R. Kelly's Thoughts on America

Random poetry of questionable decency...

2011-08-04T21:49:00.002-06:00

So many things to say that I have left unsaid,
     So many tears to cry that I have left unshed,
          So many dreams I have lived while lying asleep in bed,
               All the secrets that I keep will be lost when I am dead.

Can you really hate the country you love?

2011-08-03T07:56:00.003-06:00

I read a comment that someone gave on Facebook last night, and it sparked some serious thought. It read as follows:

"Teabaggers hate America."

I don't know if the writer of this comment was serious or not, but the meaning seemed clear to me. This is the old argument that if you aren't in support of any policy the government puts forward, no matter how ridiculous or dangerous it seems, you are un-patriotic and an enemy of your own country.

I don't claim to be part of the Tea Party. In fact, I think it is a movement which started with good intentions and has since been infested with neo-conservatives who will play along with the idea to win election, but will fall back on more traditional GOP policies once they are out of the cross-hairs of public scrutiny.

That being said, maybe it's true that I do hate America. The comment was not directed towards me, but in thinking about it I realized that it's possible that I don't like what this nation has become. We now have a bloated and over-reaching central government that is fueled by media speculation and voter apathy. We have governmental departments and regulations that stifle liberty and productivity. We have citizens who are convinced that the only path to safety and prosperity is to give our government control and let them choose what we get in return.

It sets up an interesting position. I love this country, and I think it has the potential to become the pinnacle of liberty and freedom once again. For the moment, however, I hate what America has evolved into. We can do better, and I see the potential for a return to a more limited government and greater personal liberty.

An open letter to President Obama

2011-07-30T14:15:00.003-06:00

Mr. President,

I, like many other Americans, understand that we are running out of Treasury funds to pay our obligations. I understand that raising the current debt ceiling will allow us to make those payments, even though doing so requires us to put our country further in debt.

I wish you would just be straightforward with us. We have a problem that comes from you and the previous Presidents budgeting in an irresponsible fashion. We have a problem with our Legislature authorizing expenses beyond the budgets that puts us in a position where our income can't cover our expenses.

Saying that we have done this before doesn't mean anything unless you are committed, as the executor of our government, to stop it from happening again. Saying that we always pay our bills doesn't mean much either, since it's clear from this whole situation that we don't have the money, and have to borrow it from others. I also don't believe that raising the limit now will not result in more money being spent. While it's true that we've already committed the money that we don't have, I have no faith in the U.S. Government to keep from pushing budgets and spending to the next debt ceiling we create.

If we are to accept any raising of the debt ceiling, and especially if you think we are going to agree to let you take more of our income through taxation, you need to guarantee this will not happen again. Work with Congress and establish the framework for all future Presidents and Legislators to never allow our budget to be this out of control again. This problem is not entirely the fault of the American people; stop telling us you are going to punish us by not paying us before you pay contractors and foreign debt holders. Admit to the problem, own it, and fix it. This country will thank you for it.

The debt debate.

2011-07-30T09:35:00.002-06:00

One thing I keep hearing is that if we don't allow an increase in the debt ceiling, we will lose our AAA credit rating and, perhaps most importantly, we will be seen as failing to uphold the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. Government. Here's what I don't understand:

Our President creates a budget, with some help from his advisers.

Congress takes the budget, puts it into action, adds earmarks and other appropriations that inflate our expenses beyond the projected revenues.

Every year that we reach the point where the Treasury cannot pay the obligations we've created, they are allowed to take a loan from whomever trusts our Government enough to let us have it.(Read: These people aren't too bright.)

So now we have exhausted all of the money that the Government has taken from us, and are now living on borrowed money. At the same time interest is being added on to what we owe, which there is no money available to pay that or the money we borrowed because we've spent on our programs already. When the next budget is released, they will misappropriate again and the cycle will add to our already astronomical deficit.

Now we are at the point where we are, by our own arbitrary definition, not allowed to assume any more debt in order to cover the mistakes Congress has made in authorizing spending beyond what was budgeted. Some think the solution is to raise the ceiling, allowing us to take on more debt, and then we'll talk about how to keep this from happening again.

I don't believe it. We've been raising the debt ceiling for decades to cover up the failures of our Legislature, and by extension our Presidents, who have failed to budget responsibly and spend within those limits. I don't understand how there is any faith left in the credit of the United States. We have a proven history of taking loans because we can't manage money. We have a horrendous track record of failure. We have a legislature that refuses to learn its lesson.

If we raise the ceiling again, the next budget will be passed with spending that we can't afford. Congress will once again authorize spending beyond our income. We cannot do this again.

If we do not raise the ceiling, the concern is that this next Tuesday we will reach a point where the Treasury is only able to pay about 60% of our outlays. The secondary debate is over what will have to go unpaid. What infuriates me is the game of scare tactics that is being played over that 40%. President Obama wants us to believe that if we have to make those decisions, it will result in payments that are owed to American citizens not being made. As I understand it, that will be a decision that he and Tim Geithner will make together. If our President chooses to pay foreign debt holders before American citizens, I will not accept the argument that this was Congress' fault by not giving them more fake money to cover this up. That decision will rest on the executive office alone.

We have reached a point where we cannot allow our government to think that they can be irresponsible ever again. We have an opportunity to make them face the consequences of the mistakes they have been making, some of them for several decades. The bills currently being proposed don't make any real cuts because they make reductions in predicted levels of spending, not in any actual budgeting. I want to force the President to be the leader that he should be in the first place, and require him to pay us first before we pay any foreign lenders. Congress needs to learn that further mismanagement of our money will not be allowed.

