JULIANNE NOWICKI

CPAC 2012: A Great Experience.mov

2012-02-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

Organization: Key to Success in Writing, Not So Much in Government

2012-02-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

With the hard work I am putting into this book, "Winning Back America's Leftist Colleges," I truly have a gut feeling this will be on the NY Times Bestseller List. I am eager to speak on my book at colleges throughout the country and looking forward to such opportunities. Please contact me at juliannenowicki@gmail.com if you are interested in hosting me as a speaker at your college.

Today, I overcame some major obstacles in my writing as I reorganized the entire book. For me, simple organization can mean the success between good writing and sloppy nonsensical writing. I am great at writing up substantive content, but when it comes to organization-man that is a struggle!

Naturally, in feeling the happiness of success in finally organizing my writing, I had a few thoughts on politics in the process (tends to happen quite frequently). This past weekend, I participated in an ISI conference on "Liberty, Free Markets, and Responsibility." Fascinating conference. A major theme, however, was the satisfaction bureaucrats get from central planning and an "organized" system. In as much as I enjoyed "organizing" my book, bureaucrats get the same high from organizing government as much as possible. I suspect it is in the nature of bureaucrats to enjoy creating different government committees and attempting to control free markets through organization as much as possible.

In the book, Socialism and War by F.A. Hayek, he starts off chapter 4, stating, "What is today widely advocated as a "planned economy" means, in so far as it means anything clearly, a centrally directed economic system, a system in which every move is determined by a unitary plan, worked out and laid down in black and white beforehand...The more complicated the task, the more necessary such planning appears."

President Obama would have us believe such things. That a free economy is a "risk" and that planning, higher taxes, and even creating Super Committees to figure out the budget is "necessary." However, my hope is that people take scholars like Hayek into mind in realizing the scare tactics President Obama uses to further his socialist agenda. As Hayek notes on page 141 of Socialism and War, that there is a limit to the amount of planning any government can do, "Because the number of variables which any mind, even with the best assistance, can manipulate is limited." President Obama would be better off letting the market "run wild," as he likes to say, because there is no way to completely control the market. It is futile to waste resources to create more equality in social classes, especially in our country where economic mobility can be achieved for anyone with enough ambition and a solid work ethic.

In 2012, we need a leader who will recognize the value of the free market and work to promote small businesses as much as possible. We need someone who recognizes that America is at her best when the markets "run wild."

The Recent Komen PR Disaster

2012-02-04T12:01:00.001-08:00

See www.juliannenowicki.com for my YouTube reaction to the Komen controversy. MariaNews from Ave Maria School of Law also sheds some light on the topic here.

Only hours after announcing the Komen Foundation would pull funding for Planned Parenthood, the cancer charity decided to reinstate funding for PP. Sadly and with good reason, the move has been seen with backlash from conservatives everywhere.

As funding for PP increases, so does the number of abortions this heinous organization performs in a given year according to this AUL research study. (LifeSiteNews also reports here)

So it makes perfect sense Komen would want to pull funding for PP. That is, until PP started to bully the Komen Foundation and decide to ruin its good name in an attempt to reinstate its own funding. The whole controversy rings of malicious behavior and is quite disturbing.

I think the Komen PR nightmare has been a sort of "awakening" in our culture for numerous reasons. First off, it's taught consumers that we should know how businesses use our money. The slew of businesses supporting PP is unending. You can check out a list here, with everyone from Johnson & Johnson to Tylenol.

Businesses and charities should be able to make business decisions without undue pressure and influence from government-funded organizations like Planned Parenthood.

Creating a New Blog and Website

2012-01-16T11:34:00.001-08:00

In the midst of trying to find a way to get my blog on my main website, www.juliannenowicki.com. Please bear with me as I make the transition from this blogsite to my new domain!

It seems there are plenty of great blog editors and website creators, yet no one has cracked the code for combining the two. Is it really so difficult that all I want to do is create a website that also has a blog on the main page akin to www.katiekieffer.com? Many websites allow you to create an additional blog on a separate page, but none that I have found allow an easily updateable website to be placed on the main page. This is all I want. I know it really is not too much to ask for in this age where anything is possible on the internet.

For now, it looks like I'll have to keep blogging from Blogger until I can find an easy way to blog from my new website. Ugh, the frustration I have experienced over this is excessive. I am almost as frustrated as when I hear an Obama speech on tv.

New Conservative Website

2012-01-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

Currently working on a new website to continue providing you with conservative commentary and political analysis in the upcoming months! Stay tuned.

My Remarks at Ave Maria's 2011 Gala and Meeting Karl Rove

2011-11-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I had the honor of being chosen to represent the student body in giving a speech to the donors for the Ave Maria Student Scholarship Fund at the Annual Gala. This year's Gala at the Ritz featured keynote speaker, Karl Rove. It was a phenomenal event, and my remarks were well received by the 400+ community leaders in attendance. My favorite part of the evening was meeting Mr. Rove at the end, and hearing him say, "You did an awesome job, you were really something up there. You did a phenomenal job." It was an honor to meet Mr. Rove, and one that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Here are my remarks from the evening:

Gala Speech

1. Opening

Thank you Father Orsi, for leading us in prayer, and Dean Milhizer, Mr. Monaghan , and our keynote speaker, Karl Rove, for speaking here tonight.

I am honored to be here tonight, and truly thank you for all of your support of the Ave Maria School of Law Scholarship Fund.

2. Introduction/University of Michigan

My name is Julianne Nowicki, and I am a second year law student at Ave Maria. Ever since I first heard about Ave Maria at the University of Michigan Visitation Day for law schools all around the country, I wanted to attend this great law school. Getting to this point in my education was not always easy, however.

When hit with obstacles, my attitude has always been to stay positive and know that God gives you challenges for a reason. One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, which reads, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” * This verse couldn’t have applied more clearly, than when during my senior year of high school, my father passed away and my family faced financial difficulties. My world was shattered that year, but I decided to pick myself up and attend the University of Michigan. I decided to make something positive out of a difficult situation.

When I arrived at the University of Michigan the following year, I didn’t expect the very different culture on campus. It was nothing like the Christian schools I had attended my entire life. It brought together people of all different religions and backgrounds from all around the world. Although I found myself in unfamiliar territory, I realized I was attending one of the Greatest Universities in the world and decided to make it work. My goal was to graduate early, and I accomplished this by graduating in 3 years instead of 4. By my third and last year, ironically enough, I was starting to really like it at the University of Michigan. I remember even telling my mom that I might want to stay for an extra year even though I didn’t have to, and she gave me good advice-she said “Just get to law school already!”

I remember being thrilled to receive my acceptance to Ave Maria, but also debating whether I should attend the Student Visitation Day for the law school. Finances were tight for me as a college student, but I decided to buy a plane ticket anyways to see the campus.

I will always remember attending the Student Visitation Day, because it is what made me want to attend Ave Maria. When I looked up and saw Jesus Christ on the cross on the classroom wall, I knew I was in the right place, and I still feel that way one and a half years later today.

Looking back, I see that overcoming those few obstacles early on gave me the determination that brought me to Ave Maria School of Law. This determination has also allowed me not only to get through law school, but to thrive during my first and second years.

3. Thank You to Donors

On behalf of the student body, I want to say thank you to all of the donors here tonight who support Ave Maria. I am so grateful to attend this law school for so many reasons. It is because of your donations to the student scholarship fund that students like me can appreciate the high quality education we receive here. You are so instrumental in not only impacting the lives of us students here, but having an impact on the world as we carry out the mission statement of Ave Maria out into the world.

The Career Services office was instrumental in helping me get my first summer job after 1L year at Legal Aid Service of Collier County, somewhere I still work today during the school year, in addition to a job I have at a law firm in Marco Island.

I also am an associate editor for the Ave Maria Law Review and am even authoring my first book on conservative politics, which I aspire to have published in the upcoming months. I have also been part of VITA with other students, which is a program that helps low income people in Collier County file their taxes at no cost.

I believe in the mission statement of Ave Maria, which affirms the dignity of the human person, human freedom, and the harmony of faith and reason, which is why I try to make the most of every minute here.

In the spirit of tonight’s theme, I believe that we need to be courageous as students attending Ave Maria and be involved in the community and our nation. It is our moral duty to stand up for innocent life and the lives of the unborn, which is something Ave Maria students believe as we attend the March for Life in Washington D.C. every year. In addition to defending the unborn, I also believe our moral duty extends to the greater legal profession, and the worlds of business, politics, the media, or wherever our law degrees take each of us. We have a duty to do what is right when no one is watching or when it may be unpopular to do what is right. As Ronald Reagan once said, “There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.”

4. Conclusion

Overall, I am so blessed to attend Ave Maria School of Law every day. I enjoy my time here at this law school immensely, and am fortunate to be here with all of you. Thank you for letting me share a little bit about my experience at Ave Maria and what it has meant to me, with all of you here tonight. But above all, thank you for your generous support of the Ave Maria School of Law Scholarship Fund. I can promise you that your investment is making a huge difference in my life and the lives of my classmates. Your decision to support this law school is allowing me to achieve my dream of reforming the culture and changing the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It's Not Over, Til It's Over

2011-10-29T06:46:00.001-07:00

This past week, we saw some interesting developments in GOP campaigns. The Huntsman daughters rallied to create a parody of Herman Cain's latest YouTube video, while Santorum and Perry finally announced their economic plans for the country.

In the latest poll from Fox News, something around 80% of conservatives believe that major shifts can still happen in the campaign cycle. While I do think conservatives should vote smart, I don't necessarily think the campaign process is over. It's not over, til it's over. There are still a few good months that candidates can make some major changes in their campaign strategies. Here is my analysis:

Rick Perry: Good idea to hold off on debates. Prior to the debates, many conservatives stood behind Perry for his strong economic record-Texas stands at the 2nd lowest debt ridden state in the U.S. Perry also strongly opposes federal funding for abortion, and has stated strong opposition to embryonic stem cell research. If Perry continues to clarify his pro-life stances and discuss his success in reviving Texas's economy, then he'll continue to win over the hearts of conservatives. Perry should also make a concerted and intelligent effort to distinguish himself from Mitt Romney, rather than bash him from every angle.

Perry gave a great interview on The O'Reilly Factor and made the argument for why conservatives should support a candidate who has been consistent until his 50's and 60's, rather than wavering on important issues just to win support. Perry clearly came out and said he didn't like candidates who wavered on important issues. I thought this was a tactful way for Perry to distinguish himself, without discrediting the entire Republican party. Perry needs to do more of this, however, he should consider also revising the way he handles the immigration issue. Perry simply can't continue to support in-state tuition for illegal immigrants if he wants to win over blue-collar conservatives.

O'REILLY: No, no. Where do you stand on people evolving or people -- where do stand on people evolving or people standing firm? Where do you stand on that? Do you respect the evolution that the governor might have gone through?

PERRY: Listen, I think -- how do you -- how do you change at the age of 50 or 60, positions on life, positions on guns, positions on traditional marriage? I mean, those aren't minor issues, Bill. So to change those at age of 50 or 60 tells you all you need to know about that.

Mitt Romney: Mitt Romney has continued to be successful in the GOP due to his strong performance in the debates, in my opinion. He is winning over independents, which is what other conservatives are failing to do. Herman Cain might be giving Romney a run for his money. If Cain can continue to attract independent voters, then Romney may face viable competition for the presidential office. If Romney truly wants to win over the hearts of conservatives, right now his weakest issue is abortion. Romney has disappointed conservatives with his past statements regarding abortion, and even his present ones. He needs to point to specific policies in which he would cut all federal spending on abortion and for organizations like Planned Parenthood, such as signing the Protect Life Act. If Romney can prove he's truly pro-life on all issues, then he will win over a big base of conservatives.

Michele Bachman: She needs to continue to assert herself on the campaign trail. If Bachman can come up with a catchy way to sell her economic plan to Americans, then she will be viable competition for the other candidates. Right now, however, there are still too few people who know what Bachman is about or her policies. Michele is running a smart campaign by focusing solely on the economy and doing so in a serious manner. Her seriousness is pitting her far ahead the other GOP candidates who are taking a more light-hearted approach to the economy (Think: Herman Cain's cigarette ad).

Herman Cain: Cain has been running the smartest campaign out of any of the candidates. He only needs to continue to be serious about reviving the economy if he wants a shot at it. While he has used the YouTube viral effect to his advantage, he needs to be careful to not come off as too casual throughout his campaign. He should also tie up any loose ends on policies and issues he may not fully understand, such as pro-life issues and foreign policy. He needs to have his campaign people prepping him on making wise pro-life statements, rather than ones that make him look pro-choice.

Rick Santorum: Needs to build a bigger presence on the campaign trail. Right now, he's solid on the issues. He needs to continue to market himself if he wants a shot at the GOP ticket.

Newt Gingrich: Love Newt Gingrich's experience in office. He needs to distinguish himself from candidates without experience and build upon his experience in office. He needs to focus on articulating strong pro-life views. He has had very strong performances in the debates. If he can reach out to the younger generations with a funny YouTube video, he will gain the kind of momentum he needs to win this thing.

On the Campaign Trail: Obama's "Hope and Change" Morphed into Herman Cain's "9-9-9" Solution

2011-10-17T08:04:00.001-07:00

When President Obama campaigned, he tapped into the American subconscious with vague notions of "hope" and "change." Unfortunately, it worked to get him in the White House door. Brainwashed college kids caucused on gymnasium floors at Dartmouth to get the man elected without having any idea of what Obama stood for.

Now we see how great those vague notions of "hope" and "change" worked. Unemployment is rapidly increasing, while the economy tanks. The "hope" and "change" our generation was rooting for has been just about as effective as the #occupywallstreet kids have been in actually articulating a focused message. It's perplexing why the Obama Administration continues to align Obama's re-election campaign with #occupywallstreet these past few weeks. (Memo to the Prez: if you are looking for new campaign volunteers, at least stick with the Ivy Leaguers-they shower and don't have dread locks).

Articulating a strong message, whether one is on the campaign trail or protesting, means everything. This is precisely why Herman Cain has been running a smart campaign. We can thank the Prez for running on vague notions of "hope" and "change," because now America desires the solution they never found from Obama. Cain has been relentlessly offering this solution for America with his 9-9-9 plan.

Conservatives can critique the plan all they want, but they should acknowledge the intelligent way in which Cain is campaigning. If there is one thing he learned from President Obama, it was that picking a catchy phrase and passionately advocating for it on the campaign trail is an effective way to get the ticket. While President Obama ran on the promise of "hope" and "change," Herman Cain has been running on his "9-9-9" plan.

Listen to any interview, and you'll hear Cain say the phrase "9-9-9" over and over again. But, he actually explains the specifics of it and how competition is necessary for lowering taxes for consumers. Obama rarely explained the specifics of what "hope" and "change" entailed to America. The reason Cain can speak specifically about his "9-9-9" plan is because Cain believes in his economic plan and knows he is offering a solution that can revive the economy. Given the rise of unemployment and the dire economic situation, Americans are subconsciously desiring a solution to our nation's problems, and "9-9-9" may be just that.

Now, Herman Cain isn't purporting to be the Savior that the Prez holds himself out as. He doesn't say things like "I've become a vehicle for your hopes and your dreams, but I can only carry it so far," like Prez Obama told students at George Mason on the 2008 campaign trail. But what Cain does offer is a specific economic plan and support for America.

By paying attention to the things that got Obama elected like campaigning on a catchy message, Cain is running a smart campaign. However, Cain's campaign has the conservative substance and good economic policies that Obama's campaign obviously lacked.

A Tribute to My Father's Service for GM

2011-10-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

When my father served as financial advisor for General Motors, he made some of the most important decisions for the corporation in its day. He was the type who was willing to forego ( and did in fact suggest foregoing) the large corporate bonus so the company could stay alive and compete.

As I apply for a position as a public policy intern for General Motors' D.C. office this upcoming summer, I was stunned to come across this publication. My father placed a key role in presenting the General Motors 1987 Cancer Research awards. While I was doing some research, I came across this publication that depicts the winners of that year's General Motors' Cancer Research award and credits the work of my father. I have never been prouder to be my father's daughter.

Fred Nowicki & Contributions to General Motors' 1987 Cancer Research Awards

Steve Jobs 2005 Commencement Address to Stanford: "Do What You Love"

2011-10-08T13:08:00.001-07:00

"I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle."

That is how Steve Jobs addressed the 2005 graduates of Stanford University. His entire speech is made up of 3 stories that shaped his relationships and passion for Apple. It is an incredible speech. What a legacy Mr. Jobs has left behind. Check it out here.

Election 2012 and Insight from Buckley: A Competition of Personality or Policy?

2011-10-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

On a recent Facebook update, I couldn't help but notice a friend who had posted a status basically saying (I've changed the words for privacy purposes) "We ought to settle for Romney. The next president doesn't need new ideas, just to do things most Republicans agree on." He then linked this article in the NY Times by David Brooks, "In Defense of Romney."

"In Defense of Romney" starts off crediting the "superb" performance of Mitt Romney in presidential debates. The article then goes on to characterize the Republican Party as one that is "not a party driven by big ideological differences."

