LOVE.
Tag Archive for 'mike pence'
So remember that video I showed you a few weeks back of Mike Pence criticizing the hate crime legislation that was attached to a defense spending bill? Well, here’s a great write-up about what a huge pile of crap that is, and how inappropriate it was for Democrats to include it in a bill meant for our military.
Obama signed the bill this past Wednesday, you guys. It’s a done deal. Gay and transgendered people are now a specially protected class, which allows the Justice Dept to prosecute any violence against them based on their gayness or transgenderedness. If you’re straight and viciously attacked? Same old same old. But if you’re gay or transgendered, then you’re apparently extra important and warrant extra super double secret prosecution of your attacker.
The Family Research Council President, Tony Perkins summarized it well (bolding is mine): “Today, President Obama signed into law the so-called ‘hate crimes’ bill which violates the principle of equal justice under the law and threatens to infringe on the free speech rights of the American people. All violent crimes are hate crimes, and every victim is equally important. President Obama’s decision today fails to recognize that all of our citizens deserve equal justice under the law.”
The law itself is incredibly offensive, but made even MORE offensive by the fact that it was slipped into a defense authorization bill. Pence said, “Today, the president of the United States put his liberal social priorities ahead of an unambiguous affirmation of our men and women in uniform. Every day, our armed forces stand in defense of freedom and our cherished way of life. It is deeply offensive to their service and to millions of Americans to pile so-called ‘hate crimes’ legislation onto a bill that authorizes critical resources for our troops. Hate crimes legislation is antithetical to the First Amendment, unnecessary and will have a chilling effect on religious freedom.”
Perkins described the bill as a slap in the face to servicepeople, because it forced Congress to choose between EITHER expanding hate crime legislation OR making our military go without needed supplies. And Democrats take no issue with that. They don’t see how absolutely despicable that idea is. It’s outrageous.
Ironically, the statement from the Human Rights Campaign president, Joe Solmonese, was as follows: “Today’s signing of the first major piece of civil rights legislation to protect LGBT Americans represents a historic milestone in the inevitable march towards equality.” Um, no, Joe, it doesn’t. It represents LGBT Americans being provided with special treatment. Special treatment does not equal “equality.”
I guess there’s truth to that whole, “Everyone is equal, but some people are more equal than others” concept.
Awww yeah!
The only thing missing from this is a Bush impression.
LOVE.
Remember that Gala that Mock and I went to back in July? Well, while the dinner was awesome and the speakers were more than awesome, I had some first trimester blahs going on and missed Mike Pence’s address to the crowd. Of course, he did his George Bush impression, and from what Mock said – it was completely dead-on. Since then, we’ve tried to find video of it – we’ve even asked him to do it in person in the times we’ve met with him since – but with no success.
Much to my delight, I found this video today, and I felt compelled to share. I still think he could be one of the front-runners in 2012. And, if not, there’s always a fall-back career much like Rich Little’s…
BEHOLD: Mike Pence explaining his position on voting against a defense bill, because it had completely unrelated gay hate crime legislation attached to it.
According to this, the House voted today to make it a FEDERAL crime to assault people because of their sexual orientation.
If you assault people for some other reason, apparently that’s not as big of a deal. But if you assault a gay person? Well, it’s a federal case now.
I just don’t get that. Assault is assault. If I’m assaulted, why am I any less important than my gay friend who gets assaulted?
And to attach this nonsense to a DEFENSE SPENDING BILL? Are you freaking kidding me?
Thankfully, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence spoke out about it. And not that it’s relevant, but he looked hot doing it.
I’m just saying.
So, this afternoon, Daisy and I took some time off of work to do some really cool political stuff. First, thanks to some cool people we know, we got invited to a blogger Q&A with Congressman Mike Pence, held at the Indy GOP headquarters. There were just a handful of us blogger-type people there, and even though we weren’t permitted to do any audio/visual stuff during the discussion, we did manage to get a photo:
As you can see, we all decided to go with a black and white clothing theme for the photo.
