ED and Brett Discussion Blog

[Gene Clem]

Many people are not aware that we have another of our members running for congress in the 6th congressional district.  He is Mel Valkner.

Mel needs help with his campaign.  His web site is www.thecommanman.org  You can go there to send a donation or sign up to help with campaign activities.

Mel is one of the original Kalamazoo Tea Party folks and was, in fact, the first Treasurer.  He decided early on that he would sacrifice his time and treasure to help right the ship of state.  He is a worthy candidate and can really use your help in his campaign, so please contribute and/or volunteer at his web page.

[Ed R]

It has been stated that Upton is an insider and career politician; is this true or is this simply an uniformed reactionary statement due to the current political climate! It has been stated the voting for the lesser of two evils is a bad thing; is that true; number one is Upton evil; number two splitting the ticket allowing a Democrat to win as stated is the worse of two evils. It has been said that real change takes time, so I ask the question what is the hurry to remove Upton! The big question is; is Upton a Rhino or a perceived Rhino? We need to do our homework prior to making statements. I introduced myself into the Tea Party to find out what it is all about and the jury is still out on this one. From this exchange there seems to be a lot of anger and dogmatism and very little open mindedness. It seems to be out with the old and in with the new at all costs. There doesn't seem to be any facts; just throw the bums out. All elections are important and this one gives us a chance to gain the majority and slow down the Liberal/progressive direction we are all experiencing.

My main objection is splintering the vote and taking the chance of losing this seat.

I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Brett, Todd, and Mel for some of my overzealous statements.

One thing I have noticed is that the Tea Party is getting more members and is gaining strength by the minute; this is a good thing. I say have patience and faith. We will not get everything we want in one fell swoop. This is going to take time and we must remain vigilant. The movement back to the founding documents is going to take several election cycles. The movement back to the founding documents requires a continuation beyond this election. It is going to take time and patience to educate those who have always voted Democrat. Splitting the vote is not the answer and may be the wrong thing to do at this time. I know y'all want to return to what made this great country great, but patience and perseverance is what will get us there, not reactionary voting.

I have met many people that only get their data from the main stream media and refuse to believe anything other than the data they receive from the misinformation news media. I believe there are many, not all, that when presented the real facts will understand the difference and realize the truth over the misinformation. Our main goal is to get the truth out and debunk the misinformation. As more and more people come to understand the genius of the founding documents there will be a greater number of people voting in a direction that will return our country back to where it was intended.

[Diane Konneck]

Ed. you and I seem to see this the same way. I am chair for our county's GOP Issue committee and last night several of our county Tea Party members joined me in a discussion on what needs fixing within the state GOP. Our objective is to work for effective change within an already standing major party, not throw up 3rd party candidates who don't have a chance of winning. This is where I bellieve the Tea Party can do its best work, it will take time but it can be done. Patience, perseverance, and persuasiveness are what is needed. We will be putting forward proposals for changes in direction for the state GOP shortly, God willing, other counties will follow suit and we will have won the biggest victory of all, and that is bringing the GOP back to true fiscal conservatism, standing on a Constitutional platform, and offering voters a REAL choice between the parties. This is happening by Tea Party members who ran for Precinct delegate positions, and next month 2 new members of the County Executive Board will have come from the local Tea Party. We are making a wonderful start here. I encourage all to work from within instead of 'jumping ship'.

Ed R said:

It has been stated that Upton is an insider and career politician; is this true or is this simply an uniformed reactionary statement due to the current political climate! It has been stated the voting for the lesser of two evils is a bad thing; is that true; number one is Upton evil; number two splitting the ticket allowing a Democrat to win as stated is the worse of two evils. It has been said that real change takes time, so I ask the question what is the hurry to remove Upton! The big question is; is Upton a Rhino or a perceived Rhino? We need to do our homework prior to making statements. I introduced myself into the Tea Party to find out what it is all about and the jury is still out on this one. From this exchange there seems to be a lot of anger and dogmatism and very little open mindedness. It seems to be out with the old and in with the new at all costs. There doesn't seem to be any facts; just throw the bums out. All elections are important and this one gives us a chance to gain the majority and slow down the Liberal/progressive direction we are all experiencing.

My main objection is splintering the vote and taking the chance of losing this seat.

I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Brett, Todd, and Mel for some of my overzealous statements.

One thing I have noticed is that the Tea Party is getting more members and is gaining strength by the minute; this is a good thing. I say have patience and faith. We will not get everything we want in one fell swoop. This is going to take time and we must remain vigilant. The movement back to the founding documents is going to take several election cycles. The movement back to the founding documents requires a continuation beyond this election. It is going to take time and patience to educate those who have always voted Democrat. Splitting the vote is not the answer and may be the wrong thing to do at this time. I know y'all want to return to what made this great country great, but patience and perseverance is what will get us there, not reactionary voting.