The truth is that the Republican Party has turned into one with solid core beliefs, in my opinion, within the past year or two. Conservatives are actually driven by these solid core beliefs. There is a reason citizen journalism has taken off, and that bloggers continuously write about limited government and lowering taxes. There is a reason conservatives now hold candidates accountable for their past history, such as Mitt Romney, in considering whether to vote for them in the future. And that reason is that principles matter to conservatives.

I get it, David Brooks is saying we ought to just settle for Mitt Romney even though he doesn't "fit doesn’t the mold of what many Republicans want in a presidential candidate." He is saying that he thinks Romney is the only one with a chance for winning the 2012 Election, and that conservatives ought to back the seemingly strongest candidate. But unfortunately, conservatives do not judge politicians solely by personality, but rather by policy, these days.

In responding to the Brooks article and my friend's Facebook status, I turn to this article, "The Party and the Deep Blue Sea," from William F. Buckley. I just so happened to stumble upon it tonight, and it just so happens to fit quite well in discussions surrounding Election 2012.

In the article, William F. Buckley displays the passion for freedom for which conservatives are so well known. Brooks portrays conservatives in a negative fashion, by relaying that they want a "bold, blunt, radical outsider to take on the establishment," while Buckley points out the beauty in unapologetic conservatives' desire for "freedom over non-freedom."

The way Buckley saw it, he viewed the issue as "one of freedom or non-freedom." The consequences of being a mediocre conservative, who was willing to settle for less than the ideal candidate, was one who chose non-freedom over freedom. Conservatives faced the same issues in the 1950's that we are seeing today for Election 2012.

Later in the article, Buckley points out the main problem with elections, and particularly problems that Republicans faced. He saw conservatives at their worst when they focused on "political personalities" as opposed to political platforms and policies. When politics becomes all about a stellar performance in a political debate, akin to Brooks' description of Romney in the debates, then the result is "political personalities who are bored by the issues, who are afraid to stand or fall on competing political ideologies." Buckley takes the words right out of my mouth.

What I appreciate about Buckley is he saw the beauty in valuing a candidate for his or her platform and policies, as opposed to mere words or performances in debates. In fact, Buckley seems to have seen elections based on "political personalities" as harmful to the individual. He wrote, "National politics have become so remote, so unresponsive, that the basic and all important unit of society-the individual-feels powerless to assert himself, even assuming he wished to do so."

This all brings me to the question, since when has conservatism been about "settling?" If conservatives settle for a candidate who has a questionable past in cutting taxes and upholding true conservative values, then why do we call ourselves conservatives? As conservatives, it is in our nature to embrace entrepreneurship, success, individuality, and freedom. When we compromise some of that individuality to vote in political powers, we are the ones who ultimately lose. Mediocrity and failing to do one's best does not settle well with the true conservative.

In response to the Brooks piece, I would love to write an article entitled "In Defense of Buckley." Conservatives need not feel ashamed or dismissed for being bold and unabashed in their desire to elect a true conservative in office.

Check Out Buckley Online at Hillsdale College

2011-10-04T19:21:00.001-07:00

Today begins Chapter 3 of my new conservative book, and I was off on the web doing some research for it. I came across Buckley Online, which is an incredible depository of the complete papers of William F. Buckley. I highly recommend you peruse the words of this great man.

Day 2 of Book Writing: Gathering the Facts

2011-10-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

Writing a book is actually like being a journalist, I've discovered. I have just begun the "research" phase of my book today. It takes some work to do the "digging" portion of writing, but it's worth it. I can tell this book is going to be great. I am actually working to finish it as soon as possible, so it can be on bookstore shelves as soon as possible.

In the mean time, the next step is finding a conservative book publisher and agent. Someone who can get this book published in no time. Stay tuned.

Day 1 as Conservative Author

2011-10-01T20:19:00.001-07:00

Tonight is officially Day 1 of book writing. Right now I will only reveal that it is a book on conservative politics, of course. I am hoping to have it written and published by April 2012. I can already envision it on the bookstore shelves. Stay tuned.

Twitter Showdown of 2012 Conservative Presidential Candidates: Cain in the Lead

2011-10-01T12:16:00.001-07:00

Now that I'm a recent Twitter convert, I've been checking my "lists" daily. One of my lists features every Twitter account of 2012 conservative presidential candidates.

In the last 24 hours, it was interesting to note which conservative candidate repeatedly showed up in my feed: Herman Cain. Whether it was @CainStaff or @THEHermanCain, I noticed that his staff is on a Twitter frenzy. Take today for example. On October 1, 2011, Cain's staff has already updated the Twitter account with 15 tweets. 15 Tweets! So I wondered how other candidates compared for "tweets" posted in the last 24 hours.

Twitter Showdown of Conservative Candidates

Herman Cain: 15 Tweets

Newt Gingrich: 1 Tweet

Michele Bachman: 0 Tweets

Rick Perry: 0 Tweets

Mitt Romney: 1 Tweet

Ron Paul: 1 Tweet

Rick Santorum: 0 Tweets

John Huntsman: 0 Tweets

Notice how Cain stands out from the rest. His staff has obviously learned one thing from President Obama's election back in 2008. And that is the power of social media in connecting with voters and gaining their support.

In addition, Cain's staff uses Twitter in a conversational tone to gain support from voters.

@THEHermanCain (@JayLeno 's guest in a few minutes) CRUSHED tonight's $$$ goal! DONATE by midnight!

THEHermanCain Herman Cain

My staff just called & said we are gaining momentum! Remember every voice & dollar counts so do what YOU can bit.ly/lKa1vL

At the studio and about to meet @JayLeno! http://yfrog.com/

LOL! Twitter is suggesting that we follow @algore #NotLikely #tcot

I love how Cain is using Twitter to connect with young voters in a smart and funny way. His last tweet cracked me up. At the rate Cain is going to work hard for the support of conservatives, he is going get it. The other conservative candidates need to step it up!

Romney's "Believe in America" Plan Stacked Against His Massachusetts History

2011-09-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

This election cycle, conservatives should be looking at two things in choosing a candidate to support: 1.) a candidate's voting record in the past (history often repeats itself) and 2.) economic and tax policies that are specific.

Mitt Romney served as governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. When researching his history in implementing tax reform, it was interesting to recall the 2008 presidential debates. At the 2008 Republican Debate at the Reagan Library, this question was asked of Romney.

Q: As governor of Massachusetts, you raised hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue through so-called fees and loophole closings. You passed a health care bill forcing individuals to buy insurance on the threat of a fine. How do you reconcile that policy with your claim to be the authentic conservative?

To which John McCain responded:

McCAIN: Gov. Romney raised taxes by $730 million. He called them “fees.” I’m sure the people that had to pay it, whether they called them bananas, they still had to pay $730 million extra.

In addition, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation had this to say-

"It's straightforward," Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, told McClatchy Newspapers in 2007. "He raised corporate taxes."

After researching the contention over whether Romney raised taxes during his tenure as governor in Massachusetts, it seems he did in fact raise taxes. The tax level remained at 5.3% for individuals during his time in Massachusetts, and it never lowered. In addition, corporations were charged "fees" in order to make up for Massachusett's $3 billion deficit. While Romney claimed the taxes didn't affect individuals "getting your driver's license," those taxes did affect businesses and corporations. One of the "fees" entailed charging businesses an extra $1,800 to advertise on highways. Not exactly a pro-business move. What Romney fails to mention too is that individual fees for marriage licenses, gun ownership rights, and renewing a driver's license went up. Also, the total estimates of "fees" increased for MA were $432 million annually on residents and businesses. He also raised taxes by $309 million annually on businesses in MA.

I also had a chance to read through Romney's economic plan, "Believe in America." You can find a link and PDF at his campaign website. The plan is 160 pages long (87 as a PDF file), but don't let that number scare you. Here I'll address his tax plans.

The actual portion of the 87-page PDF document that Romney uses to discuss his plans for reducing taxes spans 5 pages (3 on the PDF). He spends pages 8 to 29 going through the economic crisis and regularly critiques the failed policies of President Obama throughout the document (we get it Romney-we are conservatives too!). My view is that he spends too much time critiquing President Obama's policies and seems to be catering to voters who are "on the fence." He does not seem to be making a concerted effort to appeal to devoted conservatives.

On pages 40 to 45 (26 to 28 on the PDF), you can find the actual numbers that any true conservative would want to see in a thorough plan for reducing taxes. Instead of spending 30 pages devoted to a critique of President Obama, I would have rather seen a thorough plan on cutting taxes for individuals and corporations to improve America's economy.

Here is what it boils down to:

Individual Taxes (p. 40-41)

-Middle Class Tax Plan

-Will eliminate taxes on capital gains, dividends, and interest for any taxpayer w/ AGI of

less than $200,000

-Eliminate the Death Tax

-Pursue a "fairer" tax structure

-refers to Bowles-Simpson Commission as "good starting point for discussion"

Corporate Taxes (p. 43-45)

-Lower corporate tax to 25% (currently at 35%)

If Romney repeats his past history, I don't think we will see the corporate or individual tax lowered. While he may be portrayed as an economic expert and business mogul amongst conservatives, his past clearly indicates he raised taxes and fees on individuals and businesses. Conservatives need to expect more from candidates this election cycle and hold them accountable for past actions. Actions speak louder than words, and they sure speak louder than ever for Election 2012.

Meeting Megyn Kelly and the Journey to Being a Fox News Legal Analyst: CPAC Orlando 2011-An Absolute Hit!

2011-09-26T10:39:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, I had the honor of volunteering for CPAC Orlando. Aside from having the opportunity to meet other like-minded young conservatives, it was an incredibly motivating experience. I was able to shake hands with Megyn Kelly and attend multiple speeches by presidential candidate Herman Cain. I was told soon after shaking hands with her by another debate viewer-"So, you're gonna fill her shoes on Fox News next right?" I'm definitely not out to take Megyn Kelly's job, but I think Fox News can make room for one more astute political commentator.

Not only was I encouraged professionally at the conference, but I was also refreshed in thinking about our new president for 2012. It will be a breath of "change" and fresh air to have someone in office that believes in reviving the economy through cutting taxes for businesses and allowing business to thrive.

At the presidential debate, I was able to hear some positive words for the direction of America from Rick Santorum. While he was not initially someone I thought may have stood a chance, I think him and Herman Cain have made a mark on conservatism. I recall at the presidential debate when Huntsman started bantering about how "weak this country is" and saying other negative/overly dramatic things about America. Right then, Santorum cut him off and said something to the effect of, "America is a strong country based on the principles this country was founded on-we just need to rebuild those principles." I loved and admired that Santorum had the gall to stand up for America amidst such pessimistic attitudes from candidates like Huntsman.

Right now, I think the three candidates that are keeping conservatives interested are Rick Santorum, Herman Cain (of course), and Newt Gingrich. These three candidates show they are willing to work hard for the ticket and be smart about the way they run for presidency (as opposed to the Romney/Perry debate bashing). In addition, what impresses me about Herman Cain is that he is the only one to ever discuss his specific 9-9-9 plan for reviving the economy. Have we heard any other candidate yet delve into the specifics of how he or she wants to promote business in reviving the economy? I have yet to hear anyone else try to be more specific on the Fox News/CNN presidential debates about his or her economic policies. Newt Gingrich does have a few ideas outlined on his website, but Rick Santorum has no economic plan yet outlined on his site.

To win over conservatives, conservative candidates are going to need to be specific in articulating their economic plans with America. America doesn't just want to hear that a candidate will "cut taxes," "promote business," and "create jobs." We want to hear a specific plan akin to the "9-9-9" plan that shows HOW you will do it.

The last moment I enjoyed of CPAC Orlando 2011 was hearing one of my favorite speakers, Ann Coulter. She was phenomenal as usual.

Overall, I would have to say CPAC Orlando 2011 was a huge hit for the way in which it has energized conservative supporters and encouraged them to expect only the best and most thorough economic plans from our presidential candidates.

Prez Obama "Tweets" National Debt Issues: Does This Actually Distance the Prez from Educated Young Voters?

2011-07-12T18:38:00.001-07:00

Some headlines just say it all. Has our society really gotten to the point where we "tweet" a national debt crisis? As President Obama looks to woo young voters for his re-election, his use of Twitter to engage them on a critical national issue speaks volumes about his presidency.

For every "tweet" on Twitter, I believe you get about 140 characters. That's it and nothing more. For those who love to write in a concise fashion, Twitter is the perfect place to share witticisms, news headlines, and other random thoughts of the day. But to engage the nation on the national debt crisis, not so sure Twitter is the way to go.

Just by opening this convo up to the public via Twitter, Prez Obama says a couple things. First, I think he shows just how much he doesn't actually care what young voters or the greater public has to say about the national debt crisis. In the news piece from Fox News-Miami Bureau, it stated Prez Obama typed to the nation, "In order to reduce the deficit, what costs would you cut and what investments would you keep?" 140 characters is not nearly enough word space to convey the frustration the public feels at the spending of the current Administration. 140 characters is not nearly enough word space to convey how ridiculous it is that funds go to organizations like Planned Parenthood or the former organization ACORN. Using Twitter to discuss the national debt crisis with young voters actually underminds the strong opinions a lot of us have on the national debt crisis. Secondly, Prez Obama's use of Twitter shows his "non-chalent" attitude toward the debt crisis. To him, it's just another dinner table conversation to have with voters in order to get re-elected. Twitter is a social outlet used for entertainment and humor, not getting valuable input on the national debt crisis.

CPAC in Florida 2011, Fox News Aspirations, and Other Fun Summer Updates

2011-07-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

After missing out on CPAC last year in D.C. due to law school madness, I was a bit disappointed to say the least. When I went to CPAC during my last year of college, what I loved about it was the constant frenzy of political ideas and discourse. There are tons of interesting speakers at CPAC, some of whom I whole-heartedly agreed with, some that had views much too extremist for my liking, and some that were just off the cuff. While the speakers make CPAC a worthwhile event, it is what happens after the speakers' series that I really enjoyed.

There is nothing like really getting into the minds of other political leaders, fellow students, and others than at one of the amazing breweries in D.C. I find that you get a more genuine and authentic sense of the speakers outside of the whole CPAC craziness. Having an unrelenting debate with Libertarians about social issues over a great beer is just fun.

Which is why I'm thrilled for this year's regional CPAC event in Orlando. Just found out that CPAC is hosting its first-ever regional event in Orlando at the end of September. I am so excited for it. Pure coincidence that CPAC has moved into my home state? I think not.

Aside from plotting out my strategy to get on Fox News at this year's CPAC event, I have been spending the summer in pure bliss. My summer bliss: hitting the beach, training for a 5K, and indulging in some fun summer reads. I have not read a book for pure joy in I can't tell you how long. I have always loved to read, but law school teaches you how to read like a machine. Reading really does become mechanical in law school. It is nice to actually read a book for pure enjoyment this summer, rather than fretting about over-analyzing every word I read.

A book that I simply have to recommend is Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by chef Anthony Bourdain. Have you always wondered about the sub-culture of restaurants? I know I have. I've always wondered what it's like behind the chef doors where food is prepared. Do waiters really spit in food due to obnoxious customers? Is half of the stuff they prepare half-rotting? Eating a dish at a restaurant essentially means you trust what goes on behind those kitchen doors. Anyways, this book is all about that kind of stuff, along with Chef Bourdain's journey in becoming a world class chef. Not a book I would normally pick. It was actually recommended to me by a fellow law school friend trying to find fun summer reads. You'll get a kick out of Bourdain's stories in his quest to be a glorified chef and also his nostalgia for the "good days" when he catered as a nobody in town. Bourdain has a genuine appreciation for his beginning days as a salad bar watchdog and island caterer that took him to his eventual success as a top chef.

Other things I've gotten from this book: 1.) Never eat seafood at a restaurant on Mondays. (It's likely left over from Thursday). and 2.) Never order a well done steak. (The chef will give you the crappy leather part that has been in a fridge for weeks, simply because he assumes you can't tell the difference between leather and a good steak.)

In addition to reading for pure enjoyment's sake, I've been also doing some more freelance writing work and getting incredible experience from my work at the Legal Aid Society. Doing Foreclosure Defense work is something I would have never seen myself doing, but it is incredibly rewarding work. I have enjoyed my experience very much and do feel like I am helping people in some way. In this day and age, foreclosure is really something that can happen to anyone who signed onto an adjustable rate mortgage. An example scenario is the 60-year old woman that loses her respectable job, and is now somehow supposed to come up with $2,200 a month for a mortgage that originally offered $800 a month. I value my work, when I am able to help people in these sorts of situations.

Foreclosure Defense work has been particularly interesting in Florida. Florida ranked 2nd in the nation for having the highest number of foreclosures in 2010. While 2.9 million foreclosures happened in the nation, over 516,000 of those foreclosures were for Florida specifically. The numbers for Fort Myers, Lee County, and Collier County are equally as troubling. Court systems in Florida have taken on a "rocket docket" approach to handling these cases, meaning some defendants are given a 1 to 2 minute time span for their cases before they are simply dismissed. Can you imagine being in the position of losing your home, and having a court consider your case and all its evidence for only 1 to 2 minutes before simply calling it a foreclosure? Seems like there is a glaring lack of Due Process in some Florida courts in regards to foreclosure.