Even though the Q&A session was just a short 1/2 hour, we did get a couple of questions in, and took some notes as Pence answered. Much of the discussion centered around healthcare, not surprisingly. Pence said that inexplicably, Obama continues to insist that we can all keep our current insurance if we’re happy with it – despite the fact that people with Actual Brains understand that employers are going to DROP their employees’ health benefits in droves if there is a “public option.” (The “Actual Brains” thing is my wording, not his.)
Pence said that there will be a Republican healthcare reform bill presented in the House in September, and that people should visit www.gop.gov to get the most up to date information on their planned legislation.
I asked him about his Broadcast Freedom Amendment, which sought to prevent the Fairness Doctrine from ever rearing its ugly head again, and he informed us that his efforts have been blocked FIVE TIMES; in other words, the majority leaders will not even allow the bill to be VOTED on, despite the fact that there is lots of bi-partisan support for it. That’s a scary thing, you guys. It’s blatant censorship, and nothing more.
After the session, we grabbed him for the photo, and we hoped that we could catch him on video doing his George Bush impression, but he got all bashful and shy about it and finally said that he’d do it for us “next time” which was cool because that implies that there will be a next time.
After our visit with the Congressman, we got a quick tour of the headquarters, and then hung out with a couple of the Hoosier Access boys for a little while, who know all the ins and outs of local and state politics and tried to school us for a bit. And then? It was PARTAY TIME with Murray Clark, the Indiana State GOP Chairman.
You guys, Murray is PRECIOUS. I mean, he’s just the sweetest, nicest most genuine man ever. He’s been very supportive of our happy little site, and actually accepted our invitation to have after work cocktails. So we met at a nice little restaurant close to the headquarters, and you know what he spent a better part of an hour doing? Asking us to tell him all about ourselves. And when I say “all” I mean he wanted to literally know everything we had done since highschool. He asked about our educations, our marriages, our kids, our jobs, how we met our husbands, how we met each other…just everything. It was just genuine, I-want-to-get-to-know-you-chicks, real, honest-to-goodness interest in us and how ultimately we came to be doing what we’re doing. It was fantastic. We chatted it up with Murray for 2 hours, talking about the GOP and what needed to happen to gain the trust of people again, and he was just so warm and positive and helpful and enthusiastic that we left feeling like we had just had drinks with someone we’d known for like 15 years.
Plus, he’s a total gentleman who picked up the tab, took us a secret back way through the mall, PAST THE SHOE DEPARTMENT NO LESS (seriously could he know us any better???), and got us to our parking garage, where he made sure we were safe and secure before he took his leave of us. LOVE.
Before we left the restaurant, we snapped a few pics with Murray, one of which is below.
All in all, a good day of political hobnobbing with two great Indiana politicians!
…it’s Mike Pence. And just look at him. This is a guy who you don’t say no to. If he tells you to call your Congressman, you should do it. And that’s for a few different reasons: Because it’s the right thing to do, because it’s a critical time for you to make your voice heard, and because you guys – it COUNTS right now. And lastly, because Mike Pence is hot.
I’ll leave it to you to prioritize those reasons as you see fit.
According to this, Mike Pence (R-IN and total badass) responded as follows after the Democrat-controlled House shot down his amendment to stop taxpayer money from being doled out to Planned Parenthood to pay for abortions:
“How the federal government spends taxpayer money says a great deal about who we are as a nation. Federal spending should reflect the cherished values of an overwhelming majority of American taxpayers. Even pro-choice advocates oppose taxpayer funding of abortion and it is morally wrong to commit the tax dollars of prolife Americans to promoting or performing abortions at home and abroad. It is deeply disturbing that this Democrat Congress just defeated the will of a strong majority of the American people who oppose federal funding for abortion.
“Let me be clear: the largest abortion provider in America should not be the largest recipient of federal funds under Title X. Right now Title X funding provides critical services to underserved communities across the country. But that support should never include promoting or providing abortions. While our Democrat colleagues talk about their desire to reduce abortions, today’s vote suggests otherwise. You can’t reduce abortions by funding abortion providers with taxpayer dollars.
