Independence Day 2013

 We are having a few friends over to dinner this evening.

9 am flag raising and pancake breakfast, at the church. Everyone was in red white and blue. We sang America the Beautiful and it was beautiful, my son raised the flag and a pair of bald eagles saluted us. God Bless America. Happy Independence day! P.S. Buy some fireworks for some under-aged kids, what kind of world do we live in where little boys can't spend their money on firecrackers?

Reagan: The Centenary

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

-Ronald Reagan

100 years ago today a true warrior in the cause of freedom was born.  He is one of my heroes and my favorite president. I remember as a child being so proud of him as our president.  I still cry when I hear him speak.

Liberty

I have always wanted a piece made by Susan Miller. I first saw her jewelry in the gift shop of the Conrad Mansion where I was a tour guide.

Later she opened Sassafras, an adorable artists co-op in Kalispell, Montana. My mom is part of the co-op so I started to get to know Susan a bit. Still, I loved her work but never made the leap to buy a piece of jewelry. There wasn't really a reason it was just I would love the stamp but want a pin not a pendant or want a pendant and not a pin. I would like the shape but not the stamp, always there was an excuse. Really, 14 years is long time to wait.

But now I wait no more because my mom gave me this for Christmas. I had to hold back the tears. It is so perfectly me.
My friend gave me the little liberty bell a few years ago and I just couldn't decide what to do with it. When I went to place the Liberty necklace in my jewelry box I saw the bell and knew where it needed to be.

It was the perfect accessory for watching the fire sparks at Oak Hills this year.

The American Trinity

In lieu of my ability to post anything original, I give you words of wisdom from Denis Prager.

Gratitude parts 4 & 5

I am grateful for the Constitution of the United States of America, for Liberty and for Freedom and the men and women who have sacrificed so much for those things, even their lives.
I am grateful for Modern Day Patriots who are fighting for those things again.

To tide you over

We are waiting for better footage, but in the meantime

Tax Referral Tea Party

LABOR DAY

Pioneer Courthouse Square
Downtown Portland
5-7:30 pm

Featuring:
Victoria Taft
Jeff Kropf
Kristina Ribali
David Hedrick
and

SAMURAI MOM!

To Do List

A few of the things on my To Do List this week:

- Participate in Tea Party Planning Committee conference call
- E-mail speaking guidelines to Tea Party Speakers
- Finalize Tea Party Event Activities
- Write speech for Tea Party
- Decide what to wear to Tea Party
- Blog about Tea Party

Did I mention that there will be a Tax Referral Tea Party this Monday, Labor Day, September 7th at 6pm in Pioneer Courthouse Square? We are gathering to collect signatures to put the tax increases the legislature passed this session on the ballot as is our right as Oregonians. If you are in the Portland area please come support us!

Petitions will be available for signing at the event, there will be fantastic speakers! We will hear from several of the candidates seeking to replace David Wu as the Representative from District 1.
Samurai Mom will be speaking as well as this guy!

The National Review

It was cool when Lars Larson read my blog post on his show,

And then when Kevin edited a great video of the Town Hall meeting featuring me,

And then The Oregonian linked to it.

But now I have been quoted in the National Review.

The National Review is big. It is La Keira's number one source of news. She has been in awe of me this week. I'll take it.

I have many thoughts on this. Firstly I love the attention because from the time I could smile I have been a fool for an audience. While I am a bit uncomfortable when people recognize me, I secretly love it.

While what I said took courage, initially I was just proud of the composure with which it was delivered. I fully expected to come out babbling and maybe crying. The words were not that revolutionary. I don't think what I had to say is any different that what people are feeling. Maybe it is just the fact that I said it. I am glad this happened before all the bad press about the town halls, I am glad I didn't have to stand in line or argue with union thugs.

One though on the whole "shouting" idea that the press has latched on to. What they are all neglecting to mention is that the Congressman are either refusing to answer direct questions OR outright lying to constituents. When you are sitting face to face with your paid representative in congress and he does not have the respect to answer your question or he lies to you, it makes you mad, really mad and shouting might be excusable. Frankly, I am impressed that people are not killing their congressmen on the spot. That is how angry people are and I think they are showing incredible restraint.

I have not tried to go to any more of Congressman Wu's town halls because I know I will not be allowed in and I have kids to take care of. I will choose when I protest and It will probably next be at Pioneer Courthouse Square on September 7th.

I regret that I have but one town hall to give to my country. (This summer.)

Interview with a Samurai, pt.1

As my life is SO mysterious, and inquiring minds DO want to know, La Keira has very kindly volunteered to do an interview with Samurai Mom to answer many of your pressing questions. I hope you enjoy it, I did.