In addition to learning about the court system, I have gotten a bleak view of the way banks and lenders tend to do things. A lot of banks have been trying to file lawsuits in FL without true ownership of a mortgage of another homeowner. This is fraud. Banks are required to have original copies of an assignment, yet many of them have lost these documents in what is now referred to as the "housing bubble" crisis. My question is this: How can courts legally foreclose on a home without having true proof of a bank's ownership of a mortgage? As you can see, foreclosure law presents a lot of ethical questions on both sides of the equation. You can argue a person should have been more responsible in making payments on time, but you can also argue that a bank/lender has a responsibility to take care in assigning mortgages to clients or other banks.

This summer has been an incredible opportunity to get some R&R before Year 2 of law school begins. Yet, the summer has also been one of my most productive summers yet. I'll try to update the blog a little more than sparingly every couple months. Until then, have a great summer.

Wrapping Up 1L Year of Law School

2011-05-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it-only 3 more exams and then 1L year is done!

"But with the right kind of coaching and determination you can accomplish anything and the biggest accomplishment that I feel I got from the film was overcoming that fear."-Reese Witherspoon

"I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up, no matter what else happened."-Wilma Rudolph (first American female runner to win 3 gold medals @ the Olympics)

Verizon Wireless Internet Sales Department: Misleading, Inefficient, and Rude

2011-02-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

So I'll keep this post short and sweet (eh, maybe not so sweet), but just let Verizon iPhone 4 buyers beware that the Verizon Wireless Internet Sales Department has a habit for misleading customers.

In my case, I had to return my first iPhone 4 and was "okayed" to be sent a new one from Verizon for damage on the iPhone 4. After getting the second one confirmed in store, I was told to call customer service to confirm the shipment of the new phone. Okay, sounds easy enough.

Here's where my problems with Verizon Wireless begin.

I was never given a date in which the new phone would be sent or a tracking number. So, I decided to call again and get this information. I was then told by various supervisors from the internet sales department on Monday and on Thursday that the iPhone 4 would be shipped overnight on Thursday and arrive on Friday the 11th. Those were lies.

I waited. The iPhone 4 never arrived.

I called again today and was given the wrong tracking number. Then called again. I was told it wouldn't be here until "possibly the 18th." Also not given an actual tracking number of any sort.

The best part of this story is the order status I was emailed with a February 10th shipment date. Through this Verizon email, I could access my Verizon account and see the shipment date, which was written and recorded as 2/10/2011. Being a rational person, I believed this and took the company at its word.

Then came the discussions with supervisors from the Internet Sales Department at Verizon Wireless. They claimed they had never told me it would be shipped overnight on 2/10/2011 (complete lies). Perhaps they don't remember me confirming enthusiastically (multiple times), "So, it will arrive on my doorstep on February 11th, is that correct?" and their promise back, "Yes, ma'am, that is correct." I called them out on it, and also forwarded them to this shipment date I was emailed. Holding Verizon accountable for this date, I asked the Internet Sales supervisor to then check my online status and see the February 10th, 2011 shipment date. How mysterious is it that after asking her to check this date, it was deleted after having a heated debate with her for 5 minutes?

I didn't know supervisors of the Internet Sales Department at Verizon Wireless could legally tell customers one shipment date, and then completely refute that statement. Interesting. (It's not like there was an oral contract or anything between me as a consumer and Verizon Wireless. Oh wait, there was.)

Not only has this situation been legally questionable, but the ethics of the Internet Sales Department at Verizon Wireless are questionable as well.

My experience with the Internet Sales Department of Verizon Wireless has been nothing short of hellish and filled with lies.

Hopefully my second iPhone 4 does get here by the 18th, but unfortunately I'm now so skeptical and cynical of Verizon Wireless (and specifically, the Internet Sales Department of Verizon Wireless) that a good portion of me doubts that will happen.

So iPhone 4 buyers beware. Avoid buying the iPhone 4 online from Verizon Wireless. The Internet Sales Department at Verizon Wireless can make your life a nightmare.

Former Michigan Review EIC Named Director of Hillsdale's New Journalism Program

2011-02-07T05:26:00.000-08:00

Congrats to John J. Miller, former Editor of The Michigan Review @ UMich, editor at National Review, author of historical thriller "The First Assassin," and now lead director of Hillsdale's new journalism program.

Read about it @ Hillsdale's site by clicking here.

Check It Out

2011-01-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

Totally forgot about this cool art site! If you want to see some of my art that I did in high school check it out at Artflock.com. Ahh....someday when I will transfer all of my art to some art studio!

There is so much more to life...

2011-01-18T14:13:00.001-08:00

Than this 100 pages of civ pro reading.

Week 1 of 2nd Semester: Almost there!

2011-01-14T12:44:00.001-08:00

I can't help but feel enthusiastic about the 2nd semester. Very pleased with first semester grades and ready to continue success w/ 2nd semester. It seems like 1st semester just flew by and we're all almost to 2L year. It has been quite the whirlwind!

Its Friday and just gone done with our first week of 2nd semester. This semester, things are definitely easier. Knowing what to expect from professors and how to prepare for class. Easy. Its also been so great to see fellow classmates and hear how everyone's break was.

Not too much new in life. 20 days until I get my much prized iPhone.....oh how I have been waiting for the iPhone for Verizon. Feb. 3rd. Its on my calendar.

One cool thing that I did over break was getting VITA certified. What is VITA you ask? Is it the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which helps low income individuals file taxes for free. To do this program, I had to go through over 800 pages of IRS government documents (fun fun!) Gotta love government writing. Government language is just so dry and monotone. Ugh. I also had to pass various tests online to do this program and learn how to fill out the 1040 forms. I love that I finally know how to file a tax return. It will be fun helping other people claim exemptions, credits, and deductions so they can keep their hard earned money. Loved math in high school and elementary school, glad I can put my skills to use in law school. Think I got the math gene from my dad. My dad was truly a financial genius. When he was financial director @ General Motors, he could do the most complex equations in his head and figure out GM's budget for the next few years. He knew GM was in bad financial shape long before the crisis began and even recommended that himself and the other GM directors take cuts on their bonuses. Did anyone listen? Of course not, and look what happened.

Eventually someday I'd love to get other sorts of financial certifications. There is just something about helping other people organize their finances that I truly enjoy. I can't wait to participate in VITA and help people in Collier County file their tax returns.

Back to the craziness of law school. Plan on spending the weekend outlining and also applying to more summer jobs at firms. Trying to see if Fox News has a legal department in need of a paralegal or assistant. I'll probably try to make some $$$ this weekend as well with my writing job. Two of my 2011 goals are to have my car paid off by end of summer and start saving for down payments on my future home (aka beach house).

Other than that, feels great to be back in the swing of things!

Quote of the Day

2011-01-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

Came across this quote in my Franklin Covey planner and LOVE it-

"Workaholics are energized rather than enervated by their work--their energy paradoxically expands as it is expended."

--Marilyn Machlowitz

Successes in 2011: Legal Writing

2011-01-08T12:50:00.001-08:00

My legal writing class has been off to a great start. Just received my first piece of legal writing back and did quite well on it. I think this course will be great preparation for a summer job at any law firm, but especially any real estate/estates and trusts firm in the Naples, FL area. I would love to be in touch with any Naples attorney who comes across this blog and would like to discuss summer job possibilities. My email is nowicki77@gmail.com

This project required rigorous research and was quite extensive. I could have easily written a 30 or 40 page document, but it needed to be at most 20 pages.

Anyways....this is a great way to start 2011!

Rich Rod Gets the Boot, Finally

2011-01-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

Rodriguez Dismissed as Michigan Football Head Coach

It's about damn time UMich gets a new football coach.

Possible Book Review Opportunity?

2011-01-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

365 Ways to Drive a Liberal Crazy

By: James Delingpole

21 Things to Do in 2011

2011-01-03T18:57:00.001-08:00

1. Go to a Carrie Underwood concert.

2. Go to a Miami Heat basketball game.

3. Get certified and go snorkeling in the keys.

4. Join an intramural basketball league.

5. Run in a 5K marathon.

6. Get my realtor's license.

7. Play volleyball on the beach.

8. Join the Ave running club or revive it.

9. Watch the sunset from Naples pier.

10. Visit West Palm Beach.

11. Go to the DASH store in Miami.

12. Go to Universal Studios.

13. Go to Busch Gardens.

14. Sign up for the Florida bar exam.

15. Try surfing.

16. Get more involved at Grace Lutheran.

17. Join the UMich alum club in FL.

18. Write a complaint letter about Rich Rod to Mary Sue Coleman.

19. Go back to UMich for a Notre Dame or Ohio State game (if there is a new coach)

20. Go jet skiing on the ocean.

21. Join a kickboxing class.

Get Rid of Rich Rod

2011-01-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

Better late than never.

Lets Go Blue! Ring in 2011 with a win!

2011-01-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Watching the Gator Bowl right now and hoping UMich can pull through today. If not, how many losses will it take for Michigan to get a new coach?

GO BLUE!

1st Semester Down!

2010-12-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like finishing the first semester of law school. Break gets here, and it seems everything suddenly stops. The crazy studying, the lack of sleep, the anticipation of being "called on" in class, the constant runs to 7-11 for coffee. It all stops.....

There are two words to describe first semester of law school: fast and intense. You can read any prep book you want, but it wont teach you the "ins and outs" of law school. From Day 1, we simply hit the ground running with massive amounts of information to read and prepare for class.

Looking back on first semester, there are plenty of things I had heard about and expected. I had been forewarned that first semester is full of 1L drama, and that was certainly was true. I figured people would get stressed out and deal with law school stress in crazy ways. Some students went out partying every weekend, other students had families to take care of. For me, running was the single best thing that dealt with stress of law school. I went from being the girl who could barely wake up at 9:00 a.m. in college, to waking up at 5:00 a.m. to go running in the morning, drink some phenomenal coffee, and get in as much work as possible before school started. Law school challenges you and you can either embrace the challenge, ignore it, or let it really get to you.

Throughout the semester, the majority of a law student's time is spent briefing cases, making outlines (basically a summary of class notes/black letter law), and simply trying to get some sort of broad perspective of a class like Civil Procedure. If there was one thing I learned from University of Michigan, it was how to be comfortable with uncertainty. As a 1L, there are so many uncertainties. One wonders if he or she is simply wasting time briefing cases, when he or she could be doing something better like outlining. One wonders if they are really understanding class material in classes like Civ Pro. In a class like Civil Procedure, which teaches students how the legal system works and court procedures, it is possible one won't get the "whole picture" until only a couple days before the exam.

In law school, there are always two sides to every story and in every case. And I think that's what can get a 1L past the "uncertainty" of classes. Instead of stressing to find the right answer to a case, one simply needs to consider all of the various arguments that can be made for a plaintiff or defendant in a case.

I think if there are two things I could attribute to a good first semester, it would be the following: running and coffee. Running kept me feeling energized even on days when it seemed like work would be endless. And, coffee is my other love in life. I think I averaged maybe 4 or 5 coffees a day in law school. During finals week, add 2 coffees and about 3 red bull energy drinks to that number.

Now onto the fun parts of law school.....

While I enjoyed taking classes which were directly applicable for my career for once (Sorry U of M, "History of Evolution" won't help me be a better attorney), I think living in Florida is what really made life phenomenal this past semester.

How to describe living in Florida...it's like living in a dream every day. Even if I had a bad day or two this past semester, I couldn't help but be incredibly grateful for living in such an amazing and beautiful place. Usually I got over my bad day pretty quickly after a quick tanning session or two in the FL sun rays. Two days ago, before I left for Michigan, it was in the 70's and the gorgeous sun was shining. Now I'm sitting in my kitchen and feel like I'm caught in the middle of a white snowglobe! There is just so much snow here! But it's a refreshing little break from Florida.

So many people in Florida are friendly too, which is awesome. It seems like everyone is just generally happy to get up in the morning and go about their day. It doesn't hurt when you get free coffees from the kind people at Panera and 7-11 down the street.... ;)

The beaches also make life pretty sweet in Florida. I usually tried to make it to the beach at least once a week in the beginning of the semester, and then ended up going probably only once every few weeks. My next mission for 2nd semester is to take a walk on the beach during a sunset....talk about gorgeous living.

Overall, there is so much to look forward to living in Florida the next semester. I couldn't have asked for a better start to 1st year of law school and am looking forward to 2nd semester!

My Life After Law School Exams

2010-11-27T19:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving. Mine was superb. While I couldn't fly back to Michigan, the day was spent at a law school friend's home with her family. An amazing dinner, as well as fantastic company.

Finals are only a couple weeks away, and I can not believe how fast 1L year is flying by. Loving every minute of it. Compared to my time @ the University of Michigan, time is flying by here!

Veterans Day 2010: Thanks to Our Marines

2010-11-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, so I thought I'd post a speech from Ronald Reagan honoring those who served in Vietnam War. The speech took place back in 1988 @ the Vietnam Memorial, where Reagan dedicated the memorial to all those who fought in Vietnam.

As a Marine, my father fought in Vietnam and was one of the people I'm proud to say served this country. God bless all the Marines and service men who continue to selflessly sacrifice for this country.

Ronald Reagan's V-Day Ceremony Address at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial
Delivered 11 November 1988, Washington D.C.

Before I begin, let me take a moment to congratulate the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and the other distinguished guests without whom the construction and operation of this memorial would not have been possible. Let me also say that America is grateful to the hundreds of Vietnam veterans who, when I asked them to join my Administration, did so, and have and are serving our nation so proudly. For your devotion to America, I salute you.

We're gathered today, just as we have gathered before, to remember those who served, those who fought, and those who -- those still missing, and those who gave their last full measure of devotion for our country. We're gathered at amonument on which the names of our fallen friends and loved ones are engraved, and with crosses instead of diamonds beside them, the names of those whose fate we do not yet know. One of those who fell wrote, shortly before his death, these words: "Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind."

Well, today, Veterans Day, as we do every year, we take that moment to embrace the gentle heroes of Vietnam and of all our wars. We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give, and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty, though it never was. Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry with which all of them ennobled their nation as they became champions of a noble cause.

I'm not speaking provocatively here. Unlike the other wars of this century, of course, there were deep divisions about the wisdom and rightness of the Vietnam war. Both sides spoke with honesty and fervor. And what more can we ask in our democracy? And yet after more than a decade of desperate boat people, after the killing fields of Cambodia, after all that has happened in that unhappy part of the world, who can doubt that the cause for which our men fought was just? It was, after all, however imperfectly pursued, the cause of freedom; and they showed uncommon courage in its service. Perhaps at this late date we can all agree that we've learned one lesson: that young Americans must never again be sent to fight and die unless we are prepared to let them win.

But -- But -- But beyond that, we remember today that all our gentle heroes of Vietnam have given us a lesson in something more: a lesson in living love. Yes, for all of them, those who came back and those who did not, their love for their families lives. Their love for their buddies on the battlefields and friends back home lives. Their love of their country lives.

This memorial has become a monument to that living love. The thousands who come to see the names testify to a love that endures. The messages and mementos they leave speak with a whispering voice that passes gently through the surrounding trees and to out across the breast of our peaceful nation: a childhood teddy bear, a photograph of the son or daughter born too late to know his or her father, a battle ribbon, a note -- there are so many of these, and all are testimony to our living love for them. And our nation itself is testimony to the love our veterans have had for it and for us. Our liberties, our values, all for which America stands is safe today because brave men and women have been ready to face the fire at freedom's front. And we thank God for them.

Yes, gentle heroes and living love and our memories of a time when we faced great divisions here at home. And yet if this place recalls all this, both sweet and sad, it also reminds us of a great and profound truth about our nation: that from all our divisions we have always eventually emerged strengthened. Perhaps we are finding that new strength today, and if so, much of it comes from the forgiveness and healing love that our Vietnam veterans have shown.

For too long a time, they stood in a chill wind, as if on a winter night's watch. And in that night, their deeds spoke to us, but we knew them not. And their voices called to us, but we heard them not. Yet in this land that God has blessed, the dawn always at last follows the dark, and now morning has come. The night is over. We see these men and know them once again -- and know how much we owe them, how much they've given us, and how much we can never fully repay. And not just as individuals but as a nation, we say we love you.

These -- These days, we show our love in many ways -- some of it through the Government. We now fly the POW - MIA flag at this memorial on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and POW - MIA Recognition Day. This is a small gesture, but a significant one. America also keeps a vigil for those who have not yet returned. We have negotiated with the Vietnamese to bring our nation's sons home, and for the first time to have joint teams investigating remote areas of Vietnam that might shed light on the fate of those we list as missing. In Laos, we have also begun a new round of surveys and excavations of crash sites. And we have told Hanoi that it must prove to the American people through its cooperation whether men are still being held against their will in Indochina. Otherwise we will assume some are, and we will do everything we can to find them.

