Browsing: Daily 2 Cents

RIP Andrew Breitbart: Gone But Never Forgotten

March 1st, 2012 | By

As the saying goes Make Sure You Tell The Ones You Love How You Feel Before It’s Too Late.  Luckily, I got to share my appreciation for Andrew Breitbart with him and the world at #CPAC.

There are two types of Conservatives I’ve met in my travels.  One group constantly qualifies every statement they make and consider diversity a cause.  Then there are the conservatives that say what they feel and never consider diversity because they focus on commonality from the beginning.  Andrew Breitbart was the latter.

Most of the “tolerant left” who spew hate and evil, vile comments his way never got the chance to meet Andrew.  They never got to see his upbeat tempo, his fearless exuberance, or his endless passion.  They never got to experience his smile that melted your heart, his words that lit up your spirit, or childlike nature that made you shake your head in disbelief that he was the man that brought down ACORN, Anthony Weiner, and gave us the BIGS.

But their hate can’t replace what those of us who had the privilege of knowing Andrew will always remember.  The first time I met him we were at the RightOnline conference.  I saw him at the top of the escalator surrounded by people.  I rushed up to get my chance to meet him and he spotted me the moment I reached the top.  I stuck out my hand to shake his and as I tried to introduce myself, he grabbed me and hugged me and said “Hello, Sonnie.  It’s great to finally meet you.”   He invited me to lunch but I hadn’t even put my things in my room yet, so he stated, really demanded, I take down his phone number and call him when I was settled.  Twenty people were surrounding him and he made me feel like the center of attention.  That’s the Andrew Breitbart I knew.

When Andy Kaufman was spooked about a black face in The Undefeated, I fired back with a scathing article.  Many news organizations, radio shows and online publications contacted me for an interview.  Every single one of them focused on media bias and unfair treatment of conservatives.  Andrew Breitbart was hosting the Dennis Miller show that week and invited me on as a guest.  I just knew he would spend the entire time talking about alleged racism in the Tea Party or the Left’s attack on blacks on the right, instead we spoke about my mission, God, and how we were going to save this country.  He never once brought up Kaufman.  That was the Andrew Breitbart I knew.

This year at #CPAC Andrew requested that I introduce him.  I took it as an honor.  I sent him a copy of my intro and sent me a tweet saying he was glad I accepted.  When I arrived at CPAC I asked him what he thought of my intro.  He said he didn’t read it; he trusted me to say what needed to be said.  As we sat in the room waiting for Andrew to give his KEYNOTE speech, he grabbed a piece of paper and started to jot down little notes.  I asked him what he was doing, he said “writing my speech”.  As we stood behind the big screen and waited to take the stage, I started to feel the butterflies in my stomach.  He looked at me, holding my stomach, and said “this sounds like some hard core porn music”.  I laughed uncontrollably and said Thank You for reminding me who I’m introducing.”  That is the Andrew Breitbart I knew.

But the one thing that sticks out in my mind the most was leaving the stage as he walked on.  He grabbed me and hugged me so tight. I was trying to give him the stage he rightfully deserved and he looked me dead in my eyes and said Thank You.  That is the Andrew Breitbart I choose to remember.

I never got to meet his wife or his kids.  I would’ve told them thank you for sharing him with us.  Thank you for handling the attacks and lies and letting him be who God put him on this earth to be.  Thank you for allowing him to inspire so many of us to stand up and fight for the country we love.  Thank you for being the reason he fought.  Just Thank You, God Bless You, and know that you are in our prayers.

But…..OUR TEARS CAN’T LAST for there is still work to be done.  Andrew Breitbart did not want followers. HE WANTED LEADERS.  He wanted those of us who felt afraid to speak our beliefs to be silent no more.  He wanted us to know our voice was as powerful and necessary as any on the left.  He wanted us to understand WE THE PEOPLE are the last line of defense for this country and our silence could no longer be accepted.  He wanted us to know the -isms (racism, sexism) shouldn’t scare us but should embolden us.  But most of all, he wanted us to know we weren’t alone and if he could do it there was no reason we couldn’t.

Now the question is will you remember Andrew Breitbart with a tweet, a blog, a radio show, or with results.  You only have two choices America or Occupy.  Decide.

Towards The Future

October 26th, 2008 | By

What does the Future hold? Well, you only have to look in the past to find out. Because the past often repeats itself, just in new situations and circumstance. And that should bring you comfort because you made it through the past. It should also bring you hope because you can plot a general course for the future by learning the mistakes of the past.

