Since I’m blogging at Mount Virtus, my diaries will still be syndicated at the Rocky Mountain Alliance and People’s Press Collective. I look forward to seeing you there.

I am an advocate of a smart foreign policy that actually makes Americans safer. You’re someone who thinks a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb is a “diplomatic tool.” This is not going to be pretty.

Smart Foreign Policy to Rebecca is to send some civilians into a combat zone with who knows what to talk with terrorists who would just as soon kill them and themselves into living peacefully together. The reference to Goodwin’s Law was a good one, well except that Diggs referred to many other treaties that were broken through the years and recently. The entire article is a pick-and-choose to reinforce their talking points. They gloss over or completely ignore important aspects of Brown’s response; primarily that he has been there, and they have not.

Unfortunately, Griffin didn’t really respond directly to Brown’s response, but rather used it to just re-iterate the same talking points again. Most glaringly, this can be seen in her response to Brown’s statements that no civilian organization can respond as quickly as the United States Military,

“Mr. Brown appears to find the idea of civilian humanitarian efforts hilarious. However I, along with millions of generous Americans, funneled our money to those efforts through the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health, and other civilian organizations that are doing amazing, life saving work on the ground in Haiti.”

Brown no where mentioned that these organizations aren’t important. In fact, I know he’d say they are vitally important. The simple fact is they don’t have the resources to respond at a moment’s notice. There’s no reason to duplicate this ability with a civilian force. The United States military can provide this service now, and has been extremely effective in the past.

People like Griffin have the idea that if we just use the right words all these people that hate us will just stop fighting. They’ll lay down their weapons and nukes and we’ll all sit around the campfire singing Kumbaya. The terrorists in Afghanistan and elsewhere have no intention of ever doing that. They live by force, and only understand the diplomatic tool of a ready response of force.

If you appreciate what Diggs Brown has done for America as a soldier, and support what he wants to do as a congressman, there’s something you can do about it. There’s a money bomb for Diggs this week. Throw him a few bones and show the constituents in Colorado’s 4th District that there’s someone willing to go fight for them in Washington.

Do you support negotiating with Russia for deep reductions down to 1,000 or fewer weapons in our arsenals? Do you support the larger vision of taking practical steps to reach the elimination of nuclear weapons?

I’m going to assume from the title of your organization and the tone of your first question that this is going to be an interesting questionnaire. So let’s dispense with the usual political double-talk. I’m a Green Beret. You’re something called “Peace Action West”. This is not going to be pretty.

Right out of the gate we can see Diggs is going to give it to us straight. Their second question:

Do you support U.S. ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty?

Throughout history, whenever America and her allies have put stock in the signatures of dictators on pieces of paper it has left us vulnerable. Hitler signed a piece of paper agreeing to “peace in our time.” Japan signed a piece paper in 1930 agreeing to limit the size of its navy. The Soviet Union signed – and broke – treaties throughout the Cold War. North Korea, Iran and Iraq have all signed pieces of paper in the past twenty years that have turned out to be meaningless acts of deliberate deception.

The questions posed in this survey are all designed to elicit the answers they are looking for.

Under what circumstances, if any, would you use military means to deal with Iran’s nuclear programs?

As the cornerstone of my negotiations with Iran, I would speed up the development and production of the Massive Ordinance Penetrator, a precision-guided, 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb (the “MOP”) capable of destroying their underground nuclear facilities.

Diggs is more than happy to give them his answer, though I’m sure it’s not the one they’re looking for. How about some sanctions against Iran?

Do you support sanctions against Iran? If so, what kind (broad, targeted, unilateral, multilateral, etc.)?

I support any and all sanctions on Iran, unilateral if need be. However, any sanctions should be backed up with the “diplomatic tool” of the MOP. (See Question 4).

The survey wouldn’t be complete with an exit strategy question:

Do you support the escalation of troops in Afghanistan? In general, do you support the use of military force against non-state terrorist organizations? Would you consider voting in favor of legislation that would exercise oversight of the military mission in Afghanistan (i.e. requiring development of an exit strategy or setting a timeline for withdrawal of U.S. troops)?

Let’s be honest, have any of you have ever been to Afghanistan? Have any of you ever fired a weapon (or had one fired at you)? Have any of you have seen what the Taliban and Al Qaeda are doing to innocent civilians?

So when you’re ready to tell me what you’ve actually done about the conditions in Afghanistan, other than try to tie the hands of the people who are actually helping the Afghan people – the United States Military – get back to me.

Diggs gives it to them straight. He’s been there. He knows what’s going on, and what our presence and success mean to the people of Afghanistan. Now they want to know about sending civilians to replace the military.

Do you support shifting the ratio of funding to favor greater emphasis on civilian engagement in Afghanistan? What type of non-military programs do you support for stabilizing Afghanistan (development, aid, diplomacy)?