I post, once again, perhaps my favorite part of Washington's Farewell Address.

2011-07-27T20:55:00.001-06:00

The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.

18 However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion.

20 I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.

21 This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.

22 The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.

23 Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight,) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.

24 It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.

25 There is an opinion, that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of Liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And, there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

26 It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution, in those intrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the Guardian of the Public Weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern; some of them in our country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way, which the constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for, though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit, which the use can at any time yield.

Why I do not support the President.

2011-07-26T00:13:00.002-06:00

I have many issues with the speech Obama gave about the debt ceiling. Here they are:

He began by saying that for the last decade our country has spent more than we have taken in. He should remember that 2 1/2 years of that have been while he has been President.

He took the time to shift the blame back on President Bush, which seems to be his only defense tactic when explaining the failures of our entire government.

He referred to tax cuts as "spending." I fail to see how having less revenue has required our government to spend money.

He blamed the wars, again, even though he has refused to end them and bring our troops home.

He brought up the prescription drug costs, while failing to mention that he has altered our health care to make us all pay more for each other. That must be one of those "tax cuts" that are the same as spending.

He mentioned that cuts need to be made to defense and welfare, but that the cuts asked for are too deep. I say they are not deep enough.

He tried to scare us by saying that social security and veteran payments will not go out. I don't believe that, and the SSA administrator has said that current SS tax receipts are enough to cover current outlays.

He tried to intimidate Congress, and us, by saying that if we only temporarily increase the ceiling we will face default in six months. If we permanently raise the ceiling we will face default when our reckless spending policies headed by Obama himself push us against the ceiling anyways.

He blamed Republicans for being the ones that are unwilling to sacrifice, claiming that we need to ask the rich to surrender more of their income to pay for the failures of government. He had the nerve to call rich people who wouldn't give their "fair share" unpatriotic. There is nothing less patriotic than letting your government steal from you.

He claimed that we did not vote for a dysfunctional government. That's all our two parties have been for the last 100 years.

He called us a democracy.

Mr. President, this is a constitutional republic where our elected officials swear an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. The purpose of that document was to protect us from the panicked actions of an excitable majority. It was a great concern of our founders that partisanship would attempt to frighten and mislead large numbers of our population into supporting the erosion of liberty. Since at least the early 1900's they have been very successful, and you are trying to further that fear and panic. I am proud of every single member of Congress who is opposing your attempts to push us into another bad decision. It is time we take a stand against the oppressive and tyrannical central government. We the people will have our liberty.

A thought about charity...

2011-07-25T20:49:00.002-06:00

One dollar. Forget for a moment the reckless policies of our government and the Federal Reserve that are weakening it's value. One dollar isn't much. The smallest paper value in the American monetary system. If someone were to give you a dollar, there isn't too much you could do with it.

But what if 10,000 people were to give you one? Or 100,000? Or even 1,000,000?

There are, without question, many more than one million Americans who could give one dollar away and still be financially stable. How much could one person's life be changed if they focused that charity in their direction?

Unfortunately, there are probably government restrictions against this kind of charity. I would love to see what could happen if one person were given this great gift, then joined with others the next month to give another million to someone else. How many lives could we change in this country if we voluntarily shared a small and insignificant portion of what we have with each other? I know the money is out there; we donate hundreds of millions just to political campaigns each year.

Federal Regulation and Oversight

2011-07-13T20:40:00.002-06:00

At work today, we learned that the FDA is considering cracking down on certain reagents that, as a result of their regulatory oversight, are considered to be usable for research only, and are not to be applied in a diagnostic manner without an exemption, which we currently have. If they decide to take this course, we will lose the ability to perform several of our current assays, limiting the options available for physicians to aid in the diagnosis of their patients.

Are these tests really unsafe, or incapable of providing a quality result to a doctor? Of course not!

Why, then, does the FDA disapprove?

In short, it is because the manufacturers are either unwilling, or more likely unable, to make it through the approval process, which takes time and lots of money to complete. It is essentially a government racket. If you don't play the game the government's way, then you don't get to play at all.

In the process, my company will lose revenue from the missing tests, resulting in further cuts to benefits, wages, and bonuses. They will also be less likely to hire replacements for employees who leave, there will be no growth of new jobs, and there is even the slim possibility that jobs could be eliminated.

The FDA is a bloated, out-of-control Federal agency which takes action to ensure it's own profitability and exercises authority to maintain their overbearing control over the things within their jurisdiction. In the meantime, this excess of government is having the reverse effect that politicians claim it will. There is no job growth, job creation, or economic stimulus to be had from a decision like this. Our government is hurting our ability to flourish as a freely operating provider of reference laboratory testing.

Obama doesn't want to fix this, and neither does Romney. Only someone with a mind for limited government, like Ron Paul, can truly unleash the potential of America.

Some thoughts on marriage.

2011-07-07T19:13:00.002-06:00

The State of New York recently passed legislation that makes same-sex marriages allowable under state law. A key point in the process of getting enough votes was a clause that protects religions from being require to marry same-sex couples if their beliefs disagree with that practice.

I find it unfortunate that the Constitution of the United States of America isn't a sufficient law to keep religions from being forced to do something they don't want to do. My personal understanding of the First Amendment is that no government in this nation has the power to interfere with the operations of any religion. As such, no religious organization should ever feel threatened by any outside group with the intention to require an action which would be unacceptable to that religion.

