June 3, 2010
by Al Bregar
One week ago I packed my bags and hit the skies for a state over 900 miles away from my home state of Georgia. This time of year this is not uncommon. It was just days from the Memorial Day Weekend. However my trip has a specific purpose. I am here to get Bob Vander Plaats elected as Iowa’s next Governor! Why would a citizen from Georgia care so much? There has to be some greater allure than seeing Chuck Norris or trying Dutch letter pastries, right? Why would anyone in their right mind travel so far to support a political candidate they can’t even cast a ballot for? It’s very simple. It’s about Freedom!
One year ago I founded the Can-Do Conservatives of America. We are the nation’s first and only Conservative political organization representing the disabled (I was born legally blind and have other handicaps). I was frustrated by the ignorance for disabled people from the establishment of the Republican Party, which leaves us to be “championed” by liberal Democrats who just want to manipulate us for political gain.
There is a vicious cycle of Government dependence that has swept this Nation since The Great Depression. The cycle was born from FDR’s New Deal policies and bred during LBJ’s Great Society in the 1960’s. At an increasing rate, the Government has decided in their infinite wisdom that the best way to help the most vulnerable in society is to give us handouts. While the intentions may be good, Peter is being robbed to give to Paul and both are being stolen from. These handouts rob us of our independence, dignity, and freedom while hard-working Americans are robbed to provide these handouts to us. It’s criminal!
For far too long most Republicans have played along to get along. In past years they have joined the spending spree that has contributed to the intensification of the Cycle. Meanwhile Republicans have ignored the disabled and the issues most important to us. My frustration hit its peak following the election of Michael Steele as the new RNC Chairman in the winter of 2009. None of the candidates for the position seemed to have any interest in any outreach to the disabled community.
It is one thing to complain about the status quo. It is another to do something about it. I feel that if you complain about a problem and actively do nothing about it then you are contributing to that problem. I wanted to be part of the solution. That is why I decided to stand up and use my experience as a campaign volunteer for Governor Mike Huckabee’s Presidential run in 2008 to take another leap of faith to found my organization.
Early on a good friend of mine introduced Bob to me. As I continued to learn more about him I realized that a true champion for the disabled had stepped forward to lead the way for Iowa, the Republican Party, and for America. Bob Vander Plaats became a natural choice for endorsement. In fact, Bob was so much so and so important to the Can-Do Conservative cause that I traveled to Iowa on the week of my Birthday last year to campaign for him. In time, Bob has become a staunch supporter of the cause and a good friend.
Why is Bob Vander Plaats a champion for the disabled? This is personal to him. Lucas, his third of four children, was born with a very rare brain disorder which has left him severely disabled. Lucas (and Bob’s) story is a very inspiring one which is told in the 2007 book Light From Lucas. As CEO of Opportunities Unlimited in the 1990’s, Bob became well known as an expert on disabled issues. In fact he was appointed to head a committee focused on them under former Governor Terry Branstad. Unfortunately, when it was time to speak in front of the bureaucracy, they completely ignored Bob and his advice on how to empower the disabled through policy instead of handouts. It was this lack of leadership that has fueled Bob’s fire to run for Governor, despite the media’s attempts to pidgeonhole Bob as a bigoted one-issue candidate.
Bob is not your typical politician. He spoke very highly of me and my cause when I was here last September and did so again on Tuesday night in Ottumwa. However he hasn’t been practicing in empty pandering. He has been speaking out for the Disabled everywhere he goes. That’s leadership, ladies and gentlemen!
While that might explain why I support Bob, it does not explain why I am back up here again barnstorming The Hawkeye state right up to the primary. Here’s the reason why: Iowa is not just fly-over territory in the Heartland of America. Iowa is one of the most key political states in the entire country. The Presidential election cycle begins here every four years. Everything that happens in Iowa is magnified to the nth degree. When things in Iowa are not well, it reflects badly on America. Democrat Governor, Culver has run this state deep in the ground. Iowa deserves to have a Governor that will not just lean her in the right direction, but will lead her towards exceptionalism and America too! Bob Vander Plaats is that leader!
Bob will work tirelessly to open Iowa back up for business by promoting her as a right to work /State. Bob will envoke the 10th Amendment to fight Federal over-reach on issues like healthcare. Bob will honor the separation of powers and stand up to the Iowa Supreme Court to protect our values and our freedom. Bob will fight to enact a similar law to the one passed in Arizona that will enforce the immigration laws on the books and protect the citizens of Iowa.
Specifically since Iowa is on center stage, what better state to show the Republican Party and the rest of the nation how to not just enable, but empower the disabled through a hand up rather than handouts? With Bob Vander Plaats as Governor, Iowa will become a shining example of just that and other states will follow suit. When other states follow Iowa’s lead, the Federal Government might get the message and get with the program. If so, I believe we would be on the verge of the next generation of American Exceptionalism and freedom for everyone will be on the march.
So can you see why I am so passionate about Bob? This is why I have traveled so far away from home. This is why I have withstood the pain from low muscle tone to knock on doors in Oskaloosa and help plaster that town with signs. This is why I have talked to complete strangers and made phone calls for Bob. I am fully committed to seeing this through.
For such a fledgling organization, some would believe it foolish to get so heavily involved in a contested primary. If June 8th comes and goes without a victory the result might cause many people to back away from supporting the Can-Do Conservative cause. I don’t care. I have cashed in whatever few chips I have and I am giving my all for Bob come what may. I am proud of Bob and I will be proud of the effort no matter what. A leader like Bob Vander Plaats comes around only about once in a lifetime. Iowans have a golden opportunity to nominate him and the elect him as Governor this year. Conservatives are counting on you, Americans are counting on you and even I am counting on you. Don’t let us down! Get out and vote on June 8th for Bob Vander Plaats and get everyone you know to do the same! Together we can bring common-sense Conservative leadership to Iowa and spread it around this Nation? Who’s with me?
