Ann Romney's Right to Choose...Isn't All That Important

It seems, rather than the most recent DNC talking points about Republicans waging a war on women, that instead the Obama regime has chosen to wage an all out war on mama grizzlies. And that is not cool.

Liberals, given the opportunity, tend to be the gift that keeps on giving. Hilary Rosen, an advisor to the always lovely DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, proved yesterday that she is no exception when she claimed that Ann Romney--stay at home mother of five boys and sixteen grand babies--has "never worked a day in her life". This ignited a firestorm and, as Michelle Malkin pointed out on Twitter, Rosen managed to do something the GOP couldn't do: unite the right behind Romney.

Most, on both sides of the aisle, rushed to the nearest microphone and denounced what Rosen proclaimed. However, it seems that new "tone" the President called for only really applies to...well...Republicans. The tone coming from the left on this issue? On twitter, it's repulsive. Twitchy has done an excellent job of compiling just a few of those nuggets of toned down rhetoric from the left. Check it out. (language alert)

Now, I don't know about you, but this whole controversy makes my blood boil. And, while the left is calling this outrage "trumped up" and "phony",  I can assure you with a great deal of certainty, it's not. And it's not going away.  Salon's Joan Walsh, in an interview yesterday on MSNBC, claimed that only rich women stay at home with their children. Apparently Joan doesn't get out much.

I'm a middle class mother who, until two years ago, stayed at home with our children. When they were old enough to go to school, my husband and I chose for me to go to work part time so that I could supplement our income and pay for them to attend a private school. Every penny I make goes right to the school bill. I never see a dime of it. In doing our taxes this year, we discovered that we are, in fact, spending about triple what I make on gas expenses, and in taxes, therefore making my being away from the home front so much a complete waste of time in terms of earnings. THIS I can thank the Obama administration for.

When our children were born, I worked a lucrative, full time job. The decision for me to stay home with our children wasn't a hard one, it simply meant sacrifices would be made. Did we feel others were wrong for making a different choice? No, it's a very personal choice, and frankly, it's not one every woman can handle. For us, the decision was made that I would be the one to stay home and provide care for our children rather than sending them off to daycare to spend most of the day being cared for by someone else. I've worked a lot of jobs in my lifetime, including waitressing, and janitorial work...nothing was as difficult as being a stay at home mother. The job never ends, there is never a vacation or a day off. But, it was also the most rewarding job I've ever had...because it wasn't a "job" at all. You see, I don't see caring for my family as "work", just like I didn't see having children as a burden. They are a joy, and a gift to be treasured. I count myself very blessed, having been given the great honor of spending time at home raising our babies while my husband was hard at work, providing for our family.

Mitt and Ann Romney are very blessed. They have worked hard for all of their lives to have the income that has afforded them the nicer things in life. That's the beauty of America. Not only did Romney stay at home and raise five boys, she also survived breast cancer, and suffers with MS. I'm sure it wasn't easy, and because of her limitations, she very well may have had someone to do the cleaning for her. Who cares? Just because you or I don't have the wealth that the Romney's enjoy, does that make them any less deserving? Does Mrs. Romney having someone to do the cleaning suddenly make her an unfit stay-at-home mom? I know several people with five boys, and I can assure you that every waking moment was probably spent keeping up with the boys while barely having enough time to even take a shower! I, for one, admire her for it.

Look, the thing we're arguing about here really boils down to freedom. Why is it that liberals always feel the need to criticize those who CHOOSE family over career? If the right to choose is so important, then why isn't my right to choose included? It's my body, and my life, after all. Shouldn't I get to choose life, and my version of a "career"?

It's food for thought, my friends. They're inching away at our freedoms, and doing all they can to make what used to be an honorable "profession" in America, one just for the nut cases. Ladies, it is time to awaken that sleeping giant within you and begin to fight for those babies you've worked so hard to take care of. Because one day, your freedom to stay at home and raise them yourself may be stripped away...and you may find that you, and millions more just like you, could have simply taken your babies with you to the voting booth and cast a vote that would have made a significant difference.

Think about it.

Coming Saturday: Inspired by Sarah Palin, Grizzly Coalition Hosts Second Grizzly Fest Event

Nearly four months ago, supporters of Governor Sarah Palin--including yours truly--were gearing up for the first-ever Grizzly Fest event. Inspired by Sarah's October 5th challenge to "continue to actively and aggressively help those who will stop the 'fundamental transformation' of our nation, and instead seek the restoration of our greatness, our goodness and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law," panelists focused on how to most effectively move forward following Sarah's announcement that she would not make a 2012 bid for the White House. And, move forward they have, supporting strong conservative candidates nationwide. 