I've also heard it said that one of the reasons that gays and lesbians are pushing to force religions into same-sex marriages is that they want the ability to be married in the church of their choosing. What they are really asking is for acceptance by groups of people with whom they have been raised, when those groups have adopted a set of moral standards that cannot comply with this acceptance. To me, freedom of religion means you are free to worship with any group of like-minded people, and as such you should not be asking an entire religion to change the fundamental beliefs around which they are built. Requiring current churches to change will not bring true happiness to anyone involved, as the church that is created by the change will not be the one to which they aspired to belong in the first place.

The final thought I wanted to share was the one that started these thoughts in my head, and is the one I find most troubling about the issue of marriage in this country. Each state that passes legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry is, indeed, a victory of equality for those who have for so long been denied the ability to form a legal union. I wish their voices and efforts were turned in a different direction: urging government to give up its power over marriage. The passage of these equality laws is hailed as a major victory, but in my perception the reward is small. Gays and lesbians need to aspire to something higher than being able to join straight people in needing to ask permission from our elected officials before we can make a sacred union with another human being. Towards that goal, among others, we should be united as a nation in demanding our liberty.

The Swinging Pendulum of Partisan Politics

2011-07-06T21:45:00.002-06:00

From September 11, 2001 to November 4, 2008 the Administration of President George W. Bush carried out its functions in a manner that became tiring to the American citizens. In keeping with our traditions of limited partisanship, we looked no further than the Democratic Party for a solution, and they were ready for the shift in momentum. A charismatic and well-spoken man from Illinois came forward with a message of hope and change, and convinced a majority of voters that he was the one who would bring a new era of prosperity.

In the three years since, the momentum has swung back in the favor of the Republican Party, gaining a majority in the House of Representatives in 2010, and aiming to carry that forward into the 2012 election where they seek to place their candidate in the White House. A historic occasion to accomplish something truly amazing is before the GOP, if they choose to pursue it. The danger that I see is that a charismatic and well-spoken former Governor of Massachusetts is using the same worn-out tactics to convince us that he is the proper remedy to the missteps of the Obama Administration.

Instead of making a bold statement to the nation that they are ready to take an active role in limiting the excessive powers of government, and promoting our individual liberty, the GOP seems content to promote the candidacy of someone who will do nothing more than push the pendulum back to the other side in 2014.

America doesn't need another failure as a President. The time has come to do something different if we want a real change in the way our government operates. That is why I think it is in the best interest of Republicans everywhere to support and nominate Ron Paul to defeat Obama in 2012.

A thought I've been working on...

2011-06-14T21:06:00.002-06:00

First, an apology to anyone with whom I've disagreed to the point of calling your opinion stupid. If it's an honest opinion, and it is gained through careful thought and research, you have every right to it. I personally strive to constantly learn and understand, and my ideas are open to change even though I may not. As long as others are willing to be exposed to the consideration of other ideas, even if they keep the ones they currently have, at least we are having open, honest communication.

Second, I've been pondering the reasons that people do the things they do. I got the impression from the recent GOP debate that many of the candidates are just now jumping on the Tea Party bandwagon, realizing that there are Republican voters that they will lose if they don't appear to value liberty. My personal opinion is that they are lying to gain approval, and will not uphold the principles if they gain office. The only candidate I trust is Ron Paul, because I have never heard him say anything different. If these other candidates are truly so great, why have they never acted this way before now?

That led me to another thought: Why do I feel the way I do about government? I could type out the thought process here, but I will spare everyone and move straight to the conclusion. I don't think that partisanship is the greatest threat to our liberty and form of government only because I read that President Washington warned us against it. Nor do I believe foreign entanglement to be dangerous to our sovereignty because he also wrote the same. I don't think that the Bill of Rights are necessary because Madison insisted on them. I don't think that a carefully restrained government and an educated and engaged population are necessary because Ron Paul says they are.

I think these things because they are what I have decided they should be. I feel like I am among a minority of Americans who feel the same way I do, though I think the group is growing. In time, I would like this country to share these feelings and work towards putting this country back on a better path that respects and maintains freedom and liberty.

To work towards that goal, I will continue to read, learn, and understand to the best of my abilities.

I will support the Libertarian Party and work within my means to promote their growth.

I will support candidates from any other party who recognize the fundamental importance of limiting government intervention, leaving people largely free to pursue their own interests.

I will engage others in conversation, peacefully and respectfully, in an attempt to change their way of thinking, but will respect their right to refuse that change.

All of this stemmed from something I imagined this morning. What if I were a candidate for President, and the moderator asked me, "Why should the American people elect you as their next President?"

My answer was this: "I will not tell anyone they have to vote for me. I will not warn them of the dire consequences of choosing someone else in my place. I will not try to convince you that you are wrong if you think one of these other candidates is a better choice than me. My job as a candidate is nothing more than to let you know what I think needs to be done to ensure the future of a free America; that I will take the position of executive seriously and defend and execute the Constitution without fail. If you hear my words, and agree with me, then I would be honored to serve you as your next President."

My dream job...

2011-04-10T15:18:00.002-06:00

For $150,000 a year, with flights, hotels, and $100 per game day for food and personal items, I'm willing to be the Utah Jazz player counselor. Someone who comes to practices and games and acts as an outlet for their feelings and frustrations, and also works to connect them to the fans and keep support for our team high, even when they aren't playing well. The more confidence they have, the better they will play. I think they just need someone in a non-management role that they can relate to and trust with their thoughts and know there won't be any negativity involved.