I have met many people that only get their data from the main stream media and refuse to believe anything other than the data they receive from the misinformation news media. I believe there are many, not all, that when presented the real facts will understand the difference and realize the truth over the misinformation. Our main goal is to get the truth out and debunk the misinformation. As more and more people come to understand the genius of the founding documents there will be a greater number of people voting in a direction that will return our country back to where it was intended.

[Melvin Valkner]

Susan,

I enjoyed meeting you. The Tea Party is full of people like you, seeking real answers to today's problems. Your endorsement means a lot to me!

Mel

[Melvin Valkner]

Brett,

Thanks for taking the time to visit TheCommonMan.org. I encourage others to check out TheCommonMan.org. Just reading the Home Page alone is worth the visit.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve spent 2,000 hours researching and writing Constitutional Solutions to our political problems. TheCommonMan.org, with 40+ pages, offers far more solutions than any other candidate’s website.

Republicans, Democrats and Independents all understand my message about how protecting American jobs will stimulate the economy, and protecting our currency enhances everyone’s wealth.

The Tea Party is comprised of 55% Republicans, 25% Independents and 20% Democrats -- People who are thoughtfully considering where our country has gone astray, what it takes to rebuild it and gaining the courage to get the job done.

Once again, I have the data that shows I can beat Upton while Upton beats Cooney. Keeping the status quo out of fear that something might happen is not the solution.

A political tsunami is coming. The Second American Revolution is taking place, a battle that will be won at the Ballot Box.

Thank you for voting for me. I know what it takes to turn this country around. I am ready to go to Washington. Momentum is growing. And to other readers: I ask for your vote, too.

Mel Valkner, CPA
Candidate for Congress, Michigan's 6th District
U.S. Taxpayers Party, Michigan’s affiliate of the national Constitution Party
The nation’s third largest and fastest growing political party

[Brett Pepper]

Apology accepted....This is a big tent and as I have found most of the good folks here are open-minded and like to engage in the arena of ideas. Sometimes I come off as having a one track mind when it comes to our currency and the Federal Reserve. But like Mel I believe it's time to shut off the money machine or at least open up the books and see where the TARP money went. Our Founding Fathers spoke intently about not having a central bank that controls the issuing of currency and credit. He who controls the money controls the people...which is the situation we currently find ourselves in.

We are heading into the GREATEST DEPRESSION which in my opinion is due to devaluation of our currency. Once the global economy switches from a U.S. Dollar backed currency this will be the true test of our nation. Oil is currently traded and backed by the Dollar, since oil rich countries are no longer getting the amount of money per barrell of oil they are going to raise the price of oil per barrell to make up for their losses. This why China, Russsia, and other major economies are calling for a new global currency.This is called inflation and many economic experts are expecting gas prices to rise to 4.00/gallon due to inflation. The situation couldn't be more dire for our country which is why I believe there is the sense of urgency. The fact is Upton has had 24 years to get it right...and he voted for Big Government (TARP, cash for clunkers, NAFTA...ETC...) So to say that Upton being an insider is uninformed simply isn't true when you look at his voting record.

I've made up my mind on Mel and I believe he represents the ideas and principles that most closely represent mine and the TEA parties as well. This is why I'm committed to voting for Mel Valkner on Nov. 2nd and I will walk out the polling place with my head held high and with the feeling that I did the best I could for our Constitutional Republic.

No hard feelings Ed....This our country and it is our time to come together under the priciples of freedom and liberty. The good news is people are waking up and we are witnessing the biggest political re-alignment since 1776. I'm just glad I'm engaged and part of this great nation.....What will history write about this time? What will history say about what we did during that patriot uprising.

VOTE MEL NOV. 2ND!!!!!!!!! LETS SHOCK THE POLITICAL ELITES!!!!!

[Diane Konneck]

Melvin D. 'Mel' Valkner refused to tell citizens where he/she stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2010 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

Why? And I would like to see the 'data' used, I make my decisions based upon thorough research not simply what sounds good. I think we have all seen the results of that with Obama.

[Melvin Valkner]

Ed,

George Washington’s wisdom means nothing to you? That’s where you are wrong Ed. He understood the devastation of unfunded paper (fiat). Again, using the example on the Home Page of TheCommonMan.org:

From 1800 to 1900 when our currency was backed by gold and silver there was ZERO inflation for 100 years. Since the Federal Reserve was created in 1913 the dollar has declined 95%, in real terms now only worth a nickel. And the Federal Reserve is getting ready to inject another $1 trillion into the economy to purposely create inflation (this is not hype; it’s all over the news).