#1: Living in Portland, as you do, I imagine you see a lot of bumper stickers. I saw a particularly self-righteous one the other day that said "What exactly do conservatives want to conserve?" Wow. What a zinger. Here's your chance to respond. I'd like at least three bullet points.

Your Money,
Your Rights,
Your Liberties,
and possibly,Your Sanity

#2: I know your home schooling style is inspired in part by Thomas Jefferson but I can't bring myself to like the guy (Declaration notwithstanding, it's gonna take some time for me to get past the Sally Hemmings thing). So, my question is, which Founding Father do you most relate to and (if different) who would you like to spend a dinner with? Why?Though I haven't studied him much, I think that I most identify with Patrick Henry. I don't think that I have all the ideas but I know correct principles when I see them and they burn within me and become part of me. I hope to be a "radical" as he was and maybe one day if needed to come up with a phrase as patriotic as "Give me liberty, or give me death!"
I don't want to mince words, I want to speak the truth.

As for dinner I would like to break bread with John and Abigail Adams because after reading McCullough's biography how could one not adore and admire John Adams?

#3: You, like me, are a collector of the fabulous. What item in your home do you have an inexplicable passion/unhealthy obsession for?
I simply cannot choose just one. This answer will be woefully inaccurate no matter the answer I choose so I am going to say that currently I am in love with colanders though I am limiting myself to possessing only 4. Also, there is Danvers, my ceramic duck filled with knitting needles, perhaps my favorite item.

And Books. I love books, even if I never read all of them, I love books.

#4: Speaking of books...The character Desmond on LOST is saving up a copy of "Our Mutual Friend" to read as the last book he ever reads in his life. Do you have a favorite book that you wish you could unread and save for just such an occasion?
I am having trouble with this one. First, I would say Jane Eyre but Jane Eyre has so many lessons that I have needed in this life, I would hate to have gone without them. Second, I would like to say Mrs. Miniver but again I can't imagine a world without knowing the joys of Mrs. Miniver. Just think of bidding on an auction emotionally because something looks lonely and not knowing that Mrs. Miniver would do the same thing.
I choose Rebecca. Rebecca is one of my favorite books but I fully admit that the life lessons learned therein are faulty and one doesn't learn much in that respect. It would be delightful for the last book read to begin "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderly again."

#5 I know that you loved your time in London. Where was your favorite place there? What time of day? What should it smell like?

I loved to walk along the Thames at night. Always with a friend, not because I was ever afraid for my safety in London Town but because walking along the Thames is a time for conversation. We would walk along the embankment and then cross to the south using Lambeth Bridge, then Westminster enchanted by the Houses of Parliament waving to Boadicea as we passed. Then skip Hungerford past the sphinxes and on to my favorite, Waterloo, which leads to the Royal National Theatre and up to the elaborately painted Blackfriars bridge. If it wasn't too late and the conversation was still good there was Tower Bridge via the New Globe Theatre, but not often. It smells like roasted chestnuts and crisp fall air. Chestnuts taste terrible but smell delicious and I am sure the Thames smells but if it does I can't recall the scent.

.....to be continued. Tune in tomorrow to find out my bad habits, psychological philosophy, and what I will look like in heaven in Interview with a Samurai, pt.2

Saturday Night Cinema

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Starring: John Wayne, James Stewart
Directed By: John Ford
Date: 1962

This film has some interesting themes on statesmanship and citizenship. Stoddard is a reluctant statesman yet he does his duty. There is also a question about the rule of law and what is right and what keeps you alive when there is no law.

The set is very minimal, almost campy but it works leaving you to focus on the characters and story rather than be distracted by the set. Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne are two of the best hands down and this film is easy to watch even if the leading lady they are scrapping over is a little abrasive.

I think this is one of Boss Moss' favorite films.

6 out of 7 thimbles

Samurai Mom Goes to Washington *Edit*

You might remember how I went to a Washington County Town Hall meeting with Congressman David Wu a while back.

A new video has been edited with different footage from the other camera in the room. The audio is much better.

Congressman Wu meets Samurai Mom from WashCoGOP Oregon on Vimeo.

Innocence Lost

There was once a man who was loved by many. He said to the people "Follow me and I will make you do what is right, I will save you. Not one soul shall be lost. The glory will be mine." There was another man, also loved by many who said "Follow me. I will not make you do what is right. I will let you chose good or evil. Some will be lost, but I will save you through my sacrifice. The glory will be to our father, our creator." Many people wanted to be forced to do what was right, still more wanted their agency. There was a war.
The first man and his followers were cast out. He tries now to take away our agency. Always he contrives with his whisperings, his cunning words and his lies. He tells us what we want to hear as he leads us down the path to bondage.
This man's name is Satan, Lucifer, the Devil.