Fair warning.....

2011-01-23T16:50:00.002-07:00

The Utah State Legislature begins the 2011 General Session tomorrow. This blog is going to be getting full very quickly as I offer my opinions on the bills before the House and Senate, and what my voting record would be on the House bills had I won the election. Let the path to liberty be made clear.

Latest updates.

2010-09-12T10:37:00.002-06:00

First, let me apologize for the lack of posts. I've been focused on placing signs around the district, and keeping my Facebook page updated and have neglected my blog. I will try to post two to three times a week from now on.

I'll be honest here. This is a tough campaign to run. The incumbent, Jim Dunnigan, has over $50,000 in campaign funds that he has accumulated over the eight years he has been in office. Most of this comes from his friends in the insurance industry, and as such almost all the legislation he introduces is regarding insurance codes.

Outside of that, Jim strikes me as someone who votes where his party does, or wherever popular opinion seems to be leading at the moment. His campaign slogan says, "Get it done AGAIN with Dunnigan", but every time I read that I wonder, "Get WHAT done?"

Being a Republican in Utah and following along with where the party leads is not good enough. District 39, and all of Utah, needs strong voices to stand up against an overbearing and controlling government. Both major parties in America have failed to defend freedom and liberty, choosing to focus instead on making laws and regulations that benefit their financial partners.

I can tell you that the Libertarian Party, at least in Utah, has no financial partners. My campaign has only been able to raise around $500, which has been enough to host a couple of BBQ fundraisers, and put a few signs around the district. My reach is very limited due to my lack of resources.

I'll just say this as plainly as I can. I think Dunnigan wins because he can afford to put out the most signs. His name is in front of you the most, so he gets the most attention. Outside of that, he has a blog for a website, which is even less frequently updated than mine. It gives very little information on what he is doing to make life better for Utah. My personal experience with him, as well as accounts I have from others in the district and his fellow Representatives is that he is unresponsive and difficult to communicate with.

I know that electing a Libertarian to represent you is frightening. We are an unknown party, and few people really understand what we are working for. I've been told many times that I should just try to blend in with the Republican party and win the election that way. While that would be easier, it wouldn't help change the way politics work at all. If I refused to do as leaders in the party suggested, they would make it nearly impossible for me to get anything done, or to ever get elected again.

This is the reason I chose the Libertarian Party. By promoting the principles of "more freedom, lower taxes, smaller government", I am doing exactly what my party leaders would like me to, but more importantly I am doing what I think needs to be done. You are all fully capable of living your lives and being responsible for what happens without the government regulating your every action.

This is a year to make a difference in the political landscape of Utah. By choosing a third-party to represent you, it will send a clear message to the Republicans and Democrats that we have had enough of their failures. Instead of fighting against each other to promote their separate agendas, they should be reminded that they are there to protect our rights, and stay out of our way. Send a message this November, and choose a candidate who will be more available than any other elected official, and who will do more to keep you informed of how the Legislature's actions will affect your lives. I ask for your support on November 2nd, 2010.

Sincerely,
Ryan J. Kelly

Fighting for what I feel is right.

2010-06-04T22:59:00.002-06:00

I had an interesting time at the Patrick Henry Caucus picnic. Some things made me happy, some made me laugh, others upset me.

I had people tell me how they don't like third-parties, and how I don't have a chance against the incumbent. I had people tell me they will keep voting for the Republican, just because that's the party they support. It makes me feel hopeless, but at the same time, it makes me that much more determined to win.

I don't want people to vote for me just because I am not in one of the two major parties any more than I want them to keep voting for Republicans and Democrats just because that's what they've always done. I want people to vote for me, not my party. I am tired of watching our government take everything away from us. Our money, our choices, our rights; these things belong to the individual people, and its time that government remembers its role in protecting these liberties, and otherwise staying out of people's lives.

I am not running this campaign to raise a small amount of awareness, or to steal votes from a major party candidate and swing an election for one of them. I am here to take the majority of votes, and stand up for the people of District 39 as a representative who will tell the assembled House of Representatives that we won't accept their continued interference in our lives.

I like a lot of the Republican candidates, and I want to see them take office and start fixing things in their party, but I don't think my district can wait for that to happen. We need a representative NOW who understands the proper role of government, and won't be afraid to vote for it because his party might get mad at him. I don't have to worry about that, because my party supports me in making those decisions. There is an opportunity to change the future of government by electing someone who is ready and willing to fight to make sure you maintain the rights that the American revolutionaries fought and died for. Don't let it pass you by this year.

Tell everyone you know, and if you can help with a small donation of $5 or $10, it would be greatly appreciated. Together, as a district that is concerned about the future of our state and country, we can have a government that knows its own limits, and refuses to extend its authority into places that it doesn't belong.

Sincerely,
Ryan J. Kelly

Pay close attention to both major parties.

2010-05-04T20:39:00.003-06:00

Republicans and Democrats go to great lengths to convince you that their ways are better. They also take great pride in pointing out how completely different they are, and why what they want is best for you.

Ask yourselves these questions:

Why are the leaders of political parties making decisions about what is best for you?
Why is the government, no matter which party is in the majority, taking a bigger role in your life?
Why is so much money from the D.C. area spent to influence which elections are won all over the country?

The answers to these questions are not something we should be proud of as Americans. Whether you are talking about health care, education, business, guns, or any other issue, the solution to the problems should involve as little government interaction as possible. The more control they take, the worse it gets for the people.

