My political activism began one full year ago to this day. It’s easy to remember this particular anniversary because it’s the day I registered on RedState.com. All I have to do to remember how long I’ve been at it is to take a quick peek at my RedState profile. I do not blog anywhere else on the Internet . . . so, RedState really is the alpha of my blogging adventures.
The election of Barack Obama was the event that pushed me over the precipice from the land of observer to the uncharted territory of activist. Prior to Obama’s election, I was a mostly passive conservative. I voted Republican. My family gave to pro-life groups. We subscribed to the National Review. I even engaged in the occasional political debate with family and friends. But, for the most part, it was a back seat approach.
RedState was the gateway that enabled me to get my feet wet in the arena of conservative activism. And, even more importantly, RedState has been a school in the disciplines of politics and culture. The writers here are quite simply a very smart bunch. I’ve learned a lot by reading others’ diaries and comments. And, if being schooled isn’t enough reason to be grateful, I’ve also become acquainted with many in the RedState community and I am honored to call them friends.
Since I’m on a good little rant here, I also want to extend a special thanks to the site’s directors and moderators for creating a welcoming environment for the free expression of conservative thought and debate. I am probably more of culture blogger than a strictly political one and many of my diaries’ topics touch upon religious issues. The fact that no one has ever told me to stop that or else take a hike makes a socially conservative, Christian driven blogger like myself feel very welcome indeed.
Finally, If I had to pick a high point? I suppose it’s when you hit a nerve on the liberal side and merit some criticism. I couldn’t really help but smile a bit when I learned I was mentioned in a Media Matters Research brief released on September 30, 2009. The topic was titled, “Beck, Limbaugh, RedState.com attack Obama’s school proposal as a time grab for ‘indoctrination’.” The research brief cites Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and then RedState contributor “mailloux”. It’s, of course, a great honor to be lumped in with Beck and Limbaugh. Thanks Media Matters! You made my whole blogging year!
And, thanks to all in the RedState community for a great year and to my family who has been nothing but supportive of my forays into local politics, which of course is the kind of activity that makes good friends and good enemies as well.
Jim Kelly
Moe Lane
Erick Erickson
You've done a fine job, mailloux. Keep up the good work & keep the passion. nt
Vladimir Tuesday, November 3rd at 3:42PM EST (link)There is no opinion, however absurd, which men will not readily embrace as soon as they can be brought to the conviction that it is generally adopted. - Arthur Schopenhauer
Vladimir,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:05PM EST (link)Thank you for the kind words.
Take Care, mailloux
Mailloux, hapi RS bday. nt
Rod_Patrick Tuesday, November 3rd at 3:44PM EST (link)Rod_Patrick,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:41PM EST (link)I greatly appreciate the well wishes!
Take Care, mailloux
Happy R/S birthday!
TxTess Tuesday, November 3rd at 3:58PM EST (link)Your diaries are always interesting and thought provoking.
Because I walk softly and carry a big Lipstick - Lori_Z at Red State
TxTess,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:40PM EST (link)Thank You!
Take Care, mailloux
I too love being known by my enemies! - nt
Mike gamecock DeVine Thursday, November 5th at 1:07PM EST (link)Mike DeVine’s Examiner.com, Charlotte Observer and The Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” - Andrew Jackson
Mike GC Devine,
mailloux Thursday, November 5th at 5:00PM EST (link)In the realms of culture, society, and politics, having enemies could be considered a badge of honor . . . when, of course, those enemies are Godless leftists.
Because of my activities in local township politics, I don’t think my family will be receiving as many Christmas cards this year! But, I imagine you’re already well familiar with those kinds of consequences . . .
Take Care, mailloux
I enjoy reading your work here.
Justin_Case Tuesday, November 3rd at 5:01PM EST (link)Happy anniversary. We have a long way to go.
Justin_Case,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:39PM EST (link)“We have a long way to go” . . . no truer words.
There’s the old saying, “No rest for the wicked.” It’s of course meant as a slightly self-deprecating joke, but an alteration of that old saying is probably more accurate: There’s no rest for those who love truth (as opposed to moral relativism) and what is righteous. Conservatism best embodies this, and as you say, it is indeed a long and challenging road.
