders. It’s a privilege to do so. I’ve never found a candidate in any election with whom I agreed on everything. I’ll wager that most of us don’t even agree with our families or spouses 100% of the time. So, when I step into that voting booth, I always try to look at the big picture and cast my vote for the man or woman who is best qualified for the job. I’ve hired a lot of people in my lifetime, and essentially that’s what an election is - a hiring process. Who has the credentials? Whom do I want working for me? Whom can I trust to do the job right?
I’m concerned that a growing number of voters in this country simply don’t get it. They are caught up in a fervor they can’t explain, and calling it ‘change’.
‘Change what?’ I ask.
‘Well, we’re going to change America,’ they say.
‘In what way?’ I query.
‘We want someone new and fresh in the White House,’ they exclaim.
‘So, someone who’s not a politician?’ I say.
‘Uh, well, no, we just want a lot of stuff changed, so we’re voting for Obama,’ they state.
‘So the current system, the system of freedom and democracy that has enabled a man to grow up in this great country, get a fine education, raise incredible amounts of money and dominate the news, and win his party’s nomination for the White House that system’s all wrong?’
‘No, no, that part of the system’s okay. We just need a lot of change.’
And so it goes. ‘Change we can believe in.’
Quite frankly, I don’t believe that vague proclamations of change hold any promise for me. In recent months, I’ve been asking virtually everyone I encounter how they’re voting. I live in Illinois, so most folks tell me they’re voting for Barack Obama. But no one can really tell me why, only that he’s going to change a lot of stuff.
‘Change, change, change.’ I have yet to find one single person who can tell me distinctly and convincingly why this man is qualified to be President and Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful nation on earth, other than the fact that he claims he’s going to implement a lot of change.
We’ve all seen the emails about Obama’s genealogy, his upbringing, his Muslim background, and his church affiliations. Let’s ignore this for a moment. Put it all aside. Then ask yourself, ‘What qualifies this man to be my president? That he’s a brilliant orator and talks about change?’
CHANGE WHAT?
Friends, I’ll be forthright with you. I believe the American voters who are supporting Barack Obama don’t have a clue what they’re doing, as evidenced by the fact that not one of them - NOT ONE of them I’ve spoken to can spell out his qualifications. Not even the most liberal media can explain why he should be elected. Political experience? Negligible. Foreign relations? Non-existent. Achievements? Name one. Someone who wants to unite the country? If you haven’t read his wife’s thesis from Princeton, look it up on the web. This is who’s lining up to be our next First Lady? The only thing I can glean from Obama’s constant harping about change is that we’re in for a lot of new taxes.
For me, the choice is clear. I’ve looked carefully at the two leading applicants for the job, and I’ve made my choice.
Here’s a question - ‘Where were you five and a half years ago? Around Christmas, 2002. You’ve had five or six birthdays in that time. My son has grown from a sixth grade child to a high school graduate. Five and a half years is a good chunk of time. About 2,000 days. 2,000 nights of sleep. 6,000 meals, give or take.’
John McCain spent that amount of time, from 1967 to 1973, in a North Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camp.
When offered early release, he refused it. He considered this offer to be a public relations stunt by his captors, and insisted that those held longer than he should be released first. Did you get that part? He was offered his freedom, and he turned it down. A regimen of beatings and torture began.
Do you possess such strength of character? Locked in a filthy cell in a foreign country, would you turn down your own freedom in favor of your fellow man? I submit that’s a quality of character that is rarely found, and for me, this singular act defines John McCain.
Unlike several presidential candidates in recent years whose military service is questionable or non-existent, you will not find anyone to denigrate the integrity and moral courage of this man. A graduate of Annapolis, during his Naval service he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. His own son is now serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq. Barack Obama is fond of saying ‘We honor John McCain’s service…BUT…,’ which to me is condescending and offensive - because what I hear is, ‘Let’s forget this man’s sacrifice for his country, and his proven leadership abilities, and talk some more about change.’
I don’t agree with John McCain on everything - but I am utterly convinced that he is qualified to be our next President, and I trust him to do what’s right. I know in my heart that he has the best interests of our country in mind. He doesn’t simply want to be President - he wants to lead America, and there’s a huge difference. Factually, there is simply no comparison between the two candidates. A man of questionable background and motives who prattles on about change, can’t hold a candle to a man who has devoted his life in public service to this nation, retiring from the Navy in1981 and elected to the Senate in1982.
Perhaps Obama’s supporters are taking a stance between old and new. Maybe they don’t care about McCain’s service or his strength of character, or his unblemished qualifications to be President. Maybe ‘likeability’ is a higher priority for them than ‘trust’. Being a prisoner of war is not what qualifies John McCain to be President of the United States of America - but his demonstrated leadership certainly DOES.