Here at home, a new Department of Veterans Affairs and extended veterans benefits are merely outward and visible signs of an inward and invisible grace that has come to our land. Vietnam service is once more universally recognized as a badge of pride. Four years ago, I noted that this healing had begun and that I hoped that before my days as Commander in Chief were over it would be completed. Well, now as I approach the end of my service and I see Vietnam veterans take their rightful place among America's heroes, it appears to me that we have healed. And what can I say to our Vietnam veterans but: Welcome home.

Now before I go, as have so many others, Nancy and I wanted to leave a note at the wall. And if I may read it to you before doing so, we will put this note here before we leave:

"Our young friends -- yes, young friends, for in our hearts you will always be young, full of the love that is youth, love of life, love of joy, love of country -- you fought for your country and for its safety and for the freedom of others with strength and courage. We love you for it. We honor you. And we have faith that, as He does all His sacred children, the Lord will bless you and keep you, the Lord will make His face to shine upon you and give you peace, now and forever more."

Thank you all, and God bless you.

Pelosi's End (thank goodness), Rubio's Rise

2010-11-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

A nice National Review symposium on Pelosi's end, finally, and the rise of Marco Rubio. Check it out here.

One of my favorite quotes on Pelosi:

"Biggest Loser: Nancy Pelosi. She sacrificed her colleagues on the altar of her extreme liberal agenda. It was more important for her to expand government and take over the health-care system than to honor the political vulnerabilities of some in her caucus. By indulging her extreme instincts, she lost her majority and she will lose her leadership position."

Couldn't agree more that she sacrificed her colleagues.

Another quote I like from the piece on the "pro-life" issue and why Marco Rubio came out as a winner:

"Social issues matter. Not only were the supreme court judges in Iowa defeated, but in key races throughout the country social conservatives won. The notion that Tea Partiers don’t care about social issues is just wrong, but we’ll hear a lot about it today as the progressives try to “frame” this election. The simple fact is that the newly elected Congress will be the most socially conservative Congress in decades."

My take: You can't follow politics and simply ignore pro-life issues. Like the quote says, social issues matter and are a major vote grabber in elections. Rubio got this and that's why he won.

Another week of law school DONE!

2010-11-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Can't believe how fast the time is flying by. Already done with Week 12 of law school. And loving every minute of it. Even though most of my time is spent @ Ave's library, law school is going very well. Naples is gorgeous, FL has conservatives back in office- what more could I ask for?

Sorry for such short posts this year. There is just NO time until this summer for better blog posts!

Best Birthday Card EVER!

2010-10-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh @ receiving a birthday card from one of my friends over at The Harvard Salient (a great, conservative newspaper published by the same org that funds the Michigan Review).

This card seriously made me laugh out loud in the car. And is the first political birthday card I've ever gotten.

The cover is a picture of President Obama engaging in some serious speech of his and the inside says, "The only thing scarier than turning another year older," referring to Obama.

Ahhh, 22 is off to a great start already!

"A Decade of Distinction" for Ave Maria

2010-10-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

This November, Ave's hosting a gala for its 10th anniversary, "A Decade of Distinction," featuring keynote speaker Newt Gingrich.

Check it out here: Gala @ the Ritz Carlton

Ave in the Media: Community Service in Collier County

2010-09-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Check it out- an article on the 1L's orientation service project in Collier County.

Ave-Serving Collier County

Law School, The Advocate, Ave Maria

2010-09-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

If you get a chance, check out the radio show "The Advocate" at the Ave Maria School of Law website. It's a great conservative show produced by great people from Ave Maria. It airs live on Saturdays in Detroit, MI and Naples, FL. I was able to make an appearance on the first show discussing Ave Maria's community involvement in Collier County. Amazing! It was also a great opportunity to talk about reasons for choosing Ave Maria as opposed to other law schools. Many things set Ave Maria apart from the crowd, but perhaps the most important aspects are the crosses in the classrooms and the school's commitment to producing ethical lawyers.

Since being here, I've met some great students from everywhere in the country. Some of the students at Ave Maria come from top Universities in the country. Students come from Columbia, University of Michigan (go blue!), Fordham, UConn, and others. It's great.

So law school is basically studying 15 hours straight everyday and preparing to get called on in class the next day. Not to mention keeping the "balance" in life by going out and meeting people in the community, as well as enjoying the gorgeous beaches surrounding the area. It's important to keep perspective in law school, especially in regards to one's faith. Ave makes it easy to value your Christian faith while excelling at learning the law. All the profs at Ave are amazing as well.

Packed & Ready for FL!

2010-07-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Just a quick life update. Almost packed and ready to go for FL! Talk about an accomplishment as far as packing goes. Packing was such a chore.

This last month has been one of the slowest months of my life! This last month seriously just dragged. Only 6 more days until flying to FL...it's so exciting!

Glad I have my Red Wings hat, U of M hat and Tigers t-shirt to represent as a Michigander in FL!!!

U-M President & Conflict of Interest Over Smoking Ban: NY Times Reports

2010-07-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Very interesting to read that the New York Times has picked up the story over Mary Sue Coleman's conflict of interest in implementing the smoking ban on campus.

The smoking ban is a new campus initiative that bans smoking throughout campus. There was no input from faculty or students before the ban started being pushed by U-M administration. So many questions: What would enforcement of this ban be like? What would the campus boundaries be? Do U-M administration officials like Mary Sue Coleman directly benefit from a campus wide smoking ban? Does it matter if U-M administration officials financially benefit directly from policies they decide to implement?

Read about it here.

Marco Rubio's 23 Ways to Cut Taxes and Grow Florida's Economy

2010-07-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Check it out here: Rubio's 23 Great Ideas

I like the first 5 tips in particular. #1 being to permanently extend tax cuts to businesses. YES!

Michigan Business Tax: Shutting Down the Economy?

2010-07-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

So today is the "anniversary" of the Michigan Business Tax. The MBT Act replaced the Single Business Tax back in 2008. However, the MBT Act still places the burden of a 4.95% business income tax on businesses in Michigan. No wonder the MBT Act has been renamed the "Job Killer" tax by business owners and employees. I'm sure there are other forms of taxes this Act also places on business, due to its widely drawn criticism from Reps. like Leon Drolet in Macomb Twp.

The Michigan Business Tax has an interesting history. As a replacement to the Single Business Tax, it started out being praised by many Democrats and Republicans. Think tanks in Michigan also embraced the tax plan as inventive and was even called one of "the best" plans seen by the Tax Foundation in Washington.

After about 3 years, the MBT has drawn wide criticism from business owners. Many complaints have been filed against the tax, with many business owners citing this as a single reason businesses are fleeing from Michigan.

Sounds like it's time to vote in candidates like Leon Drolet who leads the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance and has fervently fought against tax increases.

Don't just vote for candidates because they have the title "Democrat" or "Republican." Look at their history in voting on tax issues and other issues. Vote in the candidates that keep a consistent record of shutting down taxes rather than quietly supporting them.

Naples Lutheran Church Recommendations ?

2010-07-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

So unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a great Christ-centered church recommendation on the "Find a Church" over at Issues Etc (no churches are currently listed for FL). If you happen to know of any Lutheran churches in Naples, FL to recommend feel free to comment on this post.

Critera: Christ-centered sermons, sound teachings, and traditional services. That's all!

Amash Endorsed by Richard & Dick Devos!

2010-07-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

Correction: Justin Amash has most recently been endorsed by Richard Devos, the father of Dick Devos. However, he has also been endorsed by Dick Devos in the past. Either way, congrats Justin!

I remember campaigning for Dick Devos back in the high school days. Had he won, we probably wouldn't have things like the Single Business Tax to harm small businesses in Michigan. The man was basically the epitome of what was right with Michigan, as an experienced business owner, strong Christian, and principled conservative. But who did Michiganders choose? A woman with pro-choice values and policies that hurt economic growth in Michigan.

Anyways, it was great to see a FB update from Justin Amash that he recently received an endorsement from Dick Devos. That's quite an endorsement for such a young politician. Seems like Amash has a bright future ahead of him in Michigan politics and he's got the support of this blog as well!

Here's the message Amash had posted on his Facebook earlier today:

"Justin Amash is honored to have received the endorsement of Richard DeVos, a man who has blessed our West Michigan community with his incredible generosity and whose unshakable commitment to his Christian faith and the American way of life have inspired me so greatly."

Keep doing what you're doing Justin! You'll keep on seeing success if you do!

Mitch Albom's Latest Piece on Lebron James

2010-07-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

An interesting article by Mitch Albom on the whole Lebron James debacle.

Take a read here.

I like the points Albom makes about appreciating one's Midwestern roots and embracing them. A great read!

Kagan: Keeping Military Recruiters Out of Harvard?

2010-07-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

Some of my friends at the Harvard Salient have written all about the military recruiter issue in their campus newspaper. Basically, Harvard has a policy that disallows military recruiters from recruiting students on campus.

So, the issue has been brought into light once again since Supreme Court Justice Nominee Elena Kagan was one of the sole supporters of this anti-militaristic policy during her time at Harvard. The reason she banned military officials from campus? The "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy.

If Kagan had a problem with the policy, then why didn't she and other Harvard higher-ups discriminate against the government official that put the policy into place? Why didn't any of them challenge Bill Clinton, the one who signed it into law?

The Weekly Standard has a great piece on Elena Kagan's actions during her time as dean of Harvard Law School.

YouCut: A Conservative Step Forward

2010-06-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite creations by Rep. Eric Cantor is the "YouCut" campaign. YouCut is described by Cantor's website as a project "designed to defeat the permissive culture of runaway spending in Congress."

The way it works is simple. A person votes using a cell phone or computer on spending cuts that he or she wants to see made by the House of Representatives.

Check out YouCut at the following website: YouCut Website

Tired of seeing the government spend obscene amounts of money? Then why not send a text in favor of your favorite budget cut proposal?

Laura's Newest Book: The Obama Diaries

2010-06-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

All I can say, is that I'm itching to read it and somehow get an interview with her about it!

Spirit Airlines: Not Worth Your Time or Money, Even at Discount Rates

2010-06-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

This is a blog post in the making.

As one of the customers currently experiencing the massive Spirit cancellations of flights, I encourage you NOT to fly Spirit in the next few days, or whenever they start booking flights again. It is a huge risk for consumers, considering the lack of service that is available to customers right now. Consider purchasing tickets from Southwest or Delta. The extra expense is worth your time and hard-earned money.

Just to give you a glimpse of my current experience from June 15th 2010 (the time of the massive Spirit pilot strike):

As I went into Tampa International Airport, every Spirit employee was hiding behind the check-in desk. No Spirit employees were facing customers and helping them find alternative flights or get reimbursed for their cancellations. It took the help of two Southwest employees to lead my mom and I in the right direction, when they pointed out two Spirit employees to us that were going on break and urged us to catch them before they went behind closed doors.

Stay AWAY from Spirit Airlines!

Justin Amash + Voting Record + Facebook= Smart Politics for Michigan

2010-06-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'm consistently impressed by the exhibited transparency from Rep. Justin Amash for the 72nd District. Whenever Amash votes on Michigan legislation, you can bet he'll post his voting record right on Facebook for the world to see. Take a look at Amash's open voting record on Facebook here. It's time for other Michigan politicians to follow the lead of Amash and begin posting their voting records on Facebook too.

Justin Amash is the leading example for transparency in Michigan politics right in this moment!

Remembering Our Service Men

2010-05-31T12:54:00.001-07:00

"The defense of peace, like the defense of liberty, requires more than lip service. It requires vigilance, military strength, and the willingness to take risks and to make sacrifices. The surest guarantor of both peace and liberty is our unflinching resolve to defend that which has been purchased for us by our fallen heroes." - Ronald Reagan.

Ronald Reagan's Genius for Michiganders

2010-05-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ronald Reagan is the one who said it best- “When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” My question is-why did it take so long for Kwame Kilpatrick to finally “feel the heat?” It is about time Kwame Kilpatrick is held accountable for manipulating Michiganders’ taxpayer dollars.

Michigan taxpayers are angry and frustrated with Kwame Kilpatrick’s reprehensible actions and his gross panhandling of Detroit. Instead of a 1.5-5 year conviction, Kilpatrick should go back to Texas for that $120,000 plush job and send a paycheck back to every Michigan taxpayer. Michigan is better off without him.

My Interview with Jason Mattera Featured by "Point of View" Christian Radio Show!

2010-05-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

My Obama Zombies piece interviewing Jason Mattera seems to have hit the online waves! "Point of View" radio show recently published my article on their website.

If you listen to the "Point of View" show from May 3rd, you can hear one of the interviewers refer to my interview during the program. He refers specifically to my question regarding the future of the GOP and its need to utilize social media. He then asks Jason this same question, except widens the scope to include how tea partiers can utilize social media successfully as well.

Check it out here at this link: http://www.pointofview.net/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=13820&news_iv_ctrl=1201

Anti-Incumbent Fervor in Michigan?

2010-05-19T11:50:00.001-07:00

As primary results roll in, it seems there is a consistency among the results: the people have spoken, and they want fresh conservative candidates with consistent voting records. With anti-incumbent fervor hitting everywhere, Michigan conservatives can start feeling enthused to vote in congressional candidates with the whole package: strong voting records reflecting a belief in the free market to revive Michigan’s economy and plans to cut taxes on small businesses.

Rand Paul’s big victory is a great example of citizens stepping up to vote in candidates that care about our country’s deficit and getting invasive government out of our lives. For Michigan, Rand’s victory means great things on the congressional scene. Representatives sharing Rand’s consistent voting records like Justin Amash are poised for success. Amash has consistently fought to reduce the Michigan Business Tax and this is the type of pro-freedom candidate conservatives are looking for in the primaries.

Tuesday’s primary results reflect what needs to happen in Michigan. Holding candidates accountable for their voting records at the voting box will be a step in the right direction for Michigan.

Tracking the Stimulus $ in Macomb Township: A Tricky Task

2010-05-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

Tracking where the stimulus money in Macomb County has went has been a difficult task.

To start, I would have thought the website, www.recovery.gov, would have been helpful. The website is meant to promote "transparency" in seeing how stimulus dollars are being spent. However, upon going to the website, the actual detailed information about where this money is being spent is rather vague.

According to the site, Macomb Township received a total of $610,200 from the stimulus package. $610,200 is being spent on a "Municipal Building Lighting Project," according to www.recovery.gov. The description for the $610,200 is "Municipal Buildings Eneregey Efficiency Projects." Does the White House have spell check?

According to www.recovery.gov, the status of the project is "Not Started" and "0.0" jobs have been created thus far.

The funding agency is Department of Energy. The award date was 9/21/2009.

To see a breakdown of other Michigan cities receiving stimulus funds check out this blog that I just found: Stimulus Money in Michigan's Cities

A few more grad pics.... Go Blue!

2010-05-08T21:36:00.001-07:00

Michigan Review alum and me

Student speaker talking about the future lawyers graduating from Michigan....

President Obama starts off with "Go Blue!"

Celebrating with Family

Graduation on the football field---Finally!!!

Singing "Hail to the Victors" with Family

U of M Grad Pics!

2010-05-06T19:38:00.001-07:00

My Review of President Obama's Commencement Speech, Hopefully in the Detroit News....

2010-05-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hopefully it makes it to the Detroit News. We'll see. I'm working on it. This piece will definitely appear in a special Commencement 2010 edition of The Michigan Review.

Here it is, my review of President Obama's commencement speech.

Commencement 2010 and the Rich History Behind the University of Michigan

By: Julianne Nowicki

He could have just walked on stage, said “Go Blue!” and his speech would have received skyrocket ratings in my book. In other words, I could have done without the politicking and media analysis in President Obama’s commencement speech, as a communications major. In my analysis of President Obama’s commencement speech, I will share what I would have liked to hear within the speech, rather than critiquing the politics within his speech. As a conservative, I’m bound to disagree with President Obama’s political philosophy. As a graduate, there were things like the history of the University of Michigan and the words of inspiration that go along with U-M’s history, that I would have preferred hearing.

Overall, I did think commencement, including President Obama’s speech, created one of the proudest moments of my life and the lives of fellow U-M graduates. I respect that the President of our great country chose the University of Michigan as a place to receive an honorary degree and give a commencement speech. I also give President Obama credit for staying at U-M throughout the commencement ceremony. I thought his stay showed respect for the accomplishments of U-M grads. His swearing in of the ROTC Marines and officers was also a moment when I felt proud to be hosting President Obama at the University of Michigan commencement.

But, can you imagine how fascinating it would have been to hear about the rich history of the University of Michigan? To hear the President give a detailed account on how the University of Michigan became one of the greatest Universities in the world would have shown considerable respect for grads’ hard work. How many of us graduates truly know the detailed extent to which the University of Michigan has affected medicine, business, and law? Would it not have made you feel proud and inspired to hear this history of the University of Michigan be recounted by President Obama?