Take Care, mailloux
Happy RS Bday mailloux...
Aaron Gardner Tuesday, November 3rd at 5:10PM EST (link)And thank you so much for your note that you sent to me via Penguin. You don’t know how much that helped me in a time of need. I am blessed to have such a caring community surrounding me, of which you are a part.
Aaron’s Archive I
Aaron’s Archive II
conform and celebrate diversity….or else!!!
Aaron,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:06PM EST (link)Your family continues to be in my family’s prayers.
Take Care, mailloux
Happy Birthday, mailloux.
Steph C Tuesday, November 3rd at 5:12PM EST (link)I’m so grateful you became a member here and have created many wonderful diaries.
“[I]f the public are bound to yield obedience to laws to which they cannot give their approbation, they are slaves to those who make such laws and enforce them.” –Candidus in the Boston Gazette, 1772
Hillbilly Politics
Steph_C,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:22PM EST (link)Coming from you, that means a great deal. Thank you.
And, your diaries (and your commentary) have been eye-opening for me. Thanks for writing them . . . they are quite valued!
Take Care, mailloux
Aw, shucks.
Steph C Wednesday, November 4th at 7:42PM EST (link)Mine aren’t anything compared to yours but thank you for being kind enough to say so. I rarely write one these days and even my comments are more a stating of the obvious or some kind of snark,
more in the nature of saying I’m still here than any real input.
“[I]f the public are bound to yield obedience to laws to which they cannot give their approbation, they are slaves to those who make such laws and enforce them.” –Candidus in the Boston Gazette, 1772
Hillbilly Politics
Happy RedState Birthday, mailloux
ColdWarrior Tuesday, November 3rd at 5:15PM EST (link)Thanks for all you write and your local political activism.
Thanks again,
ColdWarrior
http://www.theprecinctproject.wordpress.com
American first, conservative second, Republican precinct committeeman by necessity.
http://www.theprecinctproject.wordpress.com, so you can say, “I became a precinct committeeman before it was cool.”
“[Primary e]lections have consequences, my friends.” — John McCain
ColdWarrior,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:43PM EST (link)Thanks to you too for all of your efforts on RedState.
Take Care, mailloux
heh, imagine that 1 year for me as well...
DONTREADONME Tuesday, November 3rd at 5:17PM EST (link)now for your congratulations
You can both have mine!! Congrats! nt
nessa Tuesday, November 3rd at 5:32PM EST (link)“If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
Carthago Delenda Est leave no stone standing upon another, plow the streets and salt the earth so that nothing grows there again. –Cato (originally, EPU of late)
Contributor to The Minority Report
DONTTREADONME,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:09PM EST (link)Perhaps, the election of “The One” was also a precipitating event for you too?
But, what a difference a year makes, eh? It was a good election night for Republicans in November 2009!
Take Care, mailloux
yes, mailoux it was the moment that I decided...
DONTREADONME Friday, November 6th at 2:09PM EST (link)to find like minded individuals to discuss issues. This served multiple purposes, one as a therapuetic outlet, two to get involved in the political process, third know which candidates need my financial support, and lastly to vent my ideas and thoughts to the world. And on occassions I have seen some of my comments actually making an impact in the world.
Many happy returns of the day, mailloux!
Laura Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:18PM EST (link)I, too, always appreciate your thoughtful posts, and thought for sure you must have been a long-time conservative blogger by the time I found RedState, which was a few months before you!
Keep up the good fight! And thanks for being another strong, Christian, midwestern voice amidst the throng!
Laura,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:33PM EST (link)Always a pleasure to know of another fellow Midwesterner and Christian! The liberals always considered us to be “fly-over territory.” But, what they didn’t realize is that while they are flying over us, we’ve got some anti-aircraft guns down here shooting holes in their lunatic ideas.
Take Care, mailloux
Mailloux, I was just sitting here thinking how one year ago...
penguin2 Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:38PM EST (link)it was almost a time of despair. We had turned off the TV and just followed the election results on the ‘net. Could hardly bear watching or reading what became a night of gloom. Now one year later, I have the TV on, the radio on and I’m at the computer, in a much different state of mind.