Guest Commentary: Why I Am Supporting Bob Vander Plaats by Brian Donegan
June 3, 2010 by Al Bregar 3 Comments
One year ago I founded the Can-Do Conservatives of America. We are the nation’s first and only Conservative political organization representing the disabled (I was born legally blind and have other handicaps). I was frustrated by the ignorance for disabled people from the establishment of the Republican Party, which leaves us to be “championed” by liberal Democrats who just want to manipulate us for political gain.
There is a vicious cycle of Government dependence that has swept this Nation since The Great Depression. The cycle was born from FDR’s New Deal policies and bred during LBJ’s Great Society in the 1960’s. At an increasing rate, the Government has decided in their infinite wisdom that the best way to help the most vulnerable in society is to give us handouts. While the intentions may be good, Peter is being robbed to give to Paul and both are being stolen from. These handouts rob us of our independence, dignity, and freedom while hard-working Americans are robbed to provide these handouts to us. It’s criminal!
For far too long most Republicans have played along to get along. In past years they have joined the spending spree that has contributed to the intensification of the Cycle. Meanwhile Republicans have ignored the disabled and the issues most important to us. My frustration hit its peak following the election of Michael Steele as the new RNC Chairman in the winter of 2009. None of the candidates for the position seemed to have any interest in any outreach to the disabled community.
It is one thing to complain about the status quo. It is another to do something about it. I feel that if you complain about a problem and actively do nothing about it then you are contributing to that problem. I wanted to be part of the solution. That is why I decided to stand up and use my experience as a campaign volunteer for Governor Mike Huckabee’s Presidential run in 2008 to take another leap of faith to found my organization.
Early on a good friend of mine introduced Bob to me. As I continued to learn more about him I realized that a true champion for the disabled had stepped forward to lead the way for Iowa, the Republican Party, and for America. Bob Vander Plaats became a natural choice for endorsement. In fact, Bob was so much so and so important to the Can-Do Conservative cause that I traveled to Iowa on the week of my Birthday last year to campaign for him. In time, Bob has become a staunch supporter of the cause and a good friend.
Why is Bob Vander Plaats a champion for the disabled? This is personal to him. Lucas, his third of four children, was born with a very rare brain disorder which has left him severely disabled. Lucas (and Bob’s) story is a very inspiring one which is told in the 2007 book Light From Lucas. As CEO of Opportunities Unlimited in the 1990’s, Bob became well known as an expert on disabled issues. In fact he was appointed to head a committee focused on them under former Governor Terry Branstad. Unfortunately, when it was time to speak in front of the bureaucracy, they completely ignored Bob and his advice on how to empower the disabled through policy instead of handouts. It was this lack of leadership that has fueled Bob’s fire to run for Governor, despite the media’s attempts to pidgeonhole Bob as a bigoted one-issue candidate.
Bob is not your typical politician. He spoke very highly of me and my cause when I was here last September and did so again on Tuesday night in Ottumwa. However he hasn’t been practicing in empty pandering. He has been speaking out for the Disabled everywhere he goes. That’s leadership, ladies and gentlemen!
While that might explain why I support Bob, it does not explain why I am back up here again barnstorming The Hawkeye state right up to the primary. Here’s the reason why: Iowa is not just fly-over territory in the Heartland of America. Iowa is one of the most key political states in the entire country. The Presidential election cycle begins here every four years. Everything that happens in Iowa is magnified to the nth degree. When things in Iowa are not well, it reflects badly on America. Democrat Governor, Culver has run this state deep in the ground. Iowa deserves to have a Governor that will not just lean her in the right direction, but will lead her towards exceptionalism and America too! Bob Vander Plaats is that leader!
Bob will work tirelessly to open Iowa back up for business by promoting her as a right to work /State. Bob will envoke the 10th Amendment to fight Federal over-reach on issues like healthcare. Bob will honor the separation of powers and stand up to the Iowa Supreme Court to protect our values and our freedom. Bob will fight to enact a similar law to the one passed in Arizona that will enforce the immigration laws on the books and protect the citizens of Iowa.
Specifically since Iowa is on center stage, what better state to show the Republican Party and the rest of the nation how to not just enable, but empower the disabled through a hand up rather than handouts? With Bob Vander Plaats as Governor, Iowa will become a shining example of just that and other states will follow suit. When other states follow Iowa’s lead, the Federal Government might get the message and get with the program. If so, I believe we would be on the verge of the next generation of American Exceptionalism and freedom for everyone will be on the march.
So can you see why I am so passionate about Bob? This is why I have traveled so far away from home. This is why I have withstood the pain from low muscle tone to knock on doors in Oskaloosa and help plaster that town with signs. This is why I have talked to complete strangers and made phone calls for Bob. I am fully committed to seeing this through.
For such a fledgling organization, some would believe it foolish to get so heavily involved in a contested primary. If June 8th comes and goes without a victory the result might cause many people to back away from supporting the Can-Do Conservative cause. I don’t care. I have cashed in whatever few chips I have and I am giving my all for Bob come what may. I am proud of Bob and I will be proud of the effort no matter what. A leader like Bob Vander Plaats comes around only about once in a lifetime. Iowans have a golden opportunity to nominate him and the elect him as Governor this year. Conservatives are counting on you, Americans are counting on you and even I am counting on you. Don’t let us down! Get out and vote on June 8th for Bob Vander Plaats and get everyone you know to do the same! Together we can bring common-sense Conservative leadership to Iowa and spread it around this Nation? Who’s with me?
Filed under Guest Commentary, Politics Tagged with Bob Vander Plaats, Brian Donegan, Can-Do Conservatives of America, Chuck Norris