A great Independence Day guest column from longtime FR friend Michael Ferrall…

THE MEANING OF THE 4Th OF JULY By Michael Ferrall Ph.D.

As we celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, backyard picnics or a day at the beach, it is also important to re-examine the meaning and the effects of what began on July 4th 1776 and why we celebrate this day.

Yes, the 4th of July represents a historical celebration of the colonial citizen’s revolt against rule by the English monarchy; and, a celebration of the “founding” of the United States by the subsequent drafting and implementation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Indeed these were profound events. But they represent an even more fundamental evolution of the nature of human society; namely, the evolution of Western Civilization and the rise of “Classical Liberalism.” (Not to be confused with modern, or current, “liberalism”).

The Declaration of Independence, the revolution itself, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the creation of the United States represents a momentous historical shift in… Read More

It is axiomatic that cab drivers across America can tell you the outcome of an election in advance. Well, most of the time. The last time I wrote about a cab driver prediction, it was that there was no way Obama was going to win Nevada. So I will say most of the time I have found cab drivers to be better attuned to the political situation than political reporters. Like Carla Marinucci, for example.

So taking leave from our summer trip to Monaco for a day, where I am now reporting courtesy of Apple products from the roof-top pool deck of a local hotel, we went to Nice, France yesterday morning to visit the flower market. At the train station, we lucked out and got an English speaking cabbie. Nice has a reputation as a conservative stronghold. The hard right National Front has controlled the Mayor’s office until recent years. We made small talk and then I thought, what the heck, I’d ask him some questions. “May I ask, do you like Marie Le Pen”? The NF candidate for French President. “No”, he answers, “she does not like the Arabics, they like her here, but the rest of the country will not elect her”.… Read More

As has been noted by previous Flashreport coverage, Rick Perry energized the core of the OC conservative activists. However, as a follow up it is important to note the ensuing enthusiasm that has emerged in response to Governor Perry’s visit. In an effort to not gush about the response, I can only report the response Perry received at his stop in Orange County.

It’s often been said that Orange County is the GOP ATM machine for candidates all over the country. Whether a candidate or potential candidate is running for national office, statewide office or in their local congressional district the Orange curtain is a targeted region to impress the local political class. A stop in Orange County has proven to make or break a politician’s higher aspirations. The OC was the site where Ronald Reagan launched his re-election campaign in 1984, en route to the biggest presidential election landslide in the history of the United States. Others have not fared as well, such as former Governor of Florida Charlie Crist, who was famously booed during his speech at the OC GOP Flag Day dinner in 2008 for his praise of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Many have speculated that… Read More

My good friend Ray Haynes, who is a contributor to this blog, has opined in this space very strongly in support of California entering into a compact to achieve a National Popular Vote for the Presidency (where the person who gets the most raw votes nationwide is awarded the electoral votes needed to cinch the top spot).

That said, as Ray Haynes himself will tell you, this was not always his position — Ray is among the converted. Ray told me that while in the State Assembly, he opposed legislation in support of the National Popular Vote. That having been said, someone sent over to me video of Ray’s actual floor speech against the vote, so I thought it would be fun to put it up for your perusal. I’m sure we’ll here more from Ray on why he’s changed his position… Maybe he’ll upload a video!

… Read More

This weekend we celebrate our nation’s most festive and important holiday, Independence Day. As the smell of backyard BBQs and displays of fireworks unite us in celebration, let us also reflect on the importance of this date and why we are proud to be Americans.

It was 235 years ago that delegates of the thirteen colonies gathered as the Second Continental Congress and voted to approve a resolution declaring their independence from Great Britain. This resolution was a powerful statement asserting once and for all the sovereignty and independence of our newly formed country.

Many historians debate the ‘real’ reasoning behind the final straw that caused early settlers to become tired of the crown and begin the fight for an end to oppression under the thumb of the crown. But one thing the majority of Americans can agree on is that the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today came at a high price and only through the courage of many brave men and women.

More than two centuries later, the American spirit keeps us fighting for liberty both at home and abroad. Let us never forget that we live in the greatest nation on the face of earth, and that together as… Read More

Right out of the book Atlas Shrugged, we have dingbat California legislators taxing internet sales to balance their precious budget, full of programs that don’t work, pensions that cost too much, and with over 40,000 State employees than just eight years ago, their solution is drive yet more business from the State. Brilliant.

In the book, or if you haven’t seen the movie, John Galt is the mysterious man who visits succesful business owners to tell them of a better place. Business owners begin to disappear from society with every new onerous government regulation.

In 2011, John Galt is the State of Texas, and any other State that can knock on the door of a California business owner and tell them of a place where they can live in liberty, less regulation, and keep more of what they earn. Almost any State can say that to us now.

So Amazon and Overstock.com have said “adios” and there will be many more to follow. California Democrat legislators have to be some of the most economically… Read More

Finishing up a three day swing through the Golden State, yesterday Texas Governor Rick Perry paid a visit to California’s Capitol city of Sacramento where he met with a large number of Republican state legislators. Held at the offices of prominent California GOP fundraiser and consultant Jeff Miller, Perry clearly made a strong impression on those in attendance. We know this because immediately following the Governor’s remarks, 21 GOP state legislators all signed onto a letter urging the Governor of the Lone Star State to throw his boots into the race for the Presidency. Legislators signing the letter were:  Senators Tom Berryhill, Bill Emmerson, Ted Gaines, Doug LaMalfa and Mimi Walters, and Assemblymembers Katcho Achadjian, Bill Berryhill, Connie Conway, Paul Cook (in an apparent defection from Mitt Romney), Tim Donnelly, Beth Gaines, Shannon Grove, Curt Hagman, Kevin Jeffries, Brian Jones, Steve Knight, Dan Logue, Mike Morrell, Jim Nielsen, Cameron Smyth, and David Valadao. Click on the image below to see the letter…

Needless to say, this is an impressive show of support for Perry, who continues to demonstrate a depth of support around the… Read More

Rick Perry might not have officially thrown his ten-gallon hat into the ring, but he certainly looked and sounded like a presidential contender when he stopped by Orange County yesterday morning.

Hosted by Orange County GOP Chairman Scott Baugh and the illustrious editor of this web site, Jon Fleischman, Governor Perry drew a stark distinction between himself and other presidential candidates by coming to Orange County to meet with conservative grassroots leaders—not just big money donors.

Unfortunately, California is often viewed as a lost cause for Republican presidential candidates. They see the state as an ATM for campaign cash, but don’t really return the investment by actively wooing voters or building an enduring political infrastructure. In Perry’s case, he seems genuinely interested in building the conservative movement by working with conservative grassroots leaders.

During an hour-long meeting with the select group of conservative leaders, the Texas governor discussed his recipe for success in growing the Lone Star State’s economy—and how that recipe can be applied on a national level.

Governor Perry detailed the principles that… Read More