Your diaries are so knowledgeable, poignant and wise. You are able to connect the real world we live in to the spiritual one in a way that benefits all of us.
Congratulations, and may you have many more wonderful RS birthdays!
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God. - Benjamin Franklin
When Good stands up to Evil, Evil blinks. - Vassar Bushmills
Constitutional Knowledge found at: RedState University
Conservative Education: Suggested Reading List
penguin2,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:15PM EST (link)too remember that dreary night . . . As I recall, my wife and I didn’t get a wink of sleep. How could one sleep when there was that omnipresent sense of dread after Obama’s win? Becoming more active in politics was medicinal to that dread . . . better to act than to despair.
And, a year later, November seems quite a bit brighter (especially after last night’s elections!).
Take Care, mailloux
Mailloux, it doesn't seem possible that it's only been
janis Wednesday, November 4th at 10:03AM EST (link)a year since you came to RedState. Your voice here is so welcome and so crucial that surely you’ve been here always! You filled a void that many of us didn’t realize was there until you came and wrote your beautifully phrased diaries full of faith and grace.
You are such a blessing, mailloux, and I wish you many, many more birthdays here at RedState.
janis,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:19PM EST (link)Thank you for your kind words.
And, thank you for your commentary on RedState. Your debate skills are top notch and, in my opinion, you have become one of RedState’s greatest troll hunters. They don’t stand a chance against you!
Take Care, mailloux
Happy RS b-day
aesthete Wednesday, November 4th at 11:16AM EST (link)It’s always refreshing to read your insightful and interesting OPs. Even when I disagree, I can’t say that you haven’t caused me to rethink my own position on an issue, or to believe that your reasons for believing what you do don’t come from thought and experience. Thanks for being a part of the RS community; you’ve certainly enriched the site by your presence.
“The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of the Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected.”
-G. K. Chesterton
“To be ‘cured’ against one’s will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals.”
-C.S. Lewis
aesthete,
mailloux Wednesday, November 4th at 4:30PM EST (link)Good, honest, and civil debate, and a sharing of ideas are truly features of RedState. You are most definitely one of the most though provoking individuals on RedState. Your commentary is proof enough of that. So, thanks go out to you for all your contributions.
Take Care, mailloux
Hey, whaddya know
mschmitt Wednesday, November 4th at 7:53PM EST (link)I registered here a year ago today, also…
Anyway, whiskey, all around! Congratulations to us (though especially you; as I doubt that I’ve ever said anything here even remotely pithy or deserving enough to merit the scorn of media matters).
mschmitt,
mailloux Thursday, November 5th at 4:37PM EST (link)I venture to guess that RedState had a surge of new registrations post Obama’s election!
Congrats to you as well . . . I’m also raising a toast to the new Republican governors and looking to doing some more toasting in 2010!
Take Care, mailloux
Thanks for mailloux
MrMosis Thursday, November 5th at 2:44AM EST (link)If I didn’t outright believe you at the onset, because of who, what, and how you are- well, I wouldn’t believe that you are so NEW to all this. If I didn’t know better, I would think you were at least 30 years on the job of communicating so well about the intersections of politics, culture, philosophy, and theology.
How did you contain your gifts up until one year ago? That is what I would like to know.
Thanks for your service.
“I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Ipsum esse subsistens
MrMosis,
mailloux Thursday, November 5th at 4:46PM EST (link)Thank you for your too kind comments.
After the election of Obama, I looked at him on my computer screen and then looked at my four beautiful blessings, my children. It was clear that doing nothing was no longer an option. I suspect many fellow RedStaters that joined up after the fall 2008 elections had a similar experience.
Thank you too for all of your participation in RedState.
Take Care, mailloux
Well, I've not been here quite as long as you
TNJim Thursday, November 5th at 2:50AM EST (link)but I joined here for many of the same reasons you did. It is indeed a great community and you can learn a lot about how to make a difference politically. Congratulations on one year and I look forward to your diaries as much as I do Erick’s or any other front pager. Keep up the good work and God bless you and your family.
Join the RedState Strike Force
“No. You can’t” -Moe Lane
“He’s such a charming liar” Air America host Christiane Brown referring to Barack Obama
TNJim,
mailloux Thursday, November 5th at 4:49PM EST (link)May God bless you and your family as well.