This second event, the Online Winter Summit, will focus on sudden and relentless reform. Part one will focus on the watchdogs, with Sarah Nuckles and Adam Andrzejewski, two panelists who are well acquainted with what it means to hold the government accountable. Part two will be hosted by Peter Schweizer, author of the new book "Throw Them All Out", and Luigi Zingales, co-author of "Saving Capitalism From The Capitalists." Together, they will give listeners a crash course in crony capitalism. Part three will focus on the theme of the summit: sudden and relentless reform. Listeners will have the privilege of hearing from Alabama state senator and Congressman Bachus opponent Scott Beason, and Wisconsin Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, who is facing a recall election in her state because of the stand she's taken against public sector unions alongside her Governor, Scott Walker. 

The Online Winter Grizzly Fest Summit will be held this Saturday, February 25, at 1:00 PM ET. I encourage you to listen live on the Grizzly Fest website so that you, too, can learn more about returning this great nation to the principles upon which it was founded. 

**This post is a version of the original post I wrote for Smart Girl Politics Action**

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Our Next Vice President?

According to a report released Friday by the Daily Caller, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers could become the next U.S. vice president. 

First elected in 2004, McMorris Rodgers is now in her second term as vice chairman of the Republican Conference, which makes her the highest-ranking Republican woman on Capitol Hill. She has built a significant amount of behind-the-scenes clout, and has become one of her party’s most influential leaders on issues like international bailouts, earmark reform and the fight against Obamacare.

It's no secret that McMorris Rodgers is well respected in Congress, and a strong advocate on Capitol Hill on behalf of conservative women. Her name was first thrown into the mix by Republican strategist and pollster Kellyanne Conway, who was also the first to suggest that Governor Sarah Palin could be on the list in 2008.  

“She’s got conservative credentials, a compelling life story,” Conway, who has worked with McMorris Rodgers in the past, told The DC. “It’s accepted wisdom in Washington, D.C. that it’s difficult to make time for family, and she turned that notion on its head...She’s been a big help in making sure that the party and the leadership know that women are not an interest group but 53 percent of active voters,” Conway said. “That it’s important to understand them culturally and engage them politically."

When asked about the possibility, the Congresswoman was very humble in her reply. 

“It’s hard for me to imagine the nominee would actually approach me, you know?” she told The DC when asked whether she’d consider taking the job. “I think I’ll just leave it at that, and we’ll see where it goes.”

We knew 2012 would be an exciting year in politics, and with announcements like this, it's sure to be anything but boring!

To learn more about  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, please visit Smart Girl Nation and read the series of articles I wrote: 

Game Changers: Cathy McMorris Rodgers on Women and the GOP 

Game Changers: Cathy McMorris Rodgers on the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus

Game Changers: Cathy McMorris Rodgers on the Women of Afghanistan

To read the rest of the Daily Caller article, please visit this link: http://dailycaller.com/2012/02/03/cathy-mcmorris-rodgers-could-be-the-fall-vice-presidential-surprise/#ixzz1lfXxkq2C

**This blog entry is cross-posted on Smart Girl Politics Action and Tami Nantz [dot] com**

Sarah To Give Keynote at CPAC

It was announced early last month that Sarah will be giving the keynote speech at CPAC next Saturday, February 11, 4:30 PM.  This will be the first time Sarah has been a part of the CPAC lineup, and I admit, I'm a little more than excited to hear her live once again. I hope to see you there!

Larry the Cable Guy makes a pit stop in Wasilla

Larry the Cable Guy has been touring the country while filming his History Channel show "Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy." While filming in Alaska, he decided to make an unannounced pitstop in Wasilla and was well received by the former "First Dude."

GOP Hosts Women's CEO Panel On Jobs and the Economy

On Monday, December 5, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers hosted the first ever GOP Women’s CEO Panel on Jobs and the Economy. Joined by six of her female Congressional colleagues and six of the nation’s most prominent female CEO’s, the discussion centered around what Congress can do to help job creators get back to doing what they do best--creating jobs. 

“America stands at an unprecedented crossroads,” said McMorris Rodgers in her opening remarks. “It’s been 34 consecutive months of unemployment above eight percent and the U.S. debt has now hit a record $15 trillion. We’re here today, as CEO’s and members of Congress alike, to say that we refuse to watch those numbers rise. We’re here to shed light on the effects current economic policies and government regulation have had on people who have experienced it the most.”