“The right to life is not a partisan issue but a moral one. I will continue to fight for the right to life and for the day when abortions are not funded by the federal government. Taxpayers and the just cause for the unborn deserves no less.”
So listen. It makes absolutely no difference, for purposes of this discussion anyway, what your stance is on whether or not abortions should be legal. They’re legal, and that’s just a fact of life. But there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON for taxpayer dollars to fund them. Period. Seventy one percent of Americans don’t believe taxpayer dollars SHOULD fund abortions, and yet clearly, their representatives didn’t represent them on this issue.
Here, Pence reveals some pretty astonishing data. Apparently, according to Planned Parenthood’s own annual report from last year, they got $350 million dollars in tax payer money. And, with all of that tax payer cash in hand, they performed more than 305,000 abortions. That’s a 5.3% increase from the year prior! So Democrats yammering about wanting to make abortions more rare? Yeah. They’re not helping.
If you haven’t already, be sure to watch the 3rd video in this post to see what a bang-up job PPH is doing with our youth. And, in addition to that totally criminal behavior, they’re also under investigation in many states for fraudulent use of our tax payer dollars. In short, they’re despicable. Yet we’re all going to continue to pay them, even though the majority of the country, pro-life and pro-choice alike, are adamantly opposed to doing so.
Thanks for that awesome representation, government. At least Ashley Judd will sleep well tonight.
The GOP is starting to finally understand how to communicate clearly to the public. This is good advertising. And effective.
And I love how totally pissed off Mike Pence is. That’s a dude who genuinely is fighting mad about the spendathon that the Obama administration is in the middle of.
LOVE.
I love this – Mike Pence shootin’ straight about healthcare. And offering alternative solutions to the crap that the Democrats are trying to shove through the House. Wouldn’t it be awesome if Democrats actually had the ability to listen to reason?
And slightly off topic, although maybe TOTALLY NOT, is this link that a clever and competent reader sent our way. It’s an example of government healthcare, with government protections against malpractice to boot.
Be afraid, Americans. Be very, very afraid.
Last night, the Young Republicans’ Gala was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. And Daisy and I got to go, courtesy of E and the ever-so-soft-cheeked Kevin Kellems, who both put in a good word for us with Todd Tolson, the YR Chair.
I arrived to the speedway a little on the early side, and as I pulled up to the yellow-shirted track official just inside the track, I rolled down my window and said, “Hi. I’m here for the Young Republicans’ Gala.” And then the following conversation ensued:
Yellow-shirt: What is your purpose at the gala?
Me: To attend it. As a guest of it.
YS: What table number are you assigned to?
Me: I have no idea. But I know I’m assigned to one, because E put me on a list. My name is Mockarena.
YS: Oh! You’re with E! Well, then yes, come right in. Just follow those signs.
After I parked, I walked into the pavillion where gobs of tables were beautifully set up for dinner, and several very friendly women greeted me. They explained that everything was running a bit behind schedule, and that the VIP reception was being held in the room next door, and that I should just make my way over there. And the following conversation ensued:
Me: VIP reception? I’m not sure I’m supposed to be at that. I’m totally not a VIP. What is it for, exactly?
Nice Women: The reception being held for Ari Fleischer and Mike Pence – where there will be cocktails and photo opportunities.
Me: I’m nearly positive I’m not supposed to be at that.
Nice Women: Who are you here with?
Me: I’m here because of E.
Nice Women: Oh! You’re with E! Well, then yes. Absolutely you should be there.
So off I went. It was still early, so there were very few people mingling yet. I called Daisy and prepared her for the check-in procedure. She arrived shortly after that, and we ran off to the restroom to primp a bit and giggle about how important E is.