Afghanistan remains a very dangerous place for civilians to do business. The Taliban are actively seeking to attack American targets. As such, we must continue to put the focus on security first. Without security, civilians can’t do their jobs and the Afghan citizens can’t create a stable society.

Some of those volunteers never came back.

Diggs knows what really goes on because he’s been there. How about those drones?

Do you support air strikes and drone attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan?

You guys spent the first few years of the war complaining that too many of my brothers and sisters in the military were getting killed. Frankly, the use of military dead to make your political points is disgusting to me. Some of those men and women were my friends, and they would never want their sacrifice to be used to further your political agenda.

So now the Pentagon figures out way where a pilot can sit in a comfortable chair in Nevada and provide us air cover with a Nintendo controller, and you still have a problem?

Who’s lives exactly are these people really concerned about?

What do you see as the future role of foreign assistance in U.S. foreign policy? Would you support efforts to increase resources for development and elevate foreign assistance to better balance reliance on the Defense Department in U.S. interactions with the global community? Would you support a rewrite of the Foreign Assistance Act?

“Reestablishing civilian control of humanitarian and development efforts…” So the next time there’s an earthquake in Haiti or a Tsunami in Thailand the civilians will be the first responders?

Veteran, Operation Enduring Freedom

I, for one, find it refreshing that a political candidate is willing to reply to one of these surveys exactly like we’d hope he would. Diggs Brown has served our Country well, and deserves a look in the race for Colorado’s 4th congressional district. I recommend that you read the entire survey and Diggs’ responses for yourself.

Large excerpts of the survey and responses were re-posted in this diary with permission.

Cross-posted at RedState.com

Umm, I voted against the TARP funding, umm, you know when, of course that was actually, uh, voted on before I came in to, to office, the first half of that money, the Troubled Asset Relief Program, that’s the money that went to the big banks…

This is what happens when you have to pretend to be something you’re not. You start claiming to be against unpopular spending legislation in which you didn’t even participate. Markey joined the Blue Dogs recently in another attempt to convince voters she really cares about their pocketbook.

Unfortunately for her, her voting record is available to anyone that is interested in looking into it. In her first two months in office she voted for $1.2 trillion in new spending. This doesn’t include her vote for Cap and Trade legislation, and her strong support as a co-sponsor of the proposed Card Check bill.

And about those green jobs for Colorado that she promised if Cap and Trade were to pass? The only way it’s going to happen is if your tax dollars fund it. There’s this little problem with customers that don’t exist.

Betsy Markey is a shopaholic when it comes your tax dollars, her claims of fiscal conservatism and organization memberships notwithstanding. The truth is, she votes with her party 94% of the time. Thankfully, we have some great candidates in CD-4. One of them will send her on her way in November if people will look at her actions and not just her words.

I’ll be on the Amy Oliver Show on KFKA 1310 this morning at 10:00am MST to talk about my Colorado Political Analysis: 2010 blog that I posted at RedState last week. If you’re in the local area please tune in. For those of you outside the broadcast area, you can listen in online at kfka1310.com.

This is my own personal take on the current state of things, and in no way should be construed to be anyone else’s opinion but my own. I used their material because, well, they write great stuff. Where else would I go to find out what’s important in Colorado?

A great blogger and online friend of mine, David Hinz, was killed in a car accident in Michigan this past Friday. David was a great patriot who fought for liberty and freedom with his pen for his family, friends, and himself. He was a great friend who always praised my blogging efforts. When he merged The Hinzsight Report with The Minority Report Blog, he encouraged me to start writing articles for The Hinzsight Report, which was primarily a vehicle for reporting news from a Conservative perspective; something sorely lacking in the mainstream media.

David was a frequent writer and commenter at RedState when I started blogging there over two years ago. He was always quick to call out Republicans that strayed from the conservative message. He rightly understood that the most caring government was one that left most decisions to the individual. He was a firm believer that our government should strictly adhere to the Constitution as it was originally intended by our Founding Fathers. He was also working a new project with others at 73wire.com.

David often saved some of his best work when writing satire under the nom de plume Lord Vegas which is the name of his dog. I enjoyed watching him take shots at the hypocritical liberals and their organizations. He always encouraged me and praised my writing, especially when I was doubting my own abilities.

David will be missed in the conservative blogasphere. More importantly, he will be missed by his family and friends. You can read more about David here, here, and here. More information about him and the accident can be found here. My you rest in peace, David, and to his family please know that we are praying for your comfort during this difficult time.

No, it’s not because of the current political climate in Colorado and Washington. It’s also not permanent. I’m going on a working vacation to Germany and Italy tomorrow. What this means is I’ll be working, and my wife will be vacationing. You can follow our travels here. We’ll also be driving through Switzerland and Austria, and possibly visiting Monte Carlo, Monaco and Nice, France if time allows.