Consider the history of Sarah Killgore, a former law student at U of M. Sarah Killgore became the first woman to graduate from law school at the University of Michigan and graduate from the bar in 1871. I would have rather heard her story of hard work and resilience from President Obama and an analysis of how resilience related to her success. As an aspiring lawyer, I find Ms. Killgore’s life particularly inspirational, and how the University of Michigan became the institution that gave her a chance to succeed. How much specific, rich history of our University did President Obama acknowledge, instead of spending time critiquing the climate of Washington? If there was ever a time I did not want to hear about politics, it was during my commencement ceremony at the University of Michigan.

Or take the rich history of Michigan football. Do you know how many Wolverines were in the graduating class that would have gone nuts over hearing about U-M’s football history? Let’s be real, many people attend U of M for the academics and a healthy dose of football Saturdays. How did our football program become the envy of football programs around the country? Winning the first Rose Bowl game in 1902 is a title only Wolverines can enjoy. I’m not sure President Obama mentioned football once in his speech, the trademark of the University of Michigan, although he did say “Go Blue!”

Student activism also has its roots at the University of Michigan. President Coleman acknowledged that the College Republicans were first founded at the University of Michigan in 1892. But the rich history behind this beginning demands our attention, along with U-M’s history in athletics, medicine, law, business, and every other field. For example, did you know that over 1,000 students from across the country attended the inaugural creation of the College Republicans at U-M? Students from Harvard and Stanford traveled all the way to the University of Michigan to participate in the inauguration of the College Republicans.

Now that we are graduated, I challenge University of Michigan graduates to take time to understand the historical roots of our University. Our University has graduated some of the most influential people in this country. U of M embraces a world that is much larger in scope than politics. Know that there is a whole history and beginning of our University that is rich, unique, and powerful. I offer this last parting thought- that commencement should inspire us to value the history of the University of Michigan in all its parts, just like we honor the history of our great country and its Constitution. Know everything about our Wolverine history, and Go Blue!

Blog Exclusive: Sneak Peek at my interview with Jason Mattera, author of "Obama Zombies"

2010-04-07T10:33:00.001-07:00

Interview with Jason Mattera, Author of Obama Zombies: How the Liberal Machine Brainwashed My Generation

By: Julianne Nowicki

Julianne: I can’t find a better way to describe those duped by Obama in this generation than by the title of your book. For people that haven’t read the book yet, can you describe what an Obama Zombie is?

Mattera: I think it’s any individual who put Barack Obama on a pedestal reserved for no mere mortal. As though the election of this man, this politician, meant our problems were going to melt away forever. Young people bought the line from Team Obama, and bought into his celebrity aura. As I point out in the book, I think many people forgot they were electing Barack Obama and thought they were voting for the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Julianne: In your book, you talk about the election night and how students went crazy after Obama’s victory, even crying on college campuses thinking Obama would solve all of their problems with liberal handouts. You even mention the University of Michigan as one of these campuses swept up in the emotion on election night. Can you explain why it is better that the government just stay out of our lives rather than promise handouts?

Mattera: Well, if we look at the current economic climate, the stimulus package that was passed by the Democrats and the Congress proposed by Barack Obama, it has been an utter and complete failure. As I point out in the book, many young people don’t realize that government prosperity does not create prosperity and wealth. You are only shuffling money within in an economy. In order for an economy to survive, you have to create new wealth

As I point out in the book, young people really don’t get involved in the minutiae of politics and public policy. If they did, they wouldn’t be Barack Obama’s biggest base supporting him today. They support Obamacare by and large, yet the AP just did a study on how premiums are going to rise for young people by 17% because now insurance companies can no longer price discriminate according to one’s age. Of course that affects younger, healthier people. Yet young people still cheer this president on like a bunch of blind seals. So it’s time that the GOP really has a conservative youth outreach effort. Young people are getting hammered by these policies, and conservative ideas need to be conveyed to them in a way that they get.

Julianne: Ann Coulter has said your book should be “required reading for an entire generation who have been sold liberal lies.” I definitely agree, especially at the University of Michigan where conservative ideas are rarely discussed or debated in the classroom. For the U-M student who may be just now getting interested in conservatism, after being dissatisfied with the Obama Administration, what are some of the fundamental conservative principles these students should understand that you address in your book?

Mattera: Well liberalism and conservatism are two markedly different worldviews. They’re all about government control and government takeover. I think conservatives have an inherent base with young people. Young people crave choices and services that big government can never, ever provide.

Getting on Facebook and viewing some clip on Youtube is just like a daily habit for us. So we have to ask, why are young people attracted to these? Not only is the world a mouseclick away now for us, but we have absolute freedom. There’s nobody lording over our shoulder telling us what to do. Whatever interests us, that’s what we’re engaging in. We have to apply those same principles to young people to convey conservative ideas. Freedom is a conservative idea. It’s the conservative bedrock principle. You should live your own life without some sprawling government bureaucrat interfering.

Liberals are the exact opposite. They want to regulate, regulate, regulate, and conservatives want to liberate, liberate, liberate. And that should be our message. And I think it would resonate with young people.

Julianne: Why should college students, especially the Obama Zombies at the University of Michigan, read this book?

Mattera: If they have any self-respect they would take in a new idea. I think it’s embarrassing that many young people treated the election like a rock concert. People were just yelling, running through the streets, I mean some students actually were huddling to sing Amazing Grace.

Julianne: I was crying on election night because I was like, “No more government intervention in my life please!” Not out of exaltation like the majority of students.

Mattera: People like you and me did not weep like little babies when Obama was elected. We mourned for our future. I think every zombie should read it. They need to be smacked back to reality.

Julianne: In your book you talk about the technology the Obama Administration used to “lobotomize” this generation. So what do you think the GOP can learn from the last election to better engage young people for future elections?

Mattera: Yeah not only do we need smart messaging, but we need to be reaching out to young people on forums and places they’re at. Probably the most important chapter in Obama Zombies may be the second one, “Will you be my Facebook friend?” It just shows you how Obama’s digital minions destroyed John McCain in the online forums.
Julianne: Some of the statistics, I just couldn’t believe them. When you compared the number of Facebook friends Obama had compared to John McCain it was staggering.
Mattera: Yeah, it was staggering. The Youtube contrast which was jaw-dropping to me is Obama uploaded more then 1800 videos to Youtube and the McCain campaign had 330. Just 330. If you look at the number of Facebook friends Obama had more then 2 million, John McCain just barely 600,000. Here’s where Barack Obama took it to a whole new level. It wasn’t just “oh we joined this Facebook group for Obama.” It was more detailed and elaborate. If you joined an Obama Facebook group, somebody from the Obama campaign would study your Facebook profile, find common interests, and then hook you up with someone who had similar interests. They would micro-target you, bring you into the Obama fold, have you buy into his campaign, come to an event, but also have an event of your own. Even if that event had like five people that attended. Even if you donated $5 bucks. Once you donate money or once you start an event yourself for a candidate, you are now invested, and that’s what the Obama campaign got. They had people buy into the imagery and marketing of the candidate and John McCain just didn’t.
Julianne: That’s very interesting. We saw the consequences of that. Do you think the GOP should just try to better utilize technology to better engage young people for future elections?
Mattera: Yeah! Absolutely. So partly I wrote the book not to jolt these zombies from their brainless slumber, but to also show what the GOP can learn from the left’s youth outreach. The left have had a very detailed and very successful youth outreach for a while now, on college campuses, in technology as well, and the GOP can learn a lot.
Julianne: In your book you give a great example of how conservatives can better articulate conservative principles. In one example, you explain how Alyssa Cordova, a student at George Mason, went up to students with a video camera and asked how they felt about grade redistribution. Do you think conservative students need to be more proactive in promoting conservative principles on college campuses?
Mattera:
The redistribution of grade point average is again another example of smart messaging. It’s easy to sell socialism to young spoiled brats. Right? Their greatest hardship in life is, “Oh my internet connection is slow.” Or “I can’t find another person to play Halo with.” Oh, wow, you live such a hard life. We have a spoiled brat generation. But If you break it down to redistribution of grade point averages, oh, they get that! They know they spend an all-nighter trying to get that 3.5 or 4.0, and they realize all the effort that went into getting that grade. Use the left language, “Hey, we’re acting for fairness and social justice. Yeah, the person at the bottom with a C, they’re going to be bumped up.” Most students will get it. If you have some hippie on campus saying they’re down with it, well they’re just a lost cause.
Julianne: You are unabashed in your book in promoting conservative ideals. If I may ask, have there been other conservatives that have influenced you?
Mattera: I like the big names like Coulter and Malkin, they’re good friends of mine. I’ve been blessed to have their support. I love how they will stand up for ideas.
This isn’t just about winning or losing elections, it’s about losing a generation of young people who aren’t well-versed in limited government and free market ideas. The fact that Coulter and Malkin, and people like Rush and Levin and Hannity, these people who every single day, fight back liberalism and as a result are viciously attacked and they view those attacks as a badge of honor, it’s inspiring. I hope I can help inspire young people to do the same.
Julianne: Well I’d love to just buy a bunch of copies and give them to friends and students at other Universities.
Mattera: Buy a few copies and give them to Obama Zombies, see what they say.

Coming Up: Interview with Jason Mattera on "Obama Zombies: How the Liberal Machine Brainwashed My Generation"

2010-04-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Just spoke with Jason Mattera today about his new book "Obama Zombies: How the Liberal Machine Brainwashed My Generation."

Look forward to reading the interview where Mattera talks about the direction the GOP needs to go in and how students can start challenging mindless liberals on campus. I'll try to figure out how to edit the clip and put it up later!

A conservative student's reflections on the past three years at the liberal machine, affectionately known as U of M

2010-03-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

It's a gorgeous 70 degrees, I would have to guess, in Ann Arbor. I am sitting on the roof of a cafe just about to get started doing my law research. And drinking creme brulee coffee. In the warm sunshine.

I can't help but think that the last three years at U of M have flown by. Even though football's in a rut and Ann Arbor will always be liberal (not without the Michigan Review's input, however) I am amazed at the education I've received from U of M, and even the greater city of Ann Arbor.

It's here at U of M, that literally I found myself disagreeing with 99% of what my professors said in class, and even what students also said in class. Disagreement, however, is what kept things interesting I realize, for someone like me, that is always trying to find the best argument for anything and everything. Disagreement helped me really just become a stronger Christian and conservative. Now how can that be a bad thing?

I'm not going to lie. I hated my first year at U of M. I thought this was the most liberal, crazy town I had ever seen. I wasn't sure I'd even make it to graduation day. But then like so many other Review writers, something oddly miraculous happened. I found The Michigan Review. Everyone who writes for MR seems to wind up here for the same reasons. I wanted to be involved on campus, but moreso, wanted a place to freely engage in ideas without condescending professors, getting C minuses, or just plain dealing with obnoxious emo-liberals without a solid foot on the ground.

And then there were those few hidden conservatives on campus, that made my time here truly priceless. Working with my peers at The Michigan Review was the experience of a lifetime. Finals could be going on and every crazy student stress could be in our minds, but going to meetings and layout Sundays that all went away. Being surrounded by such thoughtful, hilarious people made the crazy liberals simply all the more humorous to us. I took the reigns and lead the paper as Senior Editor, an experience I'll also never forget. Writing for The Michigan Review, in the context of such a heavily liberal University, would not have made me the Ann Coulter wannabe I am today.

Freshman year, I learned that in life, you have to have your act together. Unless you want to be one of the crazy homeless people in Ann Arbor or live at home the rest of your life. And so, I got my act together and decided I wanted to graduate a year early. And go to law school. With scholarships. It wasn't easy taking 6 three-credit courses a semester, but I did it because my motto was "Get in, get out." And here I am today, considering a plethora of great law schools with scholarships.

So, I can thank the University of Michigan for turning out a woman completely the opposite of their liberal agenda. Their liberal agenda worked to further my contributions to various conservative organizations and my ambitions to someday be a Fox News legal analyst, perhaps for Laura Ingraham when she has her own show. Or Ann Coulter. When I'm travelling to L.A. on a book tour filled with my newest conservative rants, I can thank the University of Michigan for helping mold me into someone much bolder, wiser, and more unapologetic than I was before U of M.

Issues Etc. Interviews Pamela Geller

2010-03-15T21:26:00.001-07:00

Her blog Atlas Shrugs is fascinating. I've included it in the favorite Conservatives section of this blog.

Anyways, you can go to the archives and find the interview segment here-http://issuesetc.org/archive/page/9/, but I mostly just wanted to hear thoughts on Pamela Geller and if you've heard of her.

Taste of Serpent's Tooth

2010-03-14T19:11:00.001-07:00

Just a taste of Serpent's Tooth for the upcoming March issue of The Michigan Review.

For those new to Serpent's Tooth out there, this is our humor section of The Michigan Review featuring tidbits of humor with a biting edge. I wrote or helped write the next few humor gems.

Students have been wondering why commencement will be at 11:00, instead of 10:00. Sources say Obama wants to light a few smokes to relax before the ceremony. Don’t tell Mary Sue.

The following is one of my faves with my own personal anecdote added:

Recently, North Carolina teacher Rex Roland gave one of his sixth grade students a negative 20% grade for “being a loser.” It was far too reminiscent of the time a U of M professor gave me a C- for “being a conservative.”

For those that abhor Kwame:

The city of Detroit has banned employees from wearing strong scents after worker Susan McBride was awarded $100,000 for “breathing sensitivity to chemical products.” Now if Detroit could ban the city council we’d all be much happier, we have “corrupt politician sensitivity”.

My MR Column: Conservatives Will Win 2012 with “Party of No” Attitude

2010-03-13T12:03:00.001-08:00

Conservatives Will Win 2012 with “Party of No” Attitude

By: Julianne Nowicki

Ever since President Obama complimented Republicans as the “Party of No,” things have been going uphill for conservatives. Scott Brown won in Massachusetts and the GOP has unified in opposition to all earmarks. And yes, I used the word “complimented.” Hasn’t the GOP always prided itself, or is supposed to pride itself, on being the “Party of No?” I don’t think Obama realizes that dubbing Republicans in this way was actually the best thing to ever happen to the GOP.

As the media and Obama try to define voters’ values, the voters that actually have a brain know that being a “Party of No” is a good, healthy, amazing thing.

I’m not sure President Obama realizes that being a “Party of No” is a good, if not awesome thing. Little did Democrats know that calling conservatives the “Party of No” would work in our favor. Showing discernment and frugality in spending are great qualities for any political party and especially conservatives. If conservatives keep “saying no” to ridiculous government spending programs, then they can expect to sweep the White House in the 2012 election.

Take the Senate version of the health care bill. At first, the bill sparked controversy for its inclusion of federal funding for abortion. Millions of citizens objected to federally funded abortion. So, Democrats decided that sneaking this bill through Reconciliation could potentially hide abortion language in the bill. But Republicans are taking a united stand against this potential abuse of law by Democrats.

By unanimously vowing to raise procedural points of order on all changes of the Senate Bill, Republicans will be taking a stand against this health care legislation. And it is to Republicans’ benefit to do so. Being the “Party of No” has never come at a better time. Unanimously Republicans united to vow they would vote against this bill including abortion funding.

Most recently, the GOP decided to abandon earmarks completely. Maybe it took a little name-calling for the GOP to finally realize how much citizens don’t want politicians spending their hard-earned money on earmarks and other “pork” projects.

Even Republicans on the all-elusive Appropriations budget committee are getting serious about spending. They’ve too decided enough is enough, and are vowing off earmarks.

The media will always use negative images like the “Party of No” (even though this is definitely a positive thing) to distract voters from true conservatism centered on frugal government spending and limited government intervention. It’s up to voters to merely look at which political party best follows through with its principles.

Liberals voted for President Obama thinking he’d bring troops home, yet we see how President Obama abandoned his constituency’s interests soon after taking office. The GOP on the other hand, has been repeatedly representing its voters with voting down earmarks, pork projects, and vehemently opposing health care programs proposed by Democrats. Funny how Obama achieves his bipartisanship-by trying to smack a negative connotation, this trite “Party of No” phrase, on a political party that actually shows discernment.

President Obama leading his “Party of Yes” by spending my money to fund another woman’s abortion is a horrible thing. I’ve worked hard to fund my education with scholarships, yet my money will go to another woman my same age that made poor decisions and now needs an abortion? This is exactly a scenario that would happen under a “Party of Yes” lead by President Obama. Everyday with Obama in office I’m just hoping the GOP will turn from the “Party of No” to the Party of “Hell No!”

If Democrats want to even stay afloat, they need to become a “Party of No.” Eventually voters will wake up and resent Dems’ massive government spending of voters’ hard earned dollars. Every Democrat that votes for abortion-funded healthcare is going to be paying the price at the polls when election time rolls around.

Kudos to Republicans for finally living up to being the “Party of No.” It’s about time the GOP follows through with principles like frugal government spending, or even better cutting spending programs completely.

The Wise One

2010-03-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to The Patriot Update for this image I found through Stumbledupon!

Being a Christian Conservative: Buckley at his Best

2010-03-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

One reason I really like Buckley is because he embraced his faith in Christ and always shared it freely in his social circles of intellects, even those sharing similar views like Ayn Rand. Legend has it (okay, according to Wikipedia) one time Buckley and Rand met through mutual friends. Rand met him saying, "You are much too intelligent to believe in God." After that Buckley gave Rand a not-so-thrilling review of Atlas Shrugged, as Wikipedia puts it "reading her out of the Conservatism movement."