Today I listened to the president of my country, the very country that was founded on the sacrifice and blood of so many for liberty, for freedom, for AGENCY. I heard his cunning words and lies as he tries to lead our people into bondage. Physical bondage, financial bondage, social bondage.

I snapped of the radio and told my children the unhappy truth. I told my children solemnly, gravely that the president of our country is a wicked man. I told them that he is taking away our agency, that he is full of lies and deceit.
I warned them to be on their guard.
I will fight for their agency just as I did once before.

I am Not Laughing, Congressman

This is the opposite of funny but Congressman Hoyer from Maryland certainly seems to find in humorous. Here is a brief snippet:

"House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Tuesday that the health-care reform bill now pending in Congress would garner very few votes if lawmakers actually had to read the entire bill before voting on it."

Oh, really? Somehow I am not seeing that as a bad thing.

After you read that article and your head explodes, you can listen to this as you are sharpening your pitchforks it will give you some hope at least and let you know who not to attack during revolution. It is 12 minutes long but worth every second.


Senator Tom Coburn from Oklahoma, a stand up guy in Washington. Can you imagine it? Read more about the bill here.

You may have noticed that there was not a quorum at the time that this speech was delivered. It is probable that your senator didn't hear it. Maybe you should send him the link.

Thanks to Jeanette (whom I will henceforth refer to as "My Friend's Wife") for the Coburn link. It salvaged my afternoon.

Proclaming Liberty Pt. 2

Please excuse all the fabulous pictures of myself. It was just so much fun to pose for them and where else to you show off all the pretty pictures if not your blog?

****My super secret mission has been completed. I was asked to write something for a specific news outlet but it was decided that the article would go in another direction. The good news is (thanks to the ineptitude of Microsoft products) you now get to read this HERE on the blog!***I rode my bicycle bedecked with red, white and blue flowers and ribbons up to the staging area for the Hillsboro Independence Day parade. I was late, I have 3 kids, a mother can't be standing around for hours waiting, an hour is all I could spare for waiting. 200 people were milling about chatting in what would be the largest entry in the parade. I scanned for people that I knew but couldn't find them amongst the crowd. I signed in and located my neighbor and her 14 year old son and a friend who had brought his wife and four children. Everyone else was a stranger. As we talked many people noticed my sash that read "Samurai Mom" and congratulated me on my great post and for giving it to Wu. We made the acquaintance of others in the group. A successful marketer and graphic designer offered to help us with a project we are planning. A man who installs siding and roofing talked about how hard it is to get business lately. An immigrant woman who said that she already escaped the Soviet union and didn't want to have to escape again. There was a great sense of camaraderie in our desire to keep our freedoms. Most of us knew only a few in the group but we fell in together shoulder to shoulder as we made our way along the parade route smiling and waving.

Nestled amongst the flowers and ribbons in my wicker bike basket were 130 copies of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution, I planned to hand them out to people along the way. It was my way of saying "Happy Birthday America, I know why we have fireworks and parades on this day."
At first I just handed my gifts to people on the street but soon I started asking the question "Why do we celebrate the 4th of July?" as I handed them a copy. I asked young kids, older kids, teenagers, adults of all ages. To be fair, they didn't expect a pop quiz when they came to the parade but I was amazed at the shrugs and blank looks. Many people said "Our freedom," "It's our country's birthday", and "It's Independence Day." All true and good answers but only 3 people said "The signing of the Declaration of Independence." Most received the booklets without a word but many expressed genuine gratitude for their very own copy of two of the most important documents ever written.
One man didn't like our group, I saw him across the street wearing a frown and giving us a double "thumb's down" sign. I crossed and offered him a copy of our founding documents and he shook his head and refused. "You don't like our Constitution?" I asked, dumbfounded. His head was still shaking his refusal, thumbs still pointing down. "Why is this man at the 4th of July Parade if he doesn't love the Declaration of Independence?" I asked myself as I pedaled down Main Street. I realized with sadness that this man was so opposed to what he THOUGHT our message was that he didn't even understand what I was asking. His politics made him dig in his heels and refused to see what I was offering. He refused to listen to a fellow American.
That is why I fight for my country, why I teach my children about their country, why I gather at Tea Parties and rallies, for that angry man and for all of those smiling faces who might be reading the Declaration of Independence right now...