After that, lots more people started showing up in the VIP area, including Kevin Kellems and his girlfriend, E and J and J’s fantastically fun friend Red, and State Treasurer Richard Mourdock, who we met at the Tea Party. I can’t begin to tell you how kind and friendly and SMART Richard Mourdock is. We chatted for several minutes about our mutual admiration for Newt, as he anticipates seeing him on an upcoming trip to Atlanta. We asked him to remind Newt about us, and you know what? I really believe he will. That’s how nice he is. He introduced us to William Smith, Mike Pence’s Chief of Staff, who was also just as gracious as could be.
E introduced us to Abdul Hakim-Shabazz, a local radio host, who seemed genuinely open to the idea of having us on the show, after E suggested that we might be radio-worthy. US. Me and Daisy. On the radio. We’ll let you know if that pans out.
Then, Daisy and I made our way to the photo line, where formal photographs were being taken of the guests along with Ari Fleischer and Mike Pence. I’m not entirely sure where the one taken by the professional photographer will end up, but here’s the one that J took of us:
You’ll notice that Ari is holding one of our cards. LOVE. It wasn’t the time or place for any attempted face-kissing, so we didn’t even try it. At least not yet. And in case you’re wondering, no – I have absolutely no idea what’s going on with my cleavage in that photo.
Shortly after the photo op, we headed back to the dinner room. At the check-in, we were told that there were no table assignments EXCEPT FOR the reserved tables. And as we looked at the reserved table list, lo and behold, our names were on it. At reserved table number 3, with E and J and Red and other super nice people. Our table was next to Mike Pence’s table, which was next to Ari Fleischer’s table. All three of those tables were in the very front, right at the stage/podium. So as we made our way to sit down, Daisy and I giggled some more about how important E is, and how fun it is for US that he seems to like us enough to keep inviting us to stuff.
The program was fantastic. Abdul served as MC, and Kevin Kellems spoke briefly to introduce Ari. Included in his introduction was the fantastic smackdown that Ari put on that total buffoon, Chris Matthews, on MSNBC not long ago. Behold:
After Kevin’s introduction, Ari spoke. He introduced his wife, Becki, to the audience and informed everyone it was her birthday, and led us all in singing to her. Becki Fleischer is drop-dead gorgeous and one of the nicest women you could ever hope to meet. More about that in a bit. Ari’s speech highlighted his background growing up in a liberal Democratic household, his time as press secretary to George W Bush, the impact that position had on him, and what it was like to be in that role on 9/11.
Kevin Kellems and the Fleischers were leaving to celebrate Becki Fleischer’s birthday immediately after Ari’s speech, and as soon as Ari was off the stage, a line formed of YR delegates wanting to meet him. We were still hoping for a face-kissing opportunity, and so while we inched toward the line, we introduced ourselves to Becki Fleischer, so that we could get her permission first. She laughed and said that OF COURSE we could kiss his face, and then she chatted with us for a bit before being pulled away by other admirers. When we finally got our chance to ask Ari if we could give him a kiss, he laughed, almost embarrassed, and immediately looked for his wife, who by that time wasn’t nearby. We assured him that we’d requested and been given her permission, but he said, “How about just a regular picture instead?” It was completely adorable, so we couldn’t even really be disappointed. Except maybe a little.
Dinner was fabulous and fancy, and afterwords Richard Mourdock spoke briefly to inroduce Mike Pence. What we love about Richard is that he speaks without notes, just totally from the heart, and included at the end of his introduction was this video:
Mike Pence was amazing -a truly powerful speaker. He also does a hilarious impression of George W Bush. My favorite part of his speech was when he talked about Obama’s reluctance to “meddle” into foreign affairs (citing the Iran elections). He said (paraphrasing) “Can you imagine if Ronald Reagan had used the same approach and said, ‘Mister Gorbachev – this wall is none of our business?’” LOVE. Pence actually got three or four standing ovations DURING his speech. It was awesome.
We left not long after that, and again, we have the incredibly important E to thank for not only including us in all of this official political stuff, but giving us first class/front row tickets to boot.