Dear friends, it is time for us to stand. It is time for thinking Americans to say, ‘Enough.’ It is time for people of all parties to stop following the party line. It is time for anyone who wants to keep America first, who wants the right man leading their nation, to start a dialogue with all their friends and neighbors and ask who they’re voting for, and why.
There’s a lot of evil in this world. That should be readily apparent to all of us by now. And when faced with that evil as we are now, I want a man who knows the cost of war on his troops and on his citizens. I want a man who puts my family’s interests before any foreign country.
I want a President who’s qualified to lead.
I want my country back, and I’m voting for John McCain.
Phone: 760.434.1395
E-mail: ronald.hess@alumni.purdue.edu
October 30, 2008 at 5:29 pm
thanks for a good read…
i think its important for people to realize that just because you do really good on the interview doesnt mean you are really experienced and qualified…
I dont favor one opponent in either way but I do not like the way this presidential race has been…the unfair canidate coverage from the media, the money barrier, etc
other thing people should realize is the president does not make laws, aka he is not the legislative branch, everything promised by a president doesn’t mean anything because it all depends on Congress….we have been promised since President Nixon of new energy sources and less dependence on foreign oil…obviously its not happening…
just my 2 cents
October 30, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Bryan, you are a good american
October 30, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Thanks "B" for a GREAT post.. hmmm should call the Federal Officer i know in the same city and see if he knows this man and wants to shake his hand for me
Hugs to you B have a great day
October 30, 2008 at 7:04 pm
It’s fake. The 760 area code is in California. Plus, his name is Joe Porter and his email address is Ron.Hess.
October 30, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Very good lets hope america makes the safest choice.God bless us all.
October 30, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Yeah KM I figured it was fake but the content of the letter rang true to me. I’m just asking everyone to look past the media bias…do a little research and make the best possible informed decision.
October 30, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Thanks for the post…Well said!
October 30, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I guess I have to be the rebel in this. I DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT like either one of the candidates. John McCain couldn’t tell the truth if it smacked him in the face and Obama’s popularity rose far too quickly. Who does he know and who has he paid off? I don’t question Obama’s background. His father was never in his life. How could a muslim that was never there shape somebody’s ideals? McCain was for abortion in the 80’s and he is against it now. Palin was a mistake if I have ever seen one. I would not trust Palin as president if McCain croked. I think McCain would do a good job as president if the economic times were different. Truth be told, cutting all spending, or most of it anyway, during a deep recession is a bad idea I think. We need teachers, we need police officers (my wife is actually trying to become a police officer but there is a freeze on hiring), we need programs that get under privileged children an education, and we need something better than a "shop for your own" health care plan. Look how well of Canada’s health care is. I also do not like the idea of getting taxed on my benefits at work. They are already raising my premiums and co-pays at work. I just wonder what is different about McCain now than in 2000? or 1992? all politicians are corrupt. I truly believe that. But for everybody that is faced with a questionable since of job security, there is only one person I think would do a better job with the economy. I believe Palin only hurt McCains chances of winning. She is ignorant and evil. She trash talks "spreading the wealth around" but she hands out checks in Alaska to the residents from taxed oil. What is that? They raised taxes on oil to "spread the wealth in Alaska" when the rest of the country needed a tax break on oil. This is a sorry election. I pray that things get better. Now B I may have upset you but I only write to you as a friend. We can have our differences and I definitely respect your views and opinions. I could type all day but I need to eat!
October 30, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Your post was well said and your point comes accross very clear. I do count our blessing, as my wife and I have raised 4 wonderful children and have 2 grand children so far
We are all healthy and thankful that we have each other and our faith to keep us strong when times get hard. Hopefully no matter who wins this election, everyone will be strong enough to overcome any hard times, that the politicians may bring. Somethings in your life, you can not change, but the things you can, make sure you do. I personally, do not let those type of things bother me, that is my choice. Hang in there and keep the faith.
October 30, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Your post was well said and your point comes accross very clear. I do count our blessing, as my wife and I have raised 4 wonderful children and have 2 grand children so far
We are all healthy and thankful that we have each other and our faith to keep us strong when times get hard. Hopefully no matter who wins this election, everyone will be strong enough to overcome any hard times, that the politicians may bring. Somethings in your life, you can not change, but the things you can, make sure you do. I personally, do not let those type of things bother me, that is my choice. Hang in there and keep the faith.
October 30, 2008 at 11:37 pm
It’s pretty simple: America likes a good public speaker for president. That really is all Barratt Obama brings to the table. He speaks well. We went through the same sadness a few years back when America voted in another polished public speaker: Bill Clinton. Remember that you heard it here first: If Barratt is voted in, America will quickly become a weaker world voice, will be challenged more from world dictators, will become one of the largest welfare nations, if not the largest, and will be much closer to a civil war than at anytime since the last one ended……Don’t want to say it, but remember this: All great nations eventually will be their own undoing. Additionally, it was stated long ago, that once a nation understands that they can vote a Government in who will support them, that nation will fold.