So again I ask, What does the future hold? Day by day decision making that will forge your foundation. The strength of that foundation is up to you. For that is all you can do. Place your future upon your shoulders and make a way, even when the days seem grim. You’ve done it before and you can do it again.

This time look back at what you’ve been through and leave it in the past. Look at what you’re going through and learn the lessons life has provided in the present. And don’t worry about the future, you are well prepared for it.

Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121 AD – 180 AD)

When It All Goes Wrong: Dealing With Disappointment

August 16th, 2008 | By

We all have moments where we think everything is alright.  Money is straight. Love ones are straight. And you begin to think, I’m Okay.

Then the walls begin to crumble and you don’t know why it all starts to go wrong.

I got a little news for you.  So is life.  I’m not extremely happy right now, but I’m still looking for the point.  I know that God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.  And I’m about full, so why does the onslaught continue?

All I can come up with, There is something I need to be a little stronger for.  I don’t assume to know God’s plan, but I know he loves me.  I know he watches me.

Sorry if this feels more like a journal than a blog, but I’m not going to tag this.  If you are reading this, God says help is on the way.   You are not here by mistake.  I’m writing this because this is not the first time I’ve felt this way, but it is the first time I felt the need to share it.  To let my own vulnerabilities show you it’s okay.  I’ll be here tomorrow, filling the internet with my thoughts, with a smile.

I hope this helps.  I don’t know who needed to hear this, but just writing it makes me feel better.  And maybe my day went so bad, so I had to write this.  So you could read this.  I’m telling you, THE LORD IS GOOD.

When You Know You’re Wrong

July 17th, 2008 | By

So many times, we know the right thing to say and do, but we do the opposite. We blame it on circumstance, when it’s really just selfishness. We want immediate gratification, knowing there will be a penalty in the end.

Even worse, we turn from God when we’re ashamed of the decisions we’ve made. That’s the time when we need him most. To fill of hearts with enough compassion to know that another decision is coming and it’s chance at redemption. What will you do next time you know you’re wrong?

“The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice” George Eliot (1819-1880)

Build A Network

June 17th, 2008 | By

Most times we look to family for insight. Even though they might not be the example you want to follow. The trick is to surround yourself with like-minded people.

Not people of the same color, religion, or political affiliation. People of the same character, moral values, and same desire to educate themselves and grow, financially and as a person.

“Ask advice only of your equals.” Danish Proverb

A Walk In Someone Elses Shoes

June 11th, 2008 | By

We love to complain about the things that affect us. But rarely do we look around to see how worse things could be.

We complain about being poor. When there are people who haven’t eaten a good meal in months. We complain about limited rights. When there are people who don’t have any. We complain about gas prices. When there are people who walk 20 miles to go to school.

Take a look at those around you and know you are blessed.

“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.” Douglas Adams 1952-2001

Do It Just Because

June 8th, 2008 | By

Upon spotting a situation where your assistance could be helpful, don’t first question what’s in it for you. The benefits or problems of a particular outcome may not reveal themselves until ready.

Meaning. Six years down the road your blessing may come. Don’t worry. God always closes his tab. So in the mean time, rack up the blessing helping all you see just because you know he’s real.

“Be alert to give service. What counts a good deal in life is what we do for others.”

Share Success Wisely

June 6th, 2008 | By

Choose wisely those you share your successes with. When you are happy and content and you want to shout about it, make sure you’re not surrounded by crabs in the barrel.

Those with no ambition will shoot yours down, and those who expect the most of you will always ask for more. Realize it is your path to take, and the chatter around you will always be there, just ease you mind and move forward. Don’t allow them to make you stand still.

A Book By It’s Cover

June 5th, 2008 | By

Appearances can be deceiving. Deception can hide behind friendly words. Illness can hide between thick thighs.

Time and patience reveal more than a quick glance. Watch as they relate to others and if it contridicts your first opinion, believe it. There could be a reason they only show you the good.

“Acting is a form of deception, and actors can mesmerize themselves almost as easily as an audience.” Leo Rosten 1908-

HAVING FAITH

June 3rd, 2008 | By

The moment someone mentions faith, those who don’t believe have something to say. Yet, they have faith that their government will protect their speech.

Faith is important. Knowing you can accomplish something when all signs point to failure, faithful. Having that faith and letting the world see you wear it as a badge of honor, priceless.

“I always admired Atheists. I think it takes a lot of faith.” Northern Exposure1991