The discussion began with Dr. Alison Brown, of NAVSYS Corporation, who quickly pointed out that the policies of the current administration have not helped small businesses be competitive in the particular market in which her business operates--competing for contracts with the Department of Defense. She became the first to point out that restrictive regulations and economic uncertainty are choking the life out of small businesses in the United States. "The worst case scenario for the country," Dr. Brown expressed, "is the 'no plan' situation that now exists." Every panelist confirmed and reiterated the points raised by Dr. Brown. 

One of the most interesting parts of the entire afternoon, however, was when Lisa Hook, of Neustar, Inc. began discussing the needs of her particular industry (tech), and highlighted some areas of opportunity where education is concerned. “We are not, in this country, training our kids in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). That effects not only our company...it effects the growth of the tech sector, it effects our world competitiveness, and at the end of the day it effects our national security." She went on to cite some troubling statistics. "By 2018, there will be 1.4 million computing job openings in the United States, but at the current graduation rates, only 29% of those jobs will be filled by U.S. computing graduates. The rest of those jobs will have to be filled by very qualified folks, but folks that we will have to import to the country." Janet Trautwein, National Association of Health Underwriters CEO, later added that she is finding it increasingly difficult to find applicants who have adequate writing and speaking abilities. So, while the discussion centered primarily around the role Congress needs to play in helping Americans get back to work, some vital points were raised regarding the need for preparing our children for tomorrow's job opportunities. 

"We heard from Women CEO's from a variety of industries--energy, technology, defense, insurance, engineering, and health care--and while their backgrounds are different, their experience is not," said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. "They all cited duplicative, burdensome regulations and economic uncertainty as the major impediments to job creation and business growth. It's time we enact pro-growth policies to stimulate our economy and get Americans back to work again."

It appears that the House is very willing to do just that, with 27 bipartisan jobs bills now awaiting Senate action...now let's see if Mr. Reid and his colleagues in the Senate can manage to bring even one of them to the floor for a vote. 

To view the entire panel discussion, visit this link. 

Congressional Members included: 

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)

Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC)

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)

Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH)

Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO)

CEO's included: 

Dr. Alison Brown, NAVSYS Corporation

Ms. Barbara Martin, Vista Health System

Ms. Catherine Heigel, Duke Energy South Carolina

Ms. Sandra Parrillo, Providence Mutual Fire Insurance

Ms. Janet Trautwein, National Association of Health Underwriters

Ms. Lisa Hook, Neustar, Inc. 

**Crossposted at SGP Action

Anybody For Some Obama Campaign Merchandise?

A friend tagged me on Facebook this week with some interesting observations about the merchandise President Obama is offering these days on his website, and...while my friend has asked to remain anonymous, his observations were too good not to share. 


On the President's Web site on Friday, you were able to save 10% on merchandise by using this code: 10%TurkeyDay. Call me nit-picky, but the sale--while it was a "Turkey Day" sale--was posted on Friday, missing Thanksgiving by a day. (perhaps it couldn't be called a "Black Friday" sale because the country is in the red so deep) Just sayin'. 


If you take a look at the front page on the merchandise site, you'll notice that 2012 sticker in the header photo is attached to a Ford Focus. Funny, wasn't Ford the only company that didn't take bailout money?


Rhodium ball and glass ornaments are offered, but Christmas ornaments are never mentioned on the site...today, however, he tweeted an advertisement for Christmas ornaments.  (I'm sure, to the disappointment of many constituents) 


A cutting board is offered, but he seems incapable of cutting the least bit of spending. 


Birth certificate mugs that say "Made in the U.S.A." are offered...as my friend put it, it's just a tad ostentatious, don't you think?


He has done you a favor and offered one product that showcases the American flag, so if you'd like to own your very own tee with the President against a flag backdrop, see this link. 


And, if all of these items don't quite suit your fancy, you may follow this link, donate and enter a drawing to have dinner with the President. Watch the video, I think you'll find it quite...interesting. 

In the news...

I've had the opportunity to chat with a few reporters the last couple of weeks and wanted to share the articles with you. It seems the media is fascinated by the continued interest those of us who are Sarah Palin supporters still have in politics! (who knew??)

Check out Frieda Klotz's Forbes Woman piece on "How Sarah Palin's followers are rebranding for the future, " and Paul Blumenthal's Huffington Post piece "Sarah Palin's rarely gave to other candidates prior to her Presidential decision".