The Democrats and Republicans are considered the "ruling" parties of this nation, and that should frighten every one of us. No one claims rule or domination over Americans, yet these two groups are firmly in control of almost everything we do. It's time we put a stop to that. I'm ready to be a state legislator who understands that the less government does, the better it is for the lives of Americans. If you live in District 39 in Utah, you can help me make it happen for you, and the rest of America.

Personal responsibility.

2010-03-22T20:21:00.002-06:00

So the Democrats used their majority and got what they wanted. That's fine, I guess, since the system allows it, and Americans are too unconcerned to really get involved and make their voices heard. The question I would like to ask them is this:

If the plan doesn't work the way you expect it to, what are you going to do to resolve any problems that are created?

They should have already thought of this, and more importantly, they should have admitted that it's possible that this might not work the way they think it will. They should have told us already how they are willing to work with Republicans in Congress to address any and all issues that arise as the pieces of this legislation start to function. The Republicans need to do more than point fingers and blame the opposition, and be ready to create viable solutions; ones that focus not on punishing the Democrats for passing this, but work with them to make things better.

I will post again the relevant sections from Washington's Farewell address. They speak to great effect of the dangers of allowing the bi-partisan nature of our government to continue. It is time for us to reclaim what is rightfully ours. We are the government, and we authorize them to act on our behalf only with our informed consent, as declared in the Constitution. Let's remind them of that this November. These votes are not yours and your party's to do with as you please, they belong to us, and OUR will shall be done.

"16 To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute; they must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions, which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better calculated than your former for an intimate Union, and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This Government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.

Enough is enough. No means no.

2010-03-20T11:41:00.001-06:00

How long do you think it will take to undo 100+ years of inner working? Do you really think that the leaders of the parties will allow you to come in and take it away from them?

The concept of splitting the ticket and causing someone you don't intend to win the election is, in my opinion, an excuse used by people who don't have the guts to step up and work to achieve the change they complain about. We've been trying for years to change parties from the inside, but that obviously isn't working. Gather your friends, co-workers, neighbors; anyone you know, and tell them that it is time to put both parties in their place by denying them the ability to serve in government.

60% of voters are unaffiliated, and 70% of Americans don't even care which party wins so long as they aren't too far from the middle of the political spectrum. It's time that these people get what they want.

The parties make deliberate attempts to polarize us to keep us from uniting as Americans and getting what we really want. They will never voluntarily hand over control to us, nor will they allow us to infiltrate their system and overthrow them. They haven't enjoyed over 100 years of political supremacy by being weak and fragile.

Furthermore, if we all pick one party to work on, we abandon the others and create a single-party state. That is exactly the kind of unification that George Washington feared would be the end result of our failure to control a two-party system. Opposition and division will lead to one party seizing total control and the loss of individual freedoms. This is true no matter which party wins that fight.

Time to take responsibility America!

2010-03-17T08:13:00.001-06:00

If you won't split the ticket, who is going to do it for you? If you are pushing a Conservative Party but voting Republican, that shows what you really think, and in a world where everyone still likes to play follow the leader that isn't going to change anything.

There has never been a better time to engage middle America and elect honest third-party and independent candidates than there is in this election. Find a candidate who is willing to uphold the core American principles and understands the true function of government, and support them with your vote. Get out there and encourage others to vote as well. The two party system is not going to roll over and give everything back to us, but we have the power and more important the responsibility to change things.

The Declaration of Independence demands it of us, and the Constitution enables us to achieve it. No more waiting or hoping for change to happen on its own. We have to go get it. If you're just going to sit on the side and continue to give your vote to the "lesser of two evils" you are not doing enough.

Bullshit.

2010-03-13T22:55:00.002-07:00

That was the response I got from the Utah State Democratic Party on their Facebook page when I questioned their motives in supporting the Fair Boundaries initiative. I told them that I only thought they were behind it because it would even things out for them, but they wouldn't be saying a word about it if they were the ones doing the gerrymandering. They can lie to me all day if they want, and I suspect they will. I know they only care because they're playing the victim.

Thoughts about people...

2010-03-12T18:56:00.002-07:00

Today I read that Glenn Beck made comments regarding the concept of social justice. Specifically, he expressed a concern that various religions would begin preaching this to their members. Beck suggested that if your church starts putting a special emphasis on social justice, it would be best to find a new church.

Naturally, people are responding, and not in a positive fashion. Here's what I understand on this issue. Social justice, as it pertains to religion, is the idea of being willing to help those who have less than you. For Christians, it would be the Christ-like behaviors of feeding and clothing the poor, helping the sick, etc.

Social justice as it pertains to a liberal, progressive, Communist, or Marxist idea is the act of forcing such charity through the power of the Federal government.

If your church is teaching the former, as many do, embrace it. It is amongst the most noble of ideas that those who are most fortunate in this life use the things in their power to provide a measure of comfort to those who have not, for whatever reason, been able to achieve the same success.

The danger that Beck warns of is if someone within a religion uses their power to start instructing the practice of the second type of social justice I mentioned. If that indeed happens then I agree with him completely.

If we are to be just and fair, those are decisions that we must come to as individual human beings, or as a group of them if we choose to form one. If our government presumes to be able to take things from us by force of law and redistribute it as they see fit, it is our responsibility as Americans to ensure that this does not happen. Pay attention to the words people use, and if you doubt their intent, question them. I will trust you to be able to understand their true meaning and decide your own course of action.