Mum's the Word

Can't say too much about the parade and Tea Party just yet but here are a few pictures to wet your whistle.
Me and Liberty Bell at our house before the parade.
After the Tea Party we headed to Seaside for an evening at the beach and the fireworks show.
I cried during the show, I just surrendered to the moment and let the beauty and the love of my country envelop me.

Then firework cinders started falling on me and I had to get up and ask the owners of said pyrotechnics to stop.

After the show we had to get back to the car, there are no words to describe the beach last night, save these from Moose:

"The smoke was thick in the air, explosions all around us. Rockets, shells, flares going off. People, young and old screaming and shouting orders, most huddled together in small groups. We made our way up the beach, maneuvering around the still burning fires."

We reached our home and our own beds at 2:00am

Proclaiming Liberty

My last post has caused quite a stir. As they say "Sometimes stating the obvious is revolutionary." (anyone know where that came from?)

I passed the post on to a few friends and before I knew it Lars Larson was reading my entire post on both his local and national shows, the phone was ringing off the hook, I was getting telephone calls from people I have voted for in the past. Talk about pressure. I feel obligated to make profound political statements in every post now. I was also given a super secret assignment.

Part of my assignment involves me going to the Hillsboro Parade and the Tea Party Rally in Hillsboro tomorrow. I couldn't just march in the parade, opportunities like these don't happen every day, and so, Liberty Bell and I will be at the parade together.I have spent the better part of the day reorganizing our Independence Day Celebration plans, planning my costume and decorating Liberty Bell for the Parade. I will of course be handing out free copies of The Constitution and The Declaration of Independence.

Shout out "Samurai Mom" if you see me!
Here's hoping my curls hold.

****There is now video of the Town Hall meeting with Congressman Wu here and here****

Samurai Mom Goes to Washington

...or to the Sherwood Town Hall meeting with Congressman Wu to be precise. The questions were not pre-screened.

Near the end of the meeting I was called on. I reminded the Congressman that he had not answered the gentleman's question about whether or not he had read the "cap and trade" bill before he voted on it. I also reminded him that he had not answered the lady's question as to whether he would commit to reading the health care bill before voting on it. I then said that I would like to know if he read any of the bills passed recently that spent gigantic amounts of money and that I would like to know if he would to commit to reading all future bills before voting on them. Then I said
"As someone that votes and sends you to congress I expect you to read every bill before voting. If you cannot do so or don't have the time I expect you to abstain or vote "no." If you can't do that, if you think that that is to much of a work load then maybe this isn't the job for you."

Wild applause from the audience.

He insisted that he had kept all of his campaign promises over the top of people yelling "Answer her question!" He did not, and I am still waiting for a satisfactory response, Congressman.

I was lucky that he called on me, I owe it all to my youthful and demure appearance Appearances can be deceiving as Congressman Wu found out. He went right back to asking questions of the frail looking elderly who were angry but a little more reserved and less pointed.

After the meeting was over I was congratulated many (20?) times, had my hand shaken repeatedly, was called a patriot and was accused of being just 18!

There were oh, so many other things I wanted to chastise him for but this one is what fit with the meeting. I am amazed that the thoughts came out so calmly, clearly and in order. I didn't lose my head and I didn't call anyone names! I was so angry but I don't think I gave that away in my voice.
The beauty of what I said is that it runs across the board. EVERY voter wants their congressmen to read bills before voting on them. No one but congresspeople think that not reading bills before passing legislation is OK. I realize that it is probably impossible to read every word of every bill. That just makes my point; the bills are too long, too complex, too full of pork and there are too many of them. If people refuse to support a bill until they have read it thoroughly then eventually the "way it is" will change!

As we heard tonight, Congressman David Wu has repeatedly refused to commit to reading bills before voting on them.

***This video will be active shortly, as it turns out it remembered it fairly well, and honestly, people did yell for him to answer my question.***

An Iconic Symbol

You may remember my daydream a few weeks back. Somehow it became a need and then an obsession in remarkably little time. I found a suitable bike in a far flung shop and Liberty Bell and I have been zipping along the Bethany Trail in iconic style since Mother's Day.
She is a Free Spirit make and thus the name, Liberty Bell. Unfortunately. I have not yet found a suitable patriotic bell to attach to her. I shall keep a few copies of the Declaration of Independence in my basket as I ring Liberty throughout the land.P.S. It turns out some skirts are more suitable for iconic biking than others.
P.P.S. I can not ride Liberty Bell without a gigantic grin on my face, it is that fun. Seriously a vintage bike feels different. We make other people smile too!

Memorial Day

Dear Soldiers,
To you who have given your lives to protect our country and the freedoms we hold dear.

Thank You.

Thank You also to your families.