I’ll be back the second week of December and hope to get caught up on the political scene when I return. I’d be willing to bet there will be someone not running for office when I return, and perhaps someone else who is running. Politics in Colorado and Washington are nothing if not interesting and always changing.

Diggs Brown formally announced his candidacy for the Fourth Congressional District of Colorado at the Best Western Hotel in Loveland Colorado on Saturday, Nov. 16th. Many in the district have been waiting for Diggs to return from his tour in the Army and announce his candidacy. There was a good turnout at the event to welcome Diggs home and cheer him on into the race for CD-4.

I had a chance to sit down with Diggs yesterday for a short meet & greet. Diggs has finished his commitment to the military and is ready now to fight in Washington for the people of Colorado. He’s been reading the daily intelligence reports and is concerned for the safety of our nation. He’s also concerned with the government takeover of industry that’s happened in the past year, and how much we and our children will have to be taxed to pay for the out-of-control spending that’s going on.

I will have a more in-depth interview with Diggs in a month or two, as well as the other candidates for CD-4 that are running. Check out Diggs’ new website to see the issues that are important to him and Coloradans.

U.S. Congressional District 4 Candidates

Cory Gardner

“This race isn’t about Republican or Democrat, but for every American afraid of losing their freedom. We need to send people to Washington that will stand up for people. I’m going to Washington to stand up to big spenders.”

Tom Lucero

“The Constitution is being kicked to the curb. We need to get the government out of the home, banking, health care businesses, and out of the way of small businesses who are the backbone of the Country.”

Diggs Brown

“While in Afghanistan, I was reading intelligent reports every day, and for the first time I fear for my Country. What’s with the government that is taking control and not listening to the people? I’m going to Washington to make sure they’re listening to you, and to kick some people in the butt.”

Dean Madere

“I’m angry, worried, scared about where we’re going. I’ve been involved in Tea Parties. I’m tired of voting for politicians. My grass roots are deep.”

U.S. Senate Candidates

Cleve Tidwell

“I’m a businessman, not an attorney or a politician. It’s time to put common sense business people in Washington.”

Tom Wiens

“I’m a rancher, businessman, and former State Senator. There is no respect for the people of Colorado because Congress doesn’t even read the bills before they spend a trillion dollars of our money. We need to vote for change one more time.”

Shawn Mitchell for Ken Buck

“I’m a lawyer, I’m a politician, and I’m from California. Lucky for me, I’m not the one running for office.”

(Ken Buck showed up later, but I had already left for the evening)

Colorado Governor Candidates

Dan Maes

“The Revolution is On. If you can beat the mob in NJ, you’re doing something. I know what it is to be an executive. The Governor’s office isn’t a playground for legislators.”

Special guest Matt Arnold, director of Clear the Bench Colorado was also there and spoke about the upcoming Colorado Supreme Court retention elections in November 2010, advocating a “NO” vote - what he called “the most important votes you probably didn’t no you could cast” - on the four Colorado Supreme Court justices facing the voters in November. I had to leave to attend to some personal business before he had a chance to speak, but the Coloradoan and Greeley Tribune were there also to provide coverage of the event. Unfortunately they didn’t provide any coverage of Matt’s speech and the questions he answered for almost 30 minutes. Go check out his website for more information on the movement. I’ll be doing an interview with Matt in the next couple of months and will have much more information for you at that time.

Thanks to the candidates that were willing to show up and meet with their potential constituents. For those that decided not to show up, it’s going to be hard to convince us that you’re willing to represent your district or State when you can’t even show up to answer questions and meet with those same people. Elected Government officials become less accessible after election, not more. Quite frankly, the American people are tired of sending people into office only to have them ignore the very people that sent them there.

All of the candidates for Congressional District 4 did well at the event. Cory Gardner was very sharp, and I appreciated his appeal to his family. To be honest, I’d rather be out in the backyard playing catch with my kids than sitting in front of this computer, but doing what I am here is more important to their future, so I have to take time away from that. Gardner seems to understand this as well. I know he’s had to sacrifice a considerable amount of time away from his family, as have the others running for office.

Tom Lucero was very good, and is now starting to take a stand on today’s issues and stand up for his record. I appreciated his candor and where he is on the most important issues. Diggs Brown just arrived home after another tour in the Army. Although he’s still making the transition from soldier to candidate, he did well in addressing the most pressing issues of the day. Dan Madere, a newcomer to politics, gave an impassioned speech when explaining why he decided to get into this race.

I wasn’t terribly impressed with the candidates for U.S. Senate. I had hoped to hear from Ken Buck, but as I stated earlier I had to leave before he arrived from a previous commitment in Pueblo. The fact that he rushed to get her at all shows he knows the importance of meeting with the people in his home district.

Dan Maes was very impressive in his open comments and answers to questions. If he’s able to find a way to start raising some serious money and get some name recognition, he could give Scott McInnis a run for the opportunity to run against Bill Ritter. He definitely has many in the grassroots movements behind him.