Communication

2010-02-25T23:14:00.002-07:00

Here are my ideas about keeping in touch with my district when I am in office:

1: You will have my phone numbers. Office in D.C., Utah, cell phone. If you need me, call me. Since I won't have party strategy meetings or lobbyist luncheons to attend, I should have time to answer.

2: I would like to have the local papers, TV, and radio give me time/space every week to let everyone I represent know what has been happening.

3: I will keep this blog and my Facebook page, as well as my official House site loaded with information that you need.

4: Meetings when I am in Utah, in all areas of the district. We will talk, in person, and I won't back down from any challenge to discuss an issue.

5: I would like to set up a network by which a smaller group of people can communicate directly with me, and then these people hold meetings in their communities when I am in D.C. so that ideas are still discussed, and passed on to me. I think it is important for every resident of the 2nd District to be able to know that if they can't get a hold of me directly, which shouldn't happen but might, there will be someone else they can call or write to, and they will get the message to me.

6: If someone comes up to me while we are waiting for a plane, or on a flight, and they want to talk, I welcome it. Nothing about being a member of Congress makes me so special that I can't take the time to have an honest discussion about my job. A job you would be assigning me to no less.

This is what I have thought of just in the past hour. If anyone else has more ideas about ways that I can be the most accessible Congressman ever, let me know.

One month.

2010-02-17T08:39:00.003-07:00

That's all I have left. I need 300 signatures and $413.00 or I won't be on the ballot in November. My campaign ends on March 19th if i don't get it done. Don't leave it up to the parties again. They will fail you.

Weak and Powerless

2010-02-10T22:35:00.002-07:00

Not just a good song, but a good way to describe America. I hear so many people who just sound defeated by the two party system. There's no fight left in Americans, no hope. When is that going to change? They aren't unbeatable. If you've had enough, and want to change things, let me help you. I'm tired of it too, and I'm not just saying things to get you to like me. I'm done watching them abuse us. Let me work with you to make things better for everyone.

East Coast Snowstorm...

2010-02-06T13:23:00.003-07:00

I noticed that the snow back east has caused the NBA to postpone the Wizards game tonight. If the storm also closed Congress, would we be able to tell a difference in the level of work they are doing?

The Independent Difference

2010-02-03T07:04:00.002-07:00

Candidate A reminds you that you can donate up to $2,400 to his campaign, and you can even do it by text message now. Candidate B tells you that $5 would be enough to help him out.

I don't want your money; your vote means more to me. I would rather win the election and know that you trust me to do a great job as your representative than have you send me your paycheck. You don't have to buy me, or pay for my advertising. People communicating their own feelings to each other are the best ads I can get.

You will see the Democrats and Republicans all over TV, hear them on the radio, plastered all over billboards as they promise you a thousand things they can't give you. I make promises I can keep, because they are promises about what kind of person I am and how I will represent you.

It is time to take the first steps back to having our government understand that we have to be their priority. The way they stand up for corporations and lobbyists is not what we elected them to do. It is time to choose someone who cares more about the people and what is best for them. Come talk to me on the 18th at the Draper Library. Get to know me, and start to believe that you can make a difference in your country if you have the right person in D.C. speaking up for you.

They are not ready...

2010-02-02T22:12:00.003-07:00

The Republican Party will spend the rest of this year telling everyone that watching Obama and the Democrats control everything and try to force legislation on America has taught them the importance of listening to the people. I'm not ready to believe them yet. One year of being second-best in D.C. is not going to reverse over 100 years of political malpractice. They need to establish more credibility than a desperate plea to be put back in the majority before I believe that they really care about us.

Make them wait, at least here in Utah. Let them watch someone give the people the attention they deserve, so that when the Republicans do get a chance to take another seat in Congress, they have a good example to follow. Let me set the standard to which you can hold all future candidates when they say they are ready to work for you. The current members of both parties won't measure up.

" Every noble work is at first impossible. "- Thomas Carlyle

2010-01-31T23:50:00.002-07:00

These are the words I remember every time I start to think that maybe Utah isn't ready for a candidate like me yet. I know people are frustrated now, and I know they would like something different. I really do think that I can be the representative they are looking for. It's hard to stay positive sometimes when faced with the realization that it will be hard to overcome the natural instinct to move to the Republicans to lead us now that we are displeased with the Democrats. I'd like for people to think outside the box, even if it's just this one time. The parties will still be there in 2012 if you want them back. Give me one term in office to set a standard that you can expect from everyone who comes after me. Challenge them to listen to you again, the way that I will if I have the honor of serving Utah. Both parties have had so many chances to get it right, and they have failed repeatedly. Why wait two more years and become even more upset? I remain committed to the idea that this is the right time for an independent to win an election. You deserve nothing less.

Question #5

2010-01-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

If there was an alternative to the two party system, someone who had no connections or any strings attached, who would honestly represent the people of the district, would you elect them to serve you in Congress?

Question #4

2010-01-28T07:37:00.001-07:00

Is it up to you to be involved in the government, become educated on the issues, and make your opinions known to those you elect to serve you? If they made the information available, and worked with you to make decisions, would you show more interest?

I want to believe him...

2010-01-27T19:59:00.002-07:00

I think our President said the right things tonight, at least politically speaking. I didn't agree with him on everything, but it sounds on the surface like he wants to move in a better direction with regard to how he approaches both parties. We'll see how much he actually does in this direction, but I'm not as afraid of him as I was 6 months ago.