I came across this quote also, depicting Buckley's commitment to Christianity in his lifetime-

"It is of course obvious that it is mostly features of this world from which we take our satisfactions. The love of our family, the company of our friends, the feel of wind on the face, the excitement of the printed page, the delights of color and form and sound. But there is that other life that only human beings can experience, and in that life, and from that life, other pulsations are felt. They press upon us, in the Christian vision, one thing again and again, which is that God loves us. The best way to put it is that God would give His life for us and, in Christ, did."

Silencing Christians through New "Hate Crimes Law?" The Michigan Review Explores Lawsuit by the Thomas More Law Center..

2010-03-04T15:04:00.001-08:00

In my next piece for The Michigan Review, I'll be doing a fascinating piece on the Thomas More Law Center based in Ann Arbor. Apparently the law firm is challenging the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was passed by President Obama in 2009. This law is problematic for many reasons, but mainly for its "chilling" effect on the speech of Christians as well as the leverage of so-called protections of one group of people over another. The law was created to lower hate crimes against homosexuals. Yet the fact remains that only less than 1% of crimes are "bias motivated on account of a victim's sexual orientation." Interesting.

According to the complaint filed by the Plaintiffs (Thomas More Center), they challenge the Hate Crimes Act due to "the so-called "bias" crimes motivated by a person's "actual of perceived" "sexual orientation" or "gender identity" and thus elevates those engaged in certain deviant sexual behaviors to a special, protected class of persons under federal law."

I'll be interviewing attorneys from the Thomas More Center and posting my findings here.

So I've already done a lot of research on this issue in reading news articles and blogs. Many blogs criticize the Center. But, why shouldn't the Thomas More Law Center be skeptical of broadly written laws like this one? They have every right to be concerned about this legislation.

Book Review of The Reagan I Knew by William F. Buckley Jr.

2010-03-01T09:07:00.001-08:00

"There wouldn't be a Michigan Review without Buckley and National Review."

These words come from one of the Editor's letters published in The Michigan Review from our March 2008 issue. I was a freshman at the University of Michigan and a new writer for The Michigan Review when William F. Buckley, Jr. passed away. Even as a newbie to The Michigan Review, I sensed Buckley had a profound impact on our newspaper's unabashed freedom.

And I was right. In its best days, and when debate has truly sparked on campus at U-M, The Michigan Review has been a spin-off of National Review. After reading The Reagan I Knew, the last book written by Buckley back in 2008, I'm convinced it should be required reading for any high school or University. From this book, we see Buckley's pivotal role as confidant, pal, and ultimately, unobtrusive advisor to President Reagan.

The book traces correspondences over a 40-year span between Buckley and the Reagans. From 1965 to 2005, Buckley freely offers his letters to Ronald and Nancy Reagan to the audience. The letters speak for themselves and reflect the humorous and highly intelligent characters of the two most influential men in the history of conservatism.

While Reagan enacted policies to cut taxes and preserve national security, Buckley provides encouragement and intelligent advice through his letters to Reagan. Right before Reagan's presidency, Buckley suggests, "What you need, obviously, isn't men who are seeking government jobs, but men who might be persuaded to take them." In this way, we see Buckley's true gift for offering advice, and then stepping back, allowing Reagan to be the leader.

This advisor-leader relationship reveals an established trust between two men that outlasts disagreement over issues like the Panama Canal. Buckley continued to lead as creator of National Review throughout 50 years during his relationship with the Reagans.

At first, it's funny to see Buckley beg Reagan to join him at the 25th anniversary of National Review. The book grows poignant, when at the 50th anniversary of National Review, Nancy Reagan tells Buckley that "Ron is simply not up for it." Buckley's commitment and respect for the Reagans is apparent, even until his last meeting with Reagan in 1990.

Buckley's service to the Reagans goes beyond building the administration with employee suggestions. Buckley's creation of National Review embraced the Reagan Administration, while being fully comfortable in disagreeing with some of Reagan's policy choices. In this way, we get to also know two men fully respecting America's freedom.

The Reagan I Knew is truly unlike any other book I have read. It goes beyond a merely poignant recounting of the bonds of friendship built on respect and trust, into an insight of the power of influence during an age in America when it's needed to stand for free-market principles and against communism.

Book Review of Guilty by Ann Coulter

2010-02-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

Liberals are in for a treat with Coulter's newest book Guilty. As my first Coulter read, I was dazzled by Coulter's sharp humor and also the academic-style citations throughout the book. I'm glad Coulter found a good use of her editing skills from The Michigan Law Review, and dazzles us with pages and pages of proof for her arguments in her book Guilty.

When people criticize Coulter, the first question I ask is, "Have you ever even read a Coulter book?" If the answer is no, then there truly is no basis for discussion about her clear, and logical argumentation style.

Guilty is a look at the ways media is manipulated by liberal bias to a reprehensible degree. She analyzes the trite ways media manipulates images of politicians like George Bush, and demonizes them with made-up sex scandals and lies. She does this, while poking fun at the actual times politicians like Clinton are involved in sex scandals and shows how the media aggrandizes them for adulterous behavior.

I find myself laughing along with Coulter in Guilty as she extensively explains how liberal media ridiculously operates. If you're a new conservative or looking for more insight on the powerful influence of media, then you'll love Guilty.

My favorite chapter is Chapter 7, sarcastically titled, "Brave, Beautiful Liberals." I chuckle even as I write this. You have to credit Coulter for her right-on analysis and doing so in creative ways. She's unapologetic which I love.

My favorite part of Chapter 7 is her analysis of the different amounts given by liberals and conservatives to charities. What liberals fail to understand is that churches and private charities help people much more than the government ever will be able to. Liberals also fail in understanding that conservatives are more generous than liberals, and this hurts that little thing called "social justice" that liberals love. Let's take a quick peek at some of the statistics Coulter offers in this chapter. In 2005, Barack Obama made $1.7 million. That same year, former President George Bush made $735,180 (Coulter 237). Obama only gave as much money as Bush did that year. The next year, Coulter explains that Bush gave more to charity than Obama, yet had an income one-third smaller than Obama's. Who's the one more willing to enact "change" through generosity? You tell me.

While Obama was enjoying those large paychecks from his book in 2005, let's not forget Vice President Cheney gave almost all of his income to charity. 77% to be exact.

Need more proof that the last few conservatives have been more generous than liberals? In 2006 and 2007, the Obama team gave 5.8% and 6.1% of their income to charity (Coulter 236). For those exact same years, John McCain gave 27.3% and 28.6% of his income to charity (Coulter 236).

So don't give me the argument that conservatives are cold-hearted or greedy. Until you show me that Obama pledges 77% of his income to charity like Cheney did in 2005, then conservatives will be more generous than liberals.

The next Coulter book I'm onto is How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must). I'm liking this one even more than Guilty because it contains all of Coulter's articles that her editors didn't publish. Coulter writes in Chapter 1, "The majority of this book will be new to even my most devoted readers (who are able to locate the rare brave newspapers that carry my column). I've included columns too hot to be published until now- along with the editor's rejections. These columns, as well as any columns that caused more than the usual ruckus (like my 9/11 "kill their leaders" column), I preserved in their original form- so you can see what the fuss was about (Coulter 20)."

So overall, Guilty was a great read but I'm looking to get the full picture of Coulter's style by reading all 7 of her books over spring break. I'll keep you guys updated on her other books.

Looking for books to read over spring break? Head over to Hillsdale College's website

2010-02-27T09:09:00.000-08:00

I'm on spring break and as with any break, enjoying the freedom and independence of it. I'm looking for some good books to bring to the gym with me and discovered such a great resource over at the website of Hillsdale College.

This link contains the complete writings of William F. Buckley, Jr. How amazing is that!? This is the man that created National Review along with the great college organization Young Americans for Freedom. Over 8,000 articles and excerpts are listed on this online resource.

I am very excited to finish reading the rest of Coulter's books along with those of William F. Buckley, Jr. In addition, I'm hoping to get in some reading about Lutheranism. I almost feel like I'm creating a course for myself this break entitled "Conservatism's Greatest Minds" or something. Hah. I'd love to teach a course someday like this.

William F. Buckley writings at Hillsdale College

"The Government Can't Afford It, Businesses Can't Afford It," Rep. Eric Cantor Challenges Obama

2010-02-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

I'm done with midterms and papers, and now getting educated on Democrats attempt to push health care through Reconciliation. Whether it's responding with arrogance or cutting debate off, the Summit on health care is proving to be a pointless attempt on Democrats' part to save votes this November. Republicans like Eric Cantor are stepping up and challenging the fundamentals of this health care bill as has been called for by the American people that can't stand this health care bill.

In the 4 minutes of the Summit I've watched, I must have tuned in at the right time. Eric Cantor, Republican Rep. from Virginia, brought the 2,400 page health care bill to visibly demonstrate just how ridiculous Democrats health care plans are. What a smack in the face of Democrats. Cantor continued to rile on the ways this bill FAILS to represent Americans' desire for government to stay out of their lives. Cantor riled up and truly revealed the anger and disdain Americans have for this lofty 2,400 health care bill.

Like I said, I've only seen 4 minutes of this Summit, but if all Republicans have been as forceful as Cantor, then I must say "Kudos." Republicans need to start expressing and representing the anger and resentment Americans have toward a government that seeks to control and rob Peter to pay Lucy.

Obama responded with the usual arrogance to Cantor, and dismissed Conservatives' intelligence on the issue at hand. Obama constantly asserts that this is a "complicated" problem but it's really not. Obama undermines his own intelligence in dismissing that Conservatives, unlike liberals, have principles on this issue and that's all that's needed. It's an issue of obfuscating the problem and calling it "complicated" or having principles. That's all, Obama.

If Dems keep up the expansionist government role on health care here, they can expect to pay at the polls this November. Americans don't want this bill passed, and they will NOT vote for any Dem that passes this.

By the way, Eric Cantor, you just added one constituent to your base at this blog. Congrats on voicing Americans' displeasure with government-run health care.

Amp it up, Republicans! Ann gets it right once again

2010-02-24T17:59:00.001-08:00

As Democrats race to find every loophole in the law to pass health care, (with lackluster transparency I might add) Republicans need to be focused and act fast to stop Dems' health care manipulation. Ann gets it right in her latest piece, and calls for Republicans to send their three most attractive and energetic politicians to speak at the healthcare summit on Thursday.

We need politicians that will represent the people and not back down. Republicans need to stop making friends and start taking strong stances in Washington. That's why they are there. To represent us.

Why should there be bipartisanship on health care when Democrats and Republicans so markedly differ in solutions? It's all or nothing. Free markets or regulation. Politicians that can articulate and offer strong free market solutions for health care reform need to speak on Thursday, as Ann offers in her piece, "Only 3 Republicans Should Speak at Healthcare Summit" found at Human Events online edition.

Now that we've concluded Obama cares nothing about transparency, as discovered in the rush to pass major legislation, Americans and Republicans need to start challenging the heck out of his policies. Now is not the time to back down but be aggressive.

Attempting to rush health care legislation through reconciliation is just another tally on Obama's "How Not to Get Re-Elected in 2012" campaign pamphlet. The so-called "promises" have long been broken. Conservatives need to jump on these opportunities to further a platform based on two principles: free market solutions and frugal government spending.

CPAC Paradise and Meeting Ann Coulter

2010-02-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

Waiting next in line to get Guilty signed by Ann

YAF speech, President Obama should have been there!

Waiting in line with Jackie to get our books signed by Ann

When liberals think about CPAC and what it is, I can imagine they assume the following: Boring (because Obama's town hall meetings are sooo thrilling), unintelligent, and stuffy. Allow me to shoot down each assumption with a brief rundown of CPAC.

I met students at CPAC from all around the country, and each student was able to actually articulate a principled stance criticizing Obama's lackluster performance in office and government's excessive spending leaving our generation with the debtload. The students at CPAC actually care about political issues like healthcare and the Mexico City Policy Act and do their homework, unlike liberal students blindly attracted to Obama's gray hair and boring speeches. I was surprised at how many knowledgeable students I met at CPAC as opposed to the ones I met in my political science courses at the University of Michigan. Surprise, surprise, the brightest students attend CPAC.

I enjoyed listening to a kick-off speech by Marco Rubio and an analysis of media by Tucker Carlson. I was at lunch while Liz Cheney gave a speech and Dick Cheney surprised the audience by coming on stage. What I didn't miss was a book signing and YAF speech by Ann Coulter. I'm halfway through her newest book Guilty and loving her style of argumentation.

When I decided to take a break and peruse the Exhibit Hall at CPAC, I discovered Ann Coulter's book signing and got in line ASAP. And of course I was dressed to impress in the event that I was able to meet Ann Coulter. Ann was truly one person I hoped to meet at CPAC since I love that she's a fellow Wolverine and speaks with sense.

So, I hopped in line and waited for 40 minutes to get my book signed by Ann Coulter. She signed my books Guilty and How to Talk to a Liberal (if You Must). She was incredibly nice and gracious. When it was my turn to hand her my books, I vowed not to be one of those gushing, obnoxious fans. I did pretty well. I merely walked up and handed my books, and was about to just say "Thank you" when immediately she complimented my style and outfit-a cocktail dress, military red cardigan, and pearls with leather black heels-and talked to me for a good few minutes. After she was done speaking, I just told her what I've always wanted to say, "Thank you so much for signing my books and everything you do!" Was I surprised. Ann asked me what school I went to, and when I replied, "U of M" she told me she went to law school there. We shared the "Go Blue!" moment, and I walked off to go hear the next speakers at CPAC. It was a pretty neat experience, and I hope our paths cross again sometime in the future. If I ever hear liberals dub Ann "mean-spirited" I'll just have to chuckle at their complete and utter ignorance.

So, CPAC was a hit and I'll be back there next year. I can't wait.

Obama's Lackluster Transparency Continues: Funding Abortion with Taxpayer Dollars Behind Closed Doors

2010-01-14T21:53:00.001-08:00

My newest piece for The Michigan Review. Get it first and exclusively here. ;)

Obama’s Lackluster Transparency Continues: Funding Abortion with Taxpayer Dollars Behind Closed Doors

By: Julianne Nowicki

In one of the most recent health care bill versions, it is being proposed that federal funds be used to cover abortion. Not that the common citizen would know, since this bill was created behind closed doors. Back in December of 2009, while the Senate was closing its delberations on health care legislation, Senator Harry Reid inserted a “managers amendment.” This amendment, not seen or heard by the public, directly appropriated funds for Community Health Centers for a grand total of $7 billion over five years. At www.nrlc.org, the National Right to Life details how this money would narrowly escape amendments like the Hyde Amendment, which bans the use of federal funding for abortion.

On the website, one can learn that because this $7 billion is directly appropriated in the health care bill itself it escapes the Hyde Amendment. The money will not go through the annual appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services. The Hyde Amendment affects money meant for HHS appropriations, and would not affect money in the currently controversial health care bill.

Upon hearing this health care bill version would require my tax dollars to pay for someone else’s irresponsibility, I was fuming. As mentioned already, legal precedent banning the use of public money for abortion exists. The Hyde Amendment of 1976 and former Mexico City Policy were some of the most powerful pieces of legislation that banned the use of funds for an empty cause: abortion. Yet, this legislation is being thrown out the window and utterly disrespected by the Obama Administration and Senate.

Is this what people truly voted for? I don’t think so. I can’t help but think there have to be some Obama supporters out there that aren’t so thrilled about these latest developments. It seems that this might just be the hot-button issue that tips people over the edge, and may ultimately mean President Obama loses a major core of his constituency. A new Quinnipac research study shows that 67% of Americans oppose funding abortion with government money under the pending health care bill. Only 27% believe that abortion should involve the use of federal funding and ultimately be covered in a universal health care bill.

Using government funds (a.k.a., our money) to pay for abortion is unethical first and foremost, and secondly, a waste of taxpayer dollars. Pro-choicers can try to rationalize, reason, and offer every argument in the world, but abortion is what it is: murder of the innocent. Using taxpayer dollars to fund this gross injustice for unborn children is unethical. That the Obama Administration would try to hurriedly pass this kind of legislation without time for debate is just disturbing.

Reading through various news outlets to be more informed about this health care bill, I just found myself more frustrated. Various articles cited President Obama in “closed meetings” discussing this version of the health care bill with other Democrats. These “closed meetings” seem rather contradictory to the platforms of transparency and openness in government upon which President Obama campaigned.

Conservatives, and ultimately voters, need to do some real soul searching to think about how not to make 2012 a repeat of the same pointless changes being made in law and by the Obama Administration. For 2012, Conservatives need to get organized and find someone to run that is confident in the voice of the people, and will cut wasteful spending for unnecessary services like abortion. Conservatives need to let the public know that this government spending is wasteful at its core, and does a disservice to the taxpayers that make up this country. The problematic, blatant contradictions in the Obama Administration’s platform for so-called transparency need to be emphasized and more publicized by Conservatives. With this attitude, 2012 will not bring about the same “change” that has crudely and unjustly warped the vision of our Founding Fathers in using public funds for services like abortion.