And, thank you for your kind comments and all of your work on RedState.
Take Care, mailloux
Congratulations on your...
Sera63 Thursday, November 5th at 4:25PM EST (link)B-day, mailloux. I, too, thought that you had been here at RedState for far longer than one year. I enjoy reading your diaries, and appreciate your efforts at defending conservative, as well as Christian, values.
Keep up the great work!
Sera63,
mailloux Thursday, November 5th at 4:54PM EST (link)Thank you very much . . . and, I greatly appreciate you stopping by to read my diaries now and then!
Take Care, mailloux
CZARS: PROFILES-BELIEFS
reelman Thursday, November 5th at 5:23PM EST (link)CZARS: PROFILES & KNOWN BELIEFS
OBAMA’S “CZARS”– Read who they are and realize what they want to do.
Richard Holbrooke…AfghanistanCzar
Ultra liberal anti gun former Gov. of New Mexico. Pro Abortion and legal drug use. Dissolve the 2nd Amendment
Ed Montgomery…Auto recovery Czar
Black radical anti business activist. Affirmative Action and Job Preference for blacks. Univ of Maryland Business School Dean teaches US business has caused world poverty. ACORN board member. Communist DuBois Club member.
Jeffrey Crowley …AIDS Czar
Radical Homosexual…A Gay Rights activist. Believes in Gay Marriage and especially, a Special Status for homosexuals only, including complete free health care for gays.
Alan Bersin…Border Czar
The former failed superintendent of San Diego . Ultra Liberal friend of Hilary Clinton. Served as Border Czar under Janet Reno – to keep borders open to illegal’s without interference from US
David J. Hayes…California Water Czar
Sr. Fellow of radical environmentalist group, “Progress Policy”. No training or experience in water management whatsoever.
Ron Bloom…Car Czar
Auto Union worker. Anti business & anti nuclear. Has worked hard to force US auto makers out of business. Sits on the Board of Chrysler which is now Auto Union owned. How did this happen?
Dennis Ross …Central Region Czar
Believes US policy has caused Mid East wars. Obama apologist to the world. Anti gun and completely pro abortion.
Lynn Rosenthal…Domestic Violence Czar
Director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Vicious anti male feminist. Supported male castration. Imagine?
Gil Kerlikowske…Drug Czar
devoted lobbyist for every restrictive gun law proposal, Former Chief of Police in Liberal Seattle. Believes no American should own a firearm. Supports legalization of all drugs
Paul Volcker…E conomicCzar
Head of Fed Reserve under Jimmy Carter when US economy nearly failed. Obama appointed head of the Economic Recovery Advisory Board which engineered the Obama economic disaster to US economy.. Member of anti business “Progressive Policy” organization
Carol Brower…Energy and Environment Czar
Political Radical Former head of EPA - known for anti-business activism. Strong anti-gun ownership.
Joshua DuBois…Faith Based Czar
Political Black activist-Degree in Black Nationalism. Anti gun ownership lobbyist.
Cameron Davis…Great LakesCzar
Chicago radical anti business environmentalist. Blames George Bush for “Poisoning the water that minorities have to drink.” No experience or training in water management. Former ACORN Board member (what does that tell us?)
Van Jones…Green Jobs Czar
(since resigned).. Black activist Member of American communist Party and San Francisco Communist Party who said Geo Bush caused the 911 attack and wanted Bush investigated by the World Court for war crimes. Black activist with strong anti-white views.
Daniel Fried…Guantanamo Closure Czar
Human Rights activist for Foreign Terrorists. Believes America has caused the war on terrorism. Believes terrorists have rights above and beyond Americans.
Nancy-Ann DeParle…Health Czar
Former head of Medicare / Medicaid.. Strong Health Care Rationing proponent. She is married to a reporter for The New York Times.
Vivek Kundra…Information Czar
Born in New Delhi, India. Controls all public information, including labels and news releases. Monitors all private Internet emails. (hello?)
Todd Stern…International Climate Czar
Anti business former White House chief of Staff- Strong supportrer of the Kyoto Accord. Pushing hard for Cap and Trade. Blames US business for Global warming.Anti- US business prosperity.