There was a moment where he said that he wasn't going to walk away from health care reform now that we are so close to doing it, and he called on everyone in the room to not walk away either. For a moment, it looked like the Republicans weren't going to stand, and I actually said to the TV, "You're the ones refusing to support his way of doing it! You're the ones saying you will defend us from the legislation of the Democrats! Get out of your seats and show us that you won't abandon us as this gets worked on! It's your job the same as it is for the people across the room from you!"

My favorite quote from Obama from the speech was this:

“I do not accept second place for the United States of America.”

Neither do I. It's the reason I am running for Congress.

State of the Union

2010-01-27T08:05:00.002-07:00

We'll see how he thinks we're doing. He promised us we wouldn't miss Lost tonight, so it shouldn't take him long.

Question #3:

2010-01-27T07:42:00.002-07:00

Should there be greater restrictions on lobbying and corporate donations to political campaigns? Does it compromise a candidate to take those donations?

Question #2

2010-01-26T07:26:00.001-07:00

What does it mean to be "politically independent?"

Question #1

2010-01-25T07:15:00.001-07:00

What is the function of the U.S. House of Representatives? In other words, what do you think their job is? What are their responsibilities?

And yet we still vote for them...

2010-01-21T18:30:00.002-07:00

The Senate had this great idea today: Raise the limit on government spending. Because, you know, $12 trillion in debt isn't enough.

Also, the Supreme Court decided to remove some restrictions on how much money corporations can donate to campaigns. That's just what we needed, more corruption in government. I won't be taking any of it if anyone offers it to me. I can't be bought away from the district I want to serve.

About face...

2010-01-20T21:36:00.002-07:00

So now that he doesn't have the 60 Senators in his pocket to vote however he wants them to, Obama is now suggesting that Congress take a second look at the health care bill and make sure they don't force anything through the legislative branch. I doubt his sincerity, or he would have cared about this when they first started.

Some points of interest...

2010-01-19T21:02:00.002-07:00

Saw that the Republican got the win in the Senate race in Mass. Good for him. Hope he serves his people wisely.

I got an e-mail from Matheson about his telephone town hall meeting tomorrow. I still think this is a complete joke, to not even get face to face with your voters. Chaffetz, my representative, was posting on Facebook about his daughters inviting friends to the house, so I assume he is home here in Utah, meaning they're not doing much official work in D.C right now. That means Matheson should be here. Plus, the most insulting part is that the meeting is only one hour. All 750,000 of you have one hour to let your Representative know what is on your mind. Things are going to change when I am in office.

Last, I wanted to post on here that I am holding a meeting at the Sandy Library on 10100 South and 1400 East, January 30th from 3 to 5 PM. Come meet me, get some information about my campaign, and learn how I plan to be the ideal representative for the 2nd District. I'm excited for a chance to get out and get involved with the rest of the district.

Interesting numbers...

2010-01-16T23:26:00.003-07:00

I was looking at the contributions made to Matheson's campaign by PAC's, over $480,00 worth. It's interesting where they come from. I'm going to show this at my meeting on the 3oth.

Finally...

2010-01-15T22:53:00.002-07:00

Looks like many Utahns are finally getting what they want. After stepping down from the vice-chair of the state party, Morgan Philpot is ready to join us in the 2nd District race. This has been speculated about for months now. I still think I am a better choice than anyone affiliated with a party, even if it is the one that is most popular in the state. Say what he wants about being tough and standing up against his own leaders, they'll still come asking for favors, and he'll bend eventually. He can't offer them the strength, stability, and honesty that I can as an independent.

They're on to me...

2010-01-12T07:31:00.002-07:00

I wrote to the Tribune, but now my e-mails have at the bottom that I am a candidate, and they don't print opinion from candidates, though they do print current politicians. Seems like a double standard in a way, but that's fine. If anyone else wants to write this and send it to letters@sltrib.com with your name, address, and phone number, they'd probably print it.

"There are so many letters and comments to letters in the public forum where people state that we have no choice but to re-elect Matheson, or choose whoever the Republicans nominate. Really? I thought we had the freedom to vote for anyone we choose who is on the ballot. There are better choices out there if you look for them. It's not a two person race."

Help with the petition

2010-01-06T09:03:00.002-07:00

As I mentioned on my Facebook page, I need to get some help getting the signatures for my petition. Time is getting short, so to get the 300 or more that I need by March I am looking for volunteers to take a few pages of the petition and a pen and stand outside grocery stores or anywhere you think a lot of 2nd District voters might stop by and ask them if they would sign. I think it would be best to ask the manager on duty if that is okay first, and keep in mind that you probably can't actively ask people to vote for me. I'm just looking for people willing to help me get on the ballot. Contact me if you want to help and I will get some pages to you ASAP.

Faith in money?

2010-01-03T11:18:00.002-07:00

I just read about an evangelist who had a $900,000 deficict at his megachurch who asked for help from people. So far he has received $2.4 million. Given to someone who was in debt and doesn't seem to know how to manage his money very well. Maybe I should be in religion instead of politics since I can't get more than $100 donated to me for something as important as being a decent representative.

Independent Political Report

2010-01-02T05:30:00.002-07:00

http://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2010/01/ryan-kelly-independent-candidate-for-utahs-2nd-congressional-district/

I wrote, they posted. Sometimes it's pretty simple to get your name out there in a few more places.

Nebraska compromise...

