It is good to be back, yet still bask in memories of another great trip to Alaska. One of my first experiences this time was watching a Bald Eagle (an old call sign), swoop down to take a fish on the water, fly to its nest and feed a young eagle. Glacier covered mountains, rain forests, killer and humpback whales, sea lions, seals, otters, and lots of fish; that is Seward, Alaska.

I was back in time to attend the Third Annual Steamboat Institute Freedom Conference. We were treated again this year to the best in conservative thought and it was inspiring. We are not alone. Every time one of the knuckleheads calls us Hobbits, or the enemy, or terrorists, treat it as if you have been awarded an eagle feather for success in battle. Listen and smile, because we are winning. The issues that aroused the anger of people who, two years ago came to be called the Tea Party, are now front and center. Even liberals are talking about reducing the massive cost of the federal government. Mainstream Americans are beginning to understand that whether it is Obama's or Ryan's budget, the size of our debt doubles in ten years and the United States becomes a third world country. That is not acceptable to us Hobbits. Moreover it is not acceptable to most Americans.

Among the mail when I got back was the September American Legion Magazine. One of the feature articles is "Zero Hour-The United States faces a clear choice between entitlement reform or economic disaster." Brian Riedl from the Heritage Foundation uses what I call the big crayon to explain that we are on the brink of disaster. Friday I listened to David Walker, founder of the Comeback America Initiative, address Seminars at Steamboat on "Restoring Fiscal Sanity." His message was factual and frightening. And this was to an audience that in my experience would rather hear how wonderful life is in Obama's land of hope and change than face reality. On the Comedy Channel, Jon Stewart lambasts Obama's bus tour as well as Perry's love for America. It is becoming harder for Americans to ignore the reality that professional politicians from both parties went on a spending binge ten years ago that has put the Republic in danger. Politicians still don't get it, but their ride on the gravy train is about to end. The cat is out of the bag. The jig is up. We are winning. Wear each eagle feather proudly, and keep the faith.

Bob McConnell

www.beawatchman.com

beawatchman@aol.com

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