Best Holiday Gift: T-shirts from The Reagan Days for your Favorite Conservatives!

2009-12-17T19:06:00.001-08:00

Visit The Reagan Days cafepress store and buy something for your favorite Conservative friend, family member, or co-worker!

Go to "Letssaythanks.com" and send a Christmas card to our Troops

2009-12-12T15:14:00.001-08:00

Go to "Letssaythanks.com" and send a Christmas card to our Troops.

What an amazing way to remember the service of those overseas.

Too much government=hurting Michigan's economy?

2009-12-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

Just perused through the latest Macomb Daily online edition to discover that Michigan's passed a state-wide smoking ban.

Where were the conservative legislators pushing against this bill? I sure didn't see them or hear about them in the news.

"Legislators Pass Ban on Smoking"

New MR Issue! Read "The First Assassin"

2009-11-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

The newest MR issue will be out tomorrow! You can get year long subscriptions for the meager sum of $40, a completely worth it price for a quality college publication doing what most of the mass media isn't- offering well-researched articles, interviews, and hearty conservative musings.

In addition....read my interview with John J. Miller, a national correspondent for National Review and author of the new historical thriller The First Assassin. This interview is only the first of two parts on the new historical thriller.

I can not tell you how psyched I am to read The First Assassin. Miller is a civil war buff and the novel was inspired by the Baltimore Plot, an attempt to assassinate Lincoln that was never proven. I can tell you this is a worthwhile read for winter break, and I'll hopefully be getting to read it during Thanksgiving break, while I skip out on running the marathon that was to be with my friends. I think waking up at 6 while everyone's sleeping, sipping some coffee, and forgetting about the LSAT for just a little bit may do me some good this Thanksgiving break.

If you want more information about The First Assassin, then head on over and read the buzz at www.heymiller.com, John J. Miller's website.

In addition to the Miller interview, I have a brief feature piece on health care and the seemingly odd tendency of most U-M professors to be in support of a single-payer health care system. Go figure.

Michigan Review Interview Series with John J. Miller

2009-11-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the Michigan Review's own alumni today, John J. Miller, in an interview series discussing his new historical thriller The First Assassin.

Discussing The First Assassin with Author and MR Alumnus John J. Miller

By: Julianne Nowicki
The Michigan Review sat down to interview John J. Miller, an MR alumnus, about his new novel The First Assassin. John J. Miller is author of The First Assassin, and writes for National Review and Wall Street Journal. Miller served as Editor-in-Chief of The Michigan Review from 1990-1991. The First Assassin is a historical thriller taking place in 1861, a time in the novel when a new president gets in office, the city is unnerved, and a character named Colonel Charles Rook must stop an unknown assassin.

MR: To start, how did you first get the idea to write The First Assassin?

John J. Miller: I’ve been a civil war buff my whole life, and I’ve always had an interest in that period of history. I’m also a fan of historical thrillers. Thirteen years ago, I was on a trip to Texas to research another book I was working on. There was a lot of driving involved so I took along an audio book. It was a Lincoln book on tape, not even a CD or mp3. I was just listening to it driving through Texas, and while I was in the middle of listening I learned about the Baltimore plot, which was a never proven plot for Lincoln’s assassination. My thoughts were, “My goodness this is a great thriller,” and from that moment it became a book I knew I had to write.

MR: What audience is this book intended for?

John J. Miller: It’s a piece of entertainment. I meant it to have interest among people who enjoy reading thrillers. People who enjoy that genre. On a certain level it may be pure entertainment, and then secondly it may have a special interest for readers who enjoy history and civil war history in particular.

MR: What is the time period for this novel? Why did you choose this time period?

John J. Miller: 1861. It’s right around the time when Lincoln is inaugurated. The first scene is in February of 1861, and then most of the action takes place in April. The first part of the novel takes place during 1861. Lincoln comes to Washington and states are seceding.

MR: I’ve read on your website www.heymiller.com that you are acting as the publisher and publicist for The First Assassin. How have you been marketing this book, and where is it available for purchase?

John J. Miller: I gave it to my agent who sold books for me through Harper Collins and I asked him to try to sell this and he couldn’t. It’s a tough market for a first time novelist and especially when the economy is crummy. So during spring I was taking stock and I had not completely exhausted my efforts in publishing, so I said, “Do I want to spend another 6 months or year doing this?” and with a good chance of failure and an uncertain chance of success, I started to look into self-publishing options. Self-publishing is much different now. With online tools available and modern technology it is possible to be your own publisher and in an entrepreneurial way. I partnered with Createspace.com, an Amazon subsidiary, and worked with them to publish the novel. I invested a bit of money, and I hired a professional designer to make the cover. I wanted to make it look like a professional book. It’s a real handsome volume and attractive book. The bottom line is it’s a print on demand service and they print the novel and send it to you. It’s no slower than buying a book on Amazon.com. The only way to get the novel is online and Amazon.com is probably the easiest way to get it.

MR: Will The First Assassin be available on Kindle?

John J. Miller: I’m working on it. It seems like it should be a very easy process, but it is actually difficult. I’m still trying to get it on Kindle.

MR: What kind of research did you do for this novel?

John J. Miller: I did a lot of research for this novel because one thing I really wanted to do was make the period authentic. I wanted to have it be accurate in its details of the historical period. I really went to school for that period. I read a lot of books of what Washington was like in the 1860s. I read about what the time was like when Lincoln was inaugurated, when the streets were unpaved and there was an incomplete capitol dome. These were all the realities of Washington in the 1860s in all of its slums. I used the architecture of historical fact and used my imagination to tell the tale.

MR: Is there anything else you would like to say about The First Assassin?

John J. Miller: One of my memories from the University of Michigan, was when I was a senior and I should have been studying for my finals. Instead of studying for finals, I was reading Jurassic park, the Michael Crichton book. I just get so absorbed in one of these page-turning books, I just don’t want to do anything else but finish it. I remember thinking I should have been studying, but I have no regrets for not studying.

MR: Thanks for your time John, we appreciate it.
John J. Miller: Thanks for your interest in the book.

John J. Miller: Author of "The First Assassin"

2009-11-14T18:59:00.001-08:00

One of the Michigan Review's own alumni has a book out called The First Assassin. John J. Miller is the author of this thrilling novel. John J. Miler is a reporter, writer and all-around great guy from National Review.

I will be interviewing John and offering a book review of The First Assassin, so you can look forward to this special interview in an upcoming issue of The Michigan Review.

I've only heard great things about The First Assassin. I highly recommend it for winter reading and purchasing it through Amazon.com so it can eventually get to #1!

God Bless the Veterans

2009-11-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

God bless our nation's veterans and their service to this nation, inluding my father who was a former Marine during Viet Nam.

Lutherans Defined by Christ, Not Fad Growth or Prosperity

2009-10-26T12:44:00.001-07:00

I just heard an amazing segment from Issues Etc., on the Reformation. The pastor speaks about how churches often lose focus of Christ when they spend too much time on fad growth, fad prosperity, or even fad "institutionalism." Take a listen to the first 10-15 minutes at least.

http://www.issuesetc.org/podcast/345102309H2S2%201.mp3

Nobel Peace Prize=Overturning Mexico City Policy?

2009-10-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

Let's look at one of President Obama's first acts in office: overturning the Mexico City Policy. This policy gives your taxdollars to fund international abortions. Is this what the Nobel Peace Prize is all about?

If there's something that pisses me off about President Obama, it's that he singlehandedly overturned the Mexico City Policy. Why no one even knows about this act is beyond me. Why the media barely covered this is ridiculous. Why someone solely responsible for overturning this act should receive a Nobel Peace Prize is just disturbingly ironic.

I don't want to know who hands out the Nobel Peace Prize, nor do I want one.

Enforcing a Smoking Ban on Campus: Is It Possible?

2009-10-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

Enforcing a Smoking Ban on Campus: Is It Possible?

By: Julianne Nowicki

Last April, some students were shocked when they received an email declaring the University would be “smoke-free” in 2011.

Lauren Khadra, an LSA junior, remembers being perplexed. “My first thought was that it sounded like a good idea, but would be next to impossible to enforce. I was also shocked, because Ann Arbor is so liberal and this new rule inhibits people’s rights.”

The issues surrounding the initiative to be a smoke-free University continue to be contentious on campus. Issues ranging from the discipline procedure for violators caught smoking on campus, to the exact locations of the smoking ban, have yet to be determined by University Administration.

In April 2009, five committees were formed to discuss the issues surrounding the smoke-free initiative. The committees will be working throughout this year to figure out a solution that is “respectful to everyone,” according to Dr. Robert A. Weinfield, co-chair of the smoke-free University initiative. Dr. Weinfield is also Chief Health Officer for the University of Michigan and Director of University Health Service.

Dr. Weinfield believes the initiative will have positive effects on campus. “The greatest long-term benefits of the smoke-free initiative will be that fewer people smoke, and that we create a culture of health on campus.” He continued, “By creating a culture of health, smoking is not as accepted and encourages students not to take up smoking.”

He then commented on the success of the smoke-free initiative passed by the UM Health System in 1998. “It’s been hugely successful, but nothing is perfect. There are still people that walk into the hospital, and their clothing smells like smoke.”

When asked for a specific number of people that have stopped smoking since the 1998 initiative, Dr. Weinfield did not have a specific number. He said from his own perception the numbers seemed to be “much lower.”

He continued, “Smoking is a powerful addiction. There is a 30-40% quit rate if people use behavioral groups. Sometimes it takes up to 9 tries for someone to quit smoking.”

For students, free classes and discounted medication will be available for those wishing to quit smoking. Dr. Weinfield also suggested students try “carrying some gum and not go to the bar, at least during the time they are trying to quit.”

Dr. Weinfield then spoke about the enforcement of the policy on campus. “There will be no enforcement of the policy on Non-University property.” For students living in private housing on campus, this would mean smoking could take place within their property without University intervention.

He paused, and continued, “We are still grappling with the property that the University rents or leases. For example, if the University is leasing a building like the CEW (Center for Education of Women), the University has the right to ban smoking indoors. However, we’re going to be exploring what to do with the sidewalk in front of the building.”

Some students simply think enforcing this policy won’t work. Khadra is one such student. “I think it will be impossible to enforce because legally smoking is accepted in Michigan. Students smoke everywhere on campus when they want. Because smoking is legally accepted in Michigan, the University should not impose a conflicting policy.”

Hunter Burke, a junior at the college of Engineering, also thinks the policy will be impossible to enforce. “It abridges the rights of students,” he added.

When asked specifically how the initiative would be enforced, Dr. Weinfield explained, “Under state law, the DPS is required to ticket people for marijuana use. Since tobacco use isn’t restricted by Ann Arbor laws or State laws, DPS will not be issuing tickets.”

Dr. Weinfield went on, “Now, a Public Safety Officer may inform the smoker that this campus is smoke-free, and ask the smoker to walk a street away where smoking is permitted.”

Essentially, students that continue smoking on campus will not face legal problems, but may face penalties from the University.

“There is no plan to give tickets or fines, but there will be a complaint process,” Dr. Weinfield explained. “Currently, the Student Life Committee is trying to address the issue of student conduct in a way that’s respectful for the student body.”

Dr. Weinfeld further explained that repercussions for violators of the policy will be found in the Statement of Student’s Rights and Responsibilities. As of yet, there are no specific guidelines. Dr. Weinfield did say, “Reports of violations will be made to the Office of Student Conflict Resolution.”

When asked about smoking in privately owned vehicles, Dr. Weinfeld responded, “On the Medical Center, people can smoke in their car within an adequate distance. For the rest of campus it still has to be sorted out.”

Bruce Walker is a researcher at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, with an interest in private property rights. Mr. Walker commented on the legality of smoking in a privately owned vehicle on a campus with a smoking ban in effect. Walker stated in an email, “I would argue that a privately owned vehicle would/should be considered a legal haven for the smoking of that which is legal elsewhere, specifically tobacco-delivery mechanisms, such as cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.”

One reason that has been cited in support of smoke-free Universities has been the supposed lower costs in health care for faculty and students. However, when asked about the successes of other colleges in lowering health care costs, Dr. Weinfeld replied, “There are over 250 colleges that have gone smoke-free, however nobody has studied reductions in health care costs for students and faculty at smoke-free colleges.” He then added, “There have been studies on smoke-free corporations. Corporations do see reductions.”

HAIL, MICHIGAN FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Another game tomorrow against Indiana. The thrill and anticipation is just too much. Michigan is back. The fans are back. Our stadium is louder than ever. We have to win this tomorrow.

I never blogged about the Notre Dame game. What I experienced during that game, made for the best experience of my undergraduate career. The fans were wild. I have never screamed Michigan cheers so loud, or been thrown in the air until that game. The couple Notre Dame fans hidden throughout our Maize "M" made us cheer even louder. I was always hoping I would get to see a real Michigan football game, and that game sure was it. And this was just what we needed to get our season off to an intense, great start.

The Notre Dame game was great for a number of reasons. Sure we made some mistakes throughout the game, but we didn't crack under the pressure. Instead, we rose. The football team kept its focus until that last crucial 30 seconds, when Michigan needed focus the most. We brought our competitiveness to that game unabashedly. I loved the game, because at the heart of it was pure competition. It always felt like something else was missing in other games at UM, and I think it was determination. This game, the boys were determined. They were walking out of the Big House with a win against one of our biggest rivals this season.

Games like this really bring the students together. In that Notre Dame game, I heard the most passionate uproar support for our guys more than I've ever heard. Even when we were down, the fans didn't give up. We remained confident that our team, the same team that started up Notre Dame's football program, would walk out having played the best game of the season. After we scored in the last 30 seconds, everyone around me started high-fiving each other, hugging each other, and just screaming "GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" This is what I envisioned, when I thought about going to UM as a senior in high school. This is what I envisioned, whenever my dad talked about UM and his dream for me to go there. Whenever I heard my dad say "Go blue!" with a smirk of understated confidence, the Notre Dame game is what I pictured.

After that touchdown, students were jumping four rows down the stadium, picking each other up, and screaming. Everyone would look at our team on the field, glance at the score, and just look at each other with an astounded, amazed look. I remember being almost tossed two rows down by one of my friends, and just gripping everyone around me oozing with a ridiculous amount of UM spirit. Ultimately, we walked out of that stadium regaining our claim as a top football team. That day, and the cheering that went along with it, will stay in my mind forever.

MR Column: What Is ACORN? And Why Should You Care?

2009-09-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

What Is ACORN? And Why Should You Care?

By: Julianne Nowicki '10

As a sophomore last year, I remember thinking the organization ACORN seemed to carry a weird, mysterious air. I couldn't figure out exactly what they did, and why FOX News was one of the only news organizations to cover issues surrounding ACORN. Why was coverage of ACORN noticeably absent from organizations like the "New York Times," "Washington Post," and "Associated Press?"

Now it's all clear: ACORN is an openly left-wing organization that takes our taxpayer dollars and utilizes corrupt business practices. ACORN is mostly known for its community organizing and "get out the vote" campaign activities. ACORN and Obama have a long history together, yet ACORN received little press coverage last year, because reporting on the connections between a corrupt ACORN and President Obama would have tarnished the media's perfect portrayal of Obama.

Recently, ACORN employees taught a man and woman how to dodge taxes. This is disturbing in itself, aside from the fact this couple posed as a pimp and prostitute and also received advice on obtaining a house for use as a brothel for underage sex slaves from El Salvador. This is the same organization that Obama used to help support his campaign. This is the organization that receives taxpayer dollars every year. Why are our taxpayer dollars funding an organization that thrives on teaching others how to cut corners in the legal system? People need to start caring where their money ends up in the system and stop blindly handing over their dollars to a charismatic political leader.

Since its inception, ACORN has received $53 million taxpayer dollars. It has received $1.6 million this year, and is currently eligible for $4 billion from the stimulus package. That is a lot of taxpayers' money, going to an inefficient and corrupt organization. The public and news media needs to wake up, and start questioning Obama's policies and political connections that involve organizations like ACORN. Through ACORN, we see that a bigger government, which funds too many organizations, is inefficient and unable to manage those organizations. Bigger government is unreliable in tracking the ways an organization like ACORN functions and spends taxpayer dollars. The costs of bigger government are deep, and the taxpayers are the ones that suffer.

No one wants to admit that a corrupt organization was a key component of Obama's campaigning success. During the presidential campaigns, Obama's campaign gave $832,000 to an ACORN subsidiary for "get out the vote" activities and in turn, ACORN helped support Obama's campaign. Back in 1995, Obama also helped represent ACORN in an Illinois lawsuit forcing the enactment of a law making voter registration easier. According to the AP, government funding also comprised 10 percent of ACORN's $25 million annual budget. That's a lot of taxpayer money going to an organization with questionable practices. News organizations like the "New York Times," "Washington Post," and "AP" need to start exploring these odd connections. Taxpayers are concerned their money is being distributed simply as political favors and it seems that media giants are just not listening.