October 30, 2008 at 11:38 pm
It’s pretty simple: America likes a good public speaker for president. That really is all Barratt Obama brings to the table. He speaks well. We went through the same sadness a few years back when America voted in another polished public speaker: Bill Clinton. Remember that you heard it here first: If Barratt is voted in, America will quickly become a weaker world voice, will be challenged more from world dictators, will become one of the largest welfare nations, if not the largest, and will be much closer to a civil war than at anytime since the last one ended……Don’t want to say it, but remember this: All great nations eventually will be their own undoing. Additionally, it was stated long ago, that once a nation understands that they can vote a Government in who will support them, that nation will fold..
October 31, 2008 at 4:14 am
Seriously Bryan, thanks for posting this. you know me and politics, but i really appreciate you bringing this to all of us.
October 31, 2008 at 4:17 am
Mike how could I get mad at you for speaking your mind? I’m not a huge fan of McCains but I believe he would bring a lot more experience to Washington. As far as Palin goes I would vote for her over McCain or Obama. I just know I don’t want to live in a Socialist country. I want less government in my life…not more.
Scott all I can say is you are right on sir!
Rob thanks for your opinion.
October 31, 2008 at 4:21 am
Thank you Susan! And everyone whose read this and voiced their opinion.
October 31, 2008 at 4:32 am
What a powerful letter! I wonder what most of America is thinking….????
October 31, 2008 at 4:38 am
I think the problem is that they are not thinking Kathy they are just listening to the hype of the bias media like CNBC and not taking the time to do a little research and make an informed choice. Thanks for your feedback.
October 31, 2008 at 4:56 am
Neither the Republicans nor the Democrats support realistic change. The change we must make will be painful. It must be from pain and hardship; that is how we grow. The choices are never simple. After being in a sequestered jury for 1 month I realized 2 things: 90% of the people lie-to anyone! Police, spouses…you name it. Politicians are no more than actors with egotistical agendas whether it is Barrack Obama or John McCain. I do not want someone in the White House who is inexperienced and after being a Psych RN for 17 years I don’t want someone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I cannot influence the world but I can influence the corner I live in here in Charlottesville. I am a firm believer in a Jeffersonian Republic and there is no one out there who supports that running for the Presidency. My conscious will not let me vote for either. A wasted vote for someone else? No, a change in consciousness is coming and changes always start small in human movement.
Rhetoric can always sound pleasing to the ears who want the same thing.
Who said they would balance the budget?
Who said they will stop the War and apologize to the Iraqi people(Saudi nationals blasted the Twin Towers.)
Who said they will let people make their own choices even if they believe they are wrong?
Who said we must sacrafice to dig our way out of debt?
Who said to let Wall Street fail- a true Capitalistic- Dog eat Dog move?
Who said there will be no more lobbyists allowed?
Who said we must stop using all fossil fuels now to save our planet?
Who said no industry may ship business overseas?
Who said we must help others help themselves before we help the world?
No One! No one! No one is that brave to commit political suicide.
As for me and my family we will serve the Lord and put trust and Faith-the things of man? Man can have them.
That’s right, I am a bitter, church going Gun hugger-in Virginia the Democrats are too-thank God.
October 31, 2008 at 5:09 am
Well said Greg! Hey there was one guy running who said a lot of those things who believed we should stick to the Constitution as our founding fathers wrote it but he was dismissed long ago in the primaries as a Kook! That was Ron Paul.
October 31, 2008 at 5:17 am
America is doomed.
October 31, 2008 at 5:41 am
Rolling Stone wrote a great article about John McCain in this month’s edition. You can read it on their website. God Bless America… Good luck with your weight training…
October 31, 2008 at 6:17 am
i hope when tuesday comes and people look in their hearts that it wont be about someone who is spouting change with no experience, but someone who has proven ability. i have to be honest, i am scared where this country is headed and i am afraid what my children are going to have to grow up to. This country was founded on GOD and we need to get him back involved in it before it is too late!!
October 31, 2008 at 6:38 am
I still vote Civil war! Only the strong Survive!…lol
Real Men Have Mass!
October 31, 2008 at 6:48 am
I completely agree. I voted early and s my good friend put it, "I’ve done my part to keep Obama out of the White House. I hope the rest of the country does theirs."
If I wake up Nov 3rd and hear Obama is going to be taking office, I may just have to start a fund raiser to move to Australia.
October 31, 2008 at 10:14 am
Even the dissenters were lukewarm dissenters! Fantastic job, B. You, of course, have my complete agreement. al