No Rest For Conservative America, the 'Sleeping Giant', in 2012

Remember this video?

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Though this clip was replayed again and again- a sign that Americans were “awakened” as a result of the realization that President Obama and the liberal Democrats were, indeed, on the path to “fundamentally transform” the nation- the sad, but accurate, phrase used by the woman speaking is, “sleeping giant.” Conservative America has been a “sleeping giant.”

Most Americans describe themselves as “conservative.” And conservatives, by nature, tend to mind their own business. Unless, of course, their “own business” is being run over by a controlling, liberal president and his cronies.

American conservatives have indeed had to rouse themselves out of a somewhat complacent sleep and get to work. They have done so formidably, as evidenced by the election, in 2010, of a large number of conservative members of Congress. But, more work awaits, and time is fleeting.

Many may have their gaze set on Iowa. I say leave Iowa to the pundits. There are bigger fish to fry. Whether the winner is a Republican “establishment machine” nominee, or one with real conservative credentials, the nation needs a Congress that will embrace its power, as provided for in the Constitution, to limit the scope of the federal government. The ultimate “tension” of the Constitution: how to elect members of Congress who will go to Washington to limit their own power. Only an inspired document could set its sights on such a seemingly non-human task!

With so many focused on the presidential nomination process, conservatives would do well to attend to the congressional and state legislative races in their districts. The election of sound conservatives to local town and city councils, as well as school boards, will provide a “feeder system” of successful candidates at the local level who may well end up in Congress, saying “no” to more government spending.

Those conservative Republicans who were elected, from their communities, to Congress in 2010 have made all the difference in the world, as evidenced by the number of times President Obama and the congressional Democrats have cursed their existence. Tripped up only by their establishment Republican colleagues and leaders- who clearly have forgotten that it was this very group of freshmen who swept the Republican party to victory once again- and various media outlets and pundits concerned only about politics, and not about principles, these congressional leaders cause us to take pause and think of what could happen if there were more of them.

Even if the unthinkable happened- if Barack Obama were re-elected- with conservatives having a clear edge in the House and Senate, Republicans could make it very difficult for Mr. Obama and the few liberals left to get more of their agenda passed. Even if an “establishment Republican” president were elected, a truly conservative Congress could nudge that individual in the “right” direction. And, of course, with a truly conservative president, lots could get “undone.”

But, having the right elected officials means attending to the less glamorous details, and doing the grub work that doesn’t always make it in the newspapers or on the important sites. Here are some essential duties for just-awakened “giants” to consider right away in 2012:

1. Educate young voters.

Although the scarcity of jobs has caused many young voters to turn away from the “King of Cool” Obama, who likes yukking it up on their favorite talk shows, those who will vote for the first time in 2012 were only 14 in 2008. If your kids are being educated in a public school, chances are they have not received any in-depth instruction regarding the Constitution and how our government works. That means parents have to fill in these important gaps.

Plan to host a series of pizza parties or barbecues at your house (kids still will do a lot for free food) where part of the action is a video about the Constitution, and what contributed to its design. An absolutely first-class, ready to go curriculum is made available by Hillsdale College. Register for the 2012 course, which comes with study guides to help you lead discussions with your young people. Perhaps some of their parents will want to join in as well. Demonstrating leadership in this way will help young people to understand what the fuss is all about.

Also, check out some of the Constitution training resources from Tea Party Patriots (TPP). Even much younger children can start on the road to becoming a patriot by participating in some of the activities available at the TPP website.

2. Join local conservative organizations.

I know…conservatives tend to keep to themselves. But, not in 2012. If you’re the timid type who won’t likely just “show up” at your town’s party meetings, then get on email lists or get connected through social media. Find out what these groups are about and then jump in to suggest candidates, help organize campaigns, or maybe even run yourself (I know…scary). Host a gathering at your home or local library with a conservative speaker. Not sure how to do this? Tea Party Patriots is your guide. Use your techno skills to start a conservative website in your community or local senior center.

3. Participate in Get Out The Vote efforts.

Conservatives like to drive to their polling place, cast their vote, and leave, right? Unfortunately, there is no rest for the weary this year. But, perhaps making phone calls, reminding your friends and neighbors about conservative candidates who can make a difference, is not too far out of your comfort zone. Think about helping to get seniors to polling places if there is no organized effort to do so already. Remind kids away in college to obtain absentee ballots in time to vote, and remind them about the Constitution pizza parties you had at your house for their friends!

4. Become aware of election fraud in your area and what is being done to attack its dangerous mission.

Remember that ACORN is no longer calling itself by that name, but it still exists and will be working to make sure its goal of redistributing your wealth to those who will cast votes for liberal Democrats is achieved. Don’t let it happen on your watch! Find out how your community deals with voter fraud. With a conservative organization behind you, you’ll be able to determine how to proceed if you either suspect voter fraud, or you believe your local election officials have no plan to handle it at all.

2012 is here. It’s time to get to work. Happy New Year!