Difficult to understand or hard to believe? Think of it this way...a quarter in 1964 (90% silver) bought a gallon of gas (actually it was 27 cents per gallon). Does your new nickel-coated copper quarter buy a gallon of gas now? No...But the silver content of that 1964 quarter is worth $3.75, easily enough to buy a gallon of gas. See how they have devalued our currency? All this and not one word from Rep. Upton or Professor Cooney.

What will you do when our currency is worthless? One thing is for sure -- our government will collapse and the Constitution will be rendered void in favor of one-world government. Again, either Upton and Cooney truly don’t know what’s going on, or they are being deceptive. Personally, I believe they have no idea what's going on - and the danger we are in.

My ten TCM Power Principles, based on Constitutional Solutions, will turn the nation and economy around, including inhibiting inflation and protecting the value of our currency.

And you say I am after power? This is my first time running for office, while Rep. Upton is seeking his 13th straight term in violation of the spirit of Article 2, Section 10 of the Michigan Constitution.

Mel Valkner, CPA
Candidate for Congress, Michigan's 6th District
U.S. Taxpayers Party, Michigan’s affiliate of the national Constitution Party
The nation’s third largest and fastest growing political party

[Ed R]

Thanks Brett,

We must have lively debates; that's how we come up with the best idea's. If we all agreed on everything that would be really weird. :) I must mention that I agree with a lot of what you wrote, but not everything and we can continue to debate our disagreements and hopefully we will all benefit. I know you are not afraid to express your disagreements with me, so keep it up; it keeps me thinkng and more important it keeps me honest. If you know who I am you will know that I will give you the same respect by letting you know what I really think and not try to people please you. God bless you and your family.

P.S. To be completely honest I made the comment about you being young is because you look very young; must be healthy living and good genetics. :)

[Ed R]

Hi Diane,

Maybe someday I will get a chance to meet you and yours to further discuss ideas. Currently I am on the education committee with a couple of other guys for our newly forming Kalamazoo chapter of the Tea Party. I could use all the information I can get. All Politics are local and building from the ground up is the best way to proceed. I'm new to this and I am still learning. My cradentials do not matter; what I contribute does. My assumption coming into this was that the Tea Party would influence the GOP in such a way to bring it back to a force for the rule of law as outlined in the founding documents. Forming a third party is not what I had in mind when I joined the Tea Party. God bless you and your family.

[albaby]

Ed R. My sentiments exactly. Keep upm the work.

Ed R said:

Hi Diane,

Maybe someday I will get a chance to meet you and yours to further discuss ideas. Currently I am on the education committee with a couple of other guys for our newly forming Kalamazoo chapter of the Tea Party. I could use all the information I can get. All Politics are local and building from the ground up is the best way to proceed. I'm new to this and I am still learning. My cradentials do not matter; what I contribute does. My assumption coming into this was that the Tea Party would influence the GOP in such a way to bring it back to a force for the rule of law as outlined in the founding documents. Forming a third party is not what I had in mind when I joined the Tea Party. God bless you and your family.

[Ed R]

Hi Mel,

That is not what I said! You seem to have a way of taking what I said and spinning it to make you look the way you wish to look and make someone else look bad. By attacking me you sound just like the elite establishment. This is not a good thing. This is disappointing. I was about to give you a chance to convince me that you are the real deal. Keeping in mind that I would still not vote for you as a third party candidate.

[Diane Konneck]

Thank you Ed, I hope we can meet too some day and thanks to Albaby also! In case you haven't noticed, Mr. Valkner has not addressed one issue that I brought up about his candidacy..makes me think that perhaps he does not have all the answers after all? I would also like to know on who he would plan to caucus with in DC? the Republicans? lots of luck with those ideas that will never gain any traction without partnerships alliances..

Ed R said:

Hi Diane,

Maybe someday I will get a chance to meet you and yours to further discuss ideas. Currently I am on the education committee with a couple of other guys for our newly forming Kalamazoo chapter of the Tea Party. I could use all the information I can get. All Politics are local and building from the ground up is the best way to proceed. I'm new to this and I am still learning. My cradentials do not matter; what I contribute does. My assumption coming into this was that the Tea Party would influence the GOP in such a way to bring it back to a force for the rule of law as outlined in the founding documents. Forming a third party is not what I had in mind when I joined the Tea Party. God bless you and your family.