The liberal media's complaint that conservatives are giving ACORN's corrupt business practices too much attention is ignorant, and hypocritical at best. Liberal media should think back to Obama's campaign platform. Obama's campaign centered around themes of holding corrupt organizations accountable and seeking transparency in the government. If conservatives are preying on ACORN's every move, then Obama and liberals should be proud. Transparency in the government is finally starting to be upheld, and a corrupt organization is finally being held accountable for its actions. Accountability is something we rarely see anymore, and something desperately needed by our society especially during the Obama Administration's tenure.

Taxpayers should keep voicing their opposition to government spending, in the hopes that Congress or President Obama will finally stop spending our money. ACORN is just another example of the inefficiency of big government, and the need for constant skepticism from taxpayers. As long as government keeps spending money that fund secluded and out of sight organizations, we need to remain skeptical of government spending.

Michigan Review Piece: White House Conference Call on Judge Sotomayor

2009-06-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

I love how the White House chose all liberal academics or liberal lawyers for this one. Good job White House. Great. Way to stick to your own liberal definition of "fairness/equality of perspectives." Again though, flattery will get you anywhere in this world. That's what I learned from our government after having the wonderful opportunity to report for the Michigan Review at this White House conference call by the press office discussing the nomination of Judge Sotomayor. Take a read, let me know your thoughts on her nomination. Honestly I don't know enough about her or her philosophy (and am quite surprised liberals are coming to such sharp conclusions on her philosophy given it seems rather ambiguous/interpretive/probably activist.)

I'll stop talking. Take a read.

On Wednesday, May 27th, the White House held a press conference to discuss the nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Lombalt, a secretary for the White House Press Office, began the conference calling it an “opportunity to ask questions about Sotomayor’s experience in the courtroom.” The panelists, who were legal experts selected by the White House, were Paul M. Smith, Partner at Jenner & Block, LLP, Professor William P. Marshall, law professor at North Carolina School of Law, Professor Martha L. Minow from Harvard Law, Kevin K. Russell, Partner at Howe & Russell, LLP, and Professor Scott Moss, from the University of Colarado School of Law. Evan H. Caminkiner, Dean of the University of Michigan Law School and Professor of Law, was scheduled to participate in the conference call but unable to attend.

After brief introductions, the legal experts were available to take questions from journalists at The Detroit News, Bloomberg, The Washington Times, amongst other media outlets. The Q&A session was very brief and lasted for about twenty minutes.

Ms. Minow, Professor at Harvard Law, began the introductions, repeatedly speaking about Sotomayor’s great knowledge as a litigator. “She shows her knowledge as a litigator about the importance of procedural rules and using the factual record,” Minow said. She further called Sotomayor a “lawyer’s lawyer,” and a “superb appointment.” Later, Ms. Minow analyzed Sotomayor’s judicial style as one in which there is a “close reading of statutes applied to the particular facts in a particular context.” Later, journalists during the Q&A session challenged this characterization of Sotomayor’s judicial philosophy.

Paul Smith, Partner at Jenner & Block and former classmate of Judge Sotomayor, also thought of her as the “lawyer’s lawyer.” “I think of her as a lawyer’s lawyer,” Smith said, “I do a lot of free speech and free press cases. She looks very much for the details of the facts to see where the constitutional analysis should go.” Smith further talked about Sotomayor’s opinions in two cases- Pappas v. Giuliani, a case in which a police officer was fired for using offensive speech, and another case in which a student was disciplined for an off-hours blogpost. In the Pappas v. Giuliani case, Sotomayor dissented, saying in Smith’s words, “Not so fast, it’s a radical idea to fire for private off hours speech.” In that case, a police officer from the New York City Police Department had been fired for sending mail anonymously to political and other groups that had solicited donations from him. After discussing briefly Sotomayor’s judicial opinions in these cases, Smith called her, “A careful person who can go either way, by seeing how the doctrine applies to factual situations.”

Bill Marshall, Professor at North Carolina Law, spoke similarly about Sotomayor, calling her a “cautious lawyer, who cares about judicial craft.” He also called her someone who “holds people to terms of contracts” and is “bound to make no new law, simply bound by previous decisions of the court.” Russell, Partner at Howe & Russell LLP, characterized Sotomayor as promoting “judicial modesty” and “very respectful of binding precedent.” “She does not think her opinion is the only one that matters,” Russell also said.

When the Q&A session began, various journalists questioned the ambiguous judicial philosophy of Sotomayor, despite other characterizations of her judicial philosophy from the panelists. Deb Price, a journalist from The Detroit News, asked, “Given the range of descriptions of this candidate are judicial modesty, not an activist, not a creative lawyer, I’m curious what Paul Smith would think of her if she was basing issues around gay rights as well as the issue of merit and military.” Smith responded, “I guess I would have to say with the second amendment it’s hard to answer a question like that because we have no specific indications of whether she would more aggressively regulate what the government can do in this arena or not.” He continued, “She would certainly take it on a case by case basis.”

Ms. Minow, the Harvard Law Professor, also interceded, saying, “People who are going to try to read from her background anything, well, it’s really a guessing game. I think she’s had clerks that are gay, I don’t think she has made any decision on hot buttons issues, there is really no indication of that.”

Tom Lebanco, journalist from the Washington Times, directly asked Scott Moss whether he had argued any cases over Judge Sotomayor, and to characterize her judicial temperament. Moss responded, “I did not, I did not have any occasions.” Kevin Russell then chimed in, “I argued one case before her, she was very engaged, I understand she has a reputation for being tough, I guess it’s predictable that some of those fools would complain about it.” He added, “She had perfectly respectable temperament.” Ms. Minow added her opinion, stating, “She’s an actively engaged judge, she’s extremely prepared. She does not let any ambiguity go by in the oral argument.” She also finished, “She will make sure you stand by what you have said.”

One journalist asked the panelists to speak on her opinion in the Richie case, and what evidence she was relying on. One panelist interrupted, “The notion that she’s going to try to hide an opinion is non-sense.” Other journalists at the White House conference call also questioned the potential ambiguity of Sotomayor’s judicial philosophy, despite the assurances and characterizations of her philosophy as “modest” and consisting of a “narrow-reading” of the Constitution.

Remember Those Who Serve Our Great Country

2009-05-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

Today will be spent remembering my dad, and all the other men and women that give their willing spirit, determination, and hard work to serving our great country. Remember that their selflessness allows us to live freely in our country.

Semper Fi, and Happy Memorial Day.

The Michigan Review in the National Review

2009-04-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Read about our office space debacle here: http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NTIwNmViNjc0ZjA2NjEyYjEwNDc2NWU1Y2Q2MzdmODM=

Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship Recipient

2009-04-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

I just heard back from the Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship Program.

Here is the email:

"I’m pleased to inform you that a $1,000 scholarship has been authorized for you. Written confirmation will be on its way via surface mail this week. If you have any questions or need information, let me know.

Congratulations."

My Scholarship Essay

2009-04-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

I had the essay up a few days ago, but needed to make a few edits. Feel free to chime in on further editing that could be made before I mail the essay on Monday. This essay is for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, and is inspired by the essay I wrote for the Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship program.

Here was the essay prompt: Current MCSF recipients-write about why you selected your major, including your thoughts about how you will utilize your education upon graduation.

“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.” -Ronald Reagan

Only after my father’s death, have I understood his lifetime commitment to the passionate truth in this quote. My father understood that freedom was earned through hard work, something a country should fight for, and something to be cherished. My father’s principled life and his dedicated service in the Marines are the sources of inspiration for my dream and determination to earn my Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine Law School, and become a respected attorney.

In his lifetime, my father wanted to be known as a Marine that served his country. He wanted to be known as a Marine to friends, business partners, and family. Being a Marine was the single proudest achievement of his short lifetime. The word “Marine” meant something powerful, poignant, and beautiful to my father. Even while fighting to keep his mind and memory strong during his life in a nursing home, my father never forgot the words “Semper Fi” so eloquently written on the portrait of the Battle of Iwo Jima that hung at his bedside. Like Ronald Reagan, my father faithfully believed freedom requires personal sacrifice, and because of that belief, he served as a Marine during Vietnam. My father was always faithful to the Marines, and grateful to serve his country.

In the Marines, my father served as a radio operator. He loved photography, and taking pictures of his travels and fellow Marines, photos I now deeply treasure. He loved writing letters to his mother while in the Marines. My father’s love of communicating effectively with others inspired me to study English and Communication Studies at the University of Michigan. I have pursued these disciplines because they are useful for a future career in law. I know I will be able to use my education effectively, just like my father chose an academic path he could use effectively. After serving in the Marines, my father paid his way through Michigan State University to earn his masters degree in Business Administration. He later served as Financial Director of General Motors and served on the board of General Motors Cancer Research Foundation.

I will be graduating a year early from the University of Michigan, to pursue my Juris Doctorate sooner and save tuition costs. I am determined to attend Pepperdine Law School, because of its Christian tradition. I am determined to succeed at Pepperdine, and graduate with the highest honors, summa cum laude. After law school, I aspire to practice law in the private sector as a corporate attorney. I plan to serve God and volunteer for my Lutheran church as a legal advisor.

It is in memory of my father’s service in the Marines, and with much heartfelt conviction in the excellence of our nation’s Marines, that I apply for a scholarship from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Entertainment and News: Will that order be together, or separate?

2009-04-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

Give it a read, my latest thoughts on the growing intersection between news and entertainment. Inspired by a former English teacher's book recommendation "Amusing Ourselves to Death" that I have yet to read but will make a point to read someday. Also inspired by other professors at UM.

A Line Must Be Drawn

By: Editorial Board (Me)

In an interview meant to bolster confidence in the economy, President Barack Obama appeared on Jay Leno. A few weeks ago, we saw Jim Kramer go on The Daily Show as Jon Stewart delivered a hard-hitting interview heavily criticizing the state of financial journalism. While stunts like these perhaps spark a public interest in important issues, they ultimately lead to a public that's never truly informed about the issues. A Jay Leno interview does not tell the public imperative information, like the behind-the-door congressional negotiations that led to our taxpayer money being spent on AIG bonuses. Trying to convey important information to the public, in the context of entertainment venues, is distorting our understanding of policies passed by the Obama Administration, and is, at best, pure deception.

We're constantly hearing from professors that more and more people from our generation are turning to The Daily Show and The Colbert Report for actual news stories. For once, UM professors might have a valid point. The danger is that people are not staying informed about policies that are passed everyday by the Obama Administration. Both shows purport to be an edgy criticism of political policies and news events. Both shows also try to keep people engaged in current events in an entertaining way. However, the problem is these shows only pick and choose certain controversial policies to capitalize on, and rarely report on policies that many people would undoubtedly have an opinion about.

Let's use an easy example. Neither of these shows "reported" on the Mexico City Policy, and its implications on federal funding (our tax dollars) for international abortions. The policy first instituted by President Ronald Reagan requires that non-governmental organizations receiving federal funding must refrain from performing or prohibiting abortion services. As one of his first acts in office, President Obama reversed the Mexico City Policy. The point is, the Mexico City Policy, and other controversial policies passed by the Obama Administration, were never given airtime on The Daily Show or The Colbert Report, so it's impossible for someone to have ever become informed about it (even in a sarcastic entertaining way).

Many people think these shows focus on controversial "news stories," and thus turn to entertaining news stories to hear their spin on the issues. The truth is these shows barely scratch the surface of important news stories. First and foremost purpose of shows like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report is to entertain, not to actually deliver the fact-based stories of our day. The shows actually distract from gaining an informed knowledge of important political policies.

The Obama Administration seems to understand the mesmerizing effect of combining news and entertainment, and perhaps this is why President Obama made an appearance on Jay Leno a few weeks ago. The interview focused on the economy, an interesting topic choice for a comedy night show. No doubt the Obama Administration intended for the PR stunt to engage and inform the public on the current economic situation. However, the interview may have just left the public more confused about our economy. A context that combines news and entertainment almost guarantees that no one will become truly informed about important issues.

Most of us enjoy watching The Colbert Report or The Daily Show, and that's great. As long as we remember to get informed through an actual newspaper or online venue, then that's fine. It's also important to remember that Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert work for private companies, whose ultimate goal is to make a profit. The shows make a profit from advertisements and endorsements. Profits are a great thing, however, even while enjoying these shows, we should still approach them as consumers and challenge the information given to us from these programs.

Gift Giving and Obama

2009-04-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Opinion Piece

By: Julianne Nowicki

Apparently President Obama is not too good when it comes to giving gifts, and it's taking a toll on how the United States is perceived by other countries. When world leaders visit other countries for a meeting, a nice pleasantry usually involves the giving of gifts. According to the Jimmy Carter Library, "The practice of diplomacy provides the means to resolve differences and to preserve national honor without resorting to violence." Gift giving is a part of this diplomacy, and a tradition in which the gifts given are valuable, represent products from other nations' economies, and symbolize history from other nations.

Past gifts received by the White House have been two pandas from China, a pink sapphire necklace from the Prime Minister, hand painted dishes from Belgium. These gifts have signified diplomacy and an understanding of the relationship between two countries.

Recently, when U.K. Prime Minister visited the United States, he gave President Barack Obama an antique pen holder made from wood from the anti-slave ship HMS Gannett. The gift eloquently symbolized an understanding of the historic significance of President Barack Obama's presidential win. What did President Barack Obama give in return? A set of 25 DVDs, which were listed by the American Film Institute in a list of 2007's top movies. British media is peeved by the incident, while U.S. media has nothing to say about it.

The movies given included films like Psycho, The Wizard of Oz, Chinatown, and The Graduate. Oh, and that list is without Star Wars: Episode IV and ET: The Extra-Terrestrial. I don't know about you, but I have never watched Star Wars or ET in my spare time for fun. Maybe I watched The Wizard of Oz with my kindergarten friends when I was five, and even then I didn't enjoy it. Last, Psycho is a cool movie, but is it an appropriate gift for the U.K. Prime Minister? If gifts are supposed to say something, then what are gifts like Star Wars, ET, or Psycho supposed to say? Maybe that our government is ignorant to the state of British technology. Maybe that we rummaged through the bin of $5 DVDs at Walmart and this was all we could find.

For the children, the Prime Minister and his wife bought Sasha and Malia an outfit from Topshop, and six children's books by British authors which are soon to be published in America. The Obamas gave the Brown children two models of the presidential helicopter, Marine One. The same models can be bought at the White House gift shop, and its online shop.

We move onto the more recent awkwardness that ensued when President Obama recently bowed down to the King of Saudi Arabia. This isn't even "diplomatic protocol." And, why bow down to the Saudi Arabia King and then give a head nod to the Queen?

Another gift-giving experience that probably perpetuated a stereotype of the "ignorant American" was our thoughtful gift of an iPod to the Queen. To top it off, the iPod included speeches given by President Obama, Broadway show tunes, and video clips of the Queen herself visiting the US in 2007. Maybe a better gift would have been something that 99.9% of the population doesn't already have. If the US is struggling to find the "perfect gift" for our friends abroad, maybe the solution is to simply end the era of gift-giving. The government has openly criticized companies for spending on extra perks for employees, so how are gifts from the government any different? Of course, the Queen's gift wasn't any better- President Obama received the typical photo of the queen and her racist husband the Duke of Edinburgh, placed in a silver frame.

While gift-giving may seem like a trivial thing, it has important implications for how the United States is perceived by other countries. Already media outlets in the U.K. have reported on the lack of U.S. thought in gifts given to the Queen and Prime Minister, and how this typifies "American ignorance." While President Obama may have come into office to overturn America's reputation, it seems so far the Administration has done nothing but harm it.

Senior Editor....for the Michigan Review!

2009-03-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be Senior Editor for the Michigan Review next year!

On behalf of the Michigan Review, we would like to tell you that you will be a Senior Editor for the 2009-2010 school year. Congratulations!

Though you've only been here a short time, you have already worked extremely hard and produced top-quality articles. You've also been active in meetings and on Layout Sunday helping other staff members write, edit, and review. You clearly have a passion for your work and we appreciate everything that you've done so far! As a Senior Editor, you will be part of the core group of Editorial Board, working with our new Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor to put together every issue. We recognize that this is a great deal of responsibility but we feel that you have proven yourself able to rise to the occasion. We recommend that you speak to our new Editor-in-Chief, Adam Pascarella, about his exact expectations for your role. Again, congratulations and we look forward to seeing what you can do!

YES!!!!!!!!

Snack on this quote: "Rarely do we hear a message of sacrifice...."

2009-03-26T14:52:00.001-07:00

I found it on Laura Ingraham's website. I have many a tales to tell about this week involving my friend interning for Bill O'Reilly, the fire at West Quad, and how we survived the fire through a former LHN classmate buddy- Paul. (Note: we weren't caught in the fire or anything, we just needed a place to stay....and it wasn't going to be the South Quad cafeteria.)

The tales will simply have to wait until my two 10 page papers are written.

Until then, snack on this quote from Justice Clarence Thomas.

"Rarely do we hear a message of sacrifice, unless it is used as a justification of taxation of others or a transfer of wealth to others. Today the message seems to be, 'Ask not what you can do for yourselves and your country, but what your country must do for you."- Justice Clarence Thomas