Dennis Blair…Intelligence Czar
Ret Navy. Stopped US guided missile program as “provocative”. Chair of ultra liberal “Council on Foreign Relations” which blames American organizations for regional wars.
George Mitchell…Mideast Peace Czar
Fmr. Sen from Maine Left wing radical. Has said Israel should be split up into “2 or 3 “ smaller more manageable plots”. (God forbid) A true Anti-nuclear anti-gun & pro homosexual “special rights” advocate
Kenneth Feinberg…Pay Czar
Chief of Staff to TED KENNEDY. Lawyer who got rich off the 911 victims payoffs. (horribly true)
Cass Sunstein…Regulatory Czar
Liberal activist judge believes free speech needs to be limited for the “common good”. Essentially against 1st amendment. Rules against personal freedoms many times –like private gun ownership and right to free speech.
John Holdren…Science Czar
Fierce ideological environmentalist, Sierra Club, Anti business activist. Claims US business has caused world poverty. No Science training.
Earl Devaney…Stimulus Accountability Czar
Spent career trying to take guns away from American citizens. Believes in Open Borders to Mexico . Author of statement blaming US gun stores for drug war in Mexico .
J. Scott Gration…Sudan Czar
Native of Democratic Republic of Congo. Believes US does little to help Third World countries. Council of foreign relations, asking for higher US taxes to support United Nations
Herb Allison…TARP Czar
Fannie May CEO responsible for the US recession by using real estate mortgages to back up the US stock market. Caused millions of people to lose their life savings.
John Brennan…Terrorism Czar
Anti CIA activist. No training in diplomatic or gov. affairs. Believes Open Borders to Mexico and a dialog with terrorists and has suggested Obama disband US military
Aneesh Chopra…Technology Czar
No Technology training. Worked for the Advisory Board Company, a health care think tank for hospitals. Anti doctor activist. Supports Obama Health care Rationing and salaried doctors working exclusively for the Gov. health care plan
Adolfo Carrion Jr…Urban Affairs Czar
Puerto Rican born Anti American activist and leftist group member in Latin America . Millionaire “slum lord” of the Bronx , NY. Owns many lavish homes and condos which he got from “sweetheart” deals with labor unions. Wants higher taxes on middle class to pay for minority housing and health care
Ashton Carter…Weapons Czar
Leftist. Wants all private weapons in US destroyed. Supports UN ban on firearms ownership in America .. No Other “policy”
Gary Samore…WMD Policy Czar
Former US Communist. Wants US to destroy all WMD unilaterally as a show of good faith. Has no other “policy”.
These are the unelected people helping President Obama RUN of America and the White House…Please pass this on…
http://conservablogs.com/theconservativecraw
“Ignore what is said, watch what is done”
The problem is congress…is congress…
Secular Socialism is never the answer…
“This is where we hold them, this is where we fight”
The “reelman” in central Louisiana
This is not much of a birthday present, you know.
janis Friday, November 6th at 2:23PM EST (link)And I doubt this is what Mailloux had on his wish list. Perhaps we can exchange this for some nice chocolates instead?
If you think your life went by at a clip before....
JadedByPolitics Thursday, November 5th at 6:16PM EST (link)The MINUTE you become politically active and jump in the WAR it goes by even faster!
You have been a fantastic addition to Redstate….I am not a religious person however your diaries while touching on religion REALLY just delve into the MORALS that are lacking in our society!
Whoever has his enemy at his mercy &
does not destroy him is his own enemy
Happy RS B-Day.
NightTwister Friday, November 6th at 2:01PM EST (link)It’s good to have you around here.
Get Connected in Colorado…Colorado Political Analysis: 2010
Mailloux - We are glad you are here
Hooah_Mac Friday, November 6th at 2:18PM EST (link)I want to say that I hope you stick around for many years to come. Every one of your diaries that I have read has been well written and worth the time to read and ponder.
-Priorities-
1. Mission 2. Soldiers 3. Everything Else
“I don’t want to die for you, but if dyin’s asked of me,I’ll pay that price with honor, cause freedom don’t come free”
- Toby Keith’s “American Soldier”