2010-01-01T03:35:00.003-07:00

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/12/19/cornhusker-harvest-nebraska-gains-in-nelson-compromise/

I am disturbed by the news that a Nebraska Senator was swayed to vote for the health care bill in return for his states' share of Medicaid expenses being paid for by the other 49 states. The fact that open bribery like this can and does take place is yet another example of why they need to be replaced with someone like me who would refuse to accept such a bribe, and would tell the rest of the country who it was who had the nerve to attempt such a depicable action. It is time to look past the tradidional politicians and start electing citizens who care more about the people than the power or the money. Kelly for Congress in 2010!

Definition of a Representative

2009-12-31T10:00:00.003-07:00

I thought I should take a few minutes and describe to you all what I see as my role in office.

I think that beyond the description of the House of Representatives in the Constitution, those elected to serve the people have a responsibility to be an effective link between those people and what is happening in D.C. I think this starts with being someone who finds out as much information as he can about the issues and about the legislation being brought before the House, and then relays that information completely and without bias to their constituents. Without this information, the people cannot make enlightened and informed decisions about the issues that face our country.

As part of this, I want you to know that even now as a candidate, my time is yours. If you need me to hear you on an issue that concerns you, call me, e-mail, write, whatever you need. Without this vital piece of communication between people and their representative, Congress is left to do whatever they want. I will hold myself accountable by insisting that I hear from the district before I make any policy decisions in office.

I also think it is important for a representative to facilitate conversation between all members of the district. If I were to simply vote the way the majority commands me to, without any regard for the other 49% who disagree, then I am not doing my job of representing everyone.

I must also make it clear that I am not doing this because I want to become an influential politician with a long career in Congress. I want to set an example for the rest of the country that if they are tired of the corrupt ways in which our government operates, you can find honest people who will understand that they work for the people and replace the Republicans and Democrats as the holders of power. I have no interest in receiving gifts or favors from lobbyists in return for my vote. The power of the 2nd District in Utah is not for sale.

I am committed to being someone who represents all people, not only those for whom it is politically convenient. I care just as much about the opinions and concerns of those who don't vote for me as for those who do. Even though I could be chosen to serve by less than 50% of the district, I would be the representative for everyone.

Serving the public as a Congressman is an honor, and I think that is something our current representatives have forgotten. The entire district must function as a whole, working together to understand each others' opinions and finding solutions that can benefit as many people as possible. I am committed to making sure that you have someone in D.C. who is there for you, not for his own personal gain.

What will it take?

2009-12-27T15:33:00.002-07:00

There are still over 300 days until the election, but how many voters in the district even know that I am running? Maybe 20 at most. The bumper stickers have been out for a few days at most, and I still have most of them sitting in my house instead of out around town being seen. I really need to spend some time putting cards on doors so that people know about me, but time is something I don't have a lot of. It's hard to not just give up and let the other candidates fight for it, but I don't trust them to do what I would for the people. I have to stay in this so that people can get the representation they deserve.

A few ideas...

2009-12-25T23:22:00.003-07:00

I just want to get out a few thoughts I had recently.

One of the many things that is missing from most if not all of Congress is an understanding of what it means to be a Representative. It is too easy for them to work on the campaign from a certain angle, doing the bare minimum to make sure that they receive a majority of the votes. This leads to an attitude that there are some people in their districts that are more important than others. The flaw in this logic is that while you are chosen by a few, you represent all. Theoretically, it would only take approximately 10% of the population of the 2nd district to vote for me and I would be their Congressman. Still, I would be responsible to all 745,000 of them to make sure their voice is heard and respected when we discuss the actions that I will be taking on their behalf. A true representative can't pick and choose who is most important to them.

I want to use every option available to make myself accesible to all residents. I want to have phones, e-mails, local offices, town hall meetings; anything and everything within my power to make sure that any constituent can get my attention any time they want to unless I am asleep or specifically spending time with my family. That's what the job is; to be the connection between the people and the federal government. It's a full-time job that pays a lot of taxpayer money, and as such the people deserve someone who works hard to hear them out on all issues that come before Congress. I am working to make this happen for Utah.

Shameless self-promotion...

2009-12-23T07:14:00.002-07:00

I got bumper stickers Monday. Only 50, but when you're an independent, you do what you can with the money you have. Hopefully they will start showing up on a few cars around the valley soon and maybe people will take notice.

New thoughts...

2009-12-18T01:27:00.002-07:00

It's been a while since the last post and not much has changed. Campaining has slowed down a bit for me while I settle into a new house. Still plenty of time left to gather support though. On cqpolitics.com it lists the population of the 2nd District as 744,390 with 30% under 18. Subtract that from the total, then take off another 60% of people who just won't vote since it is a midterm election, then divide by 4 to account for Matheson, the Republican, and the 2 independents, and that means the election could be won with as few as 53,000 votes. Very reachable.

The logic of the people...

2009-12-03T09:55:00.002-07:00

Lately I have read a lot in both of our newspapers about people calling for a conservative Republican to step up and enter the race for the 2nd District, because that is what we really need in Congress. I have to ask, why? Why is it that we can't possibly have someone not labeled as a Democrat or Republican be our choice? An independent can be conservative if that is the will of the people, but a Republican has a hard time doing anything but what the party demands. I hope I can convince people to expand their horizons a bit and see that electing a non-affiliated representative can provide them with the opportunity to be heard and respected by their Congressman.

About Afghanistan.

2009-12-02T09:02:00.002-07:00

Busy day on the blog! Interesting announcement by the President last night. It seems General McChrystal will be getting more troops, if not as many as he would have liked. There's no way for someone like me to know the truth, since our government doesn't like sharing that with us, but I would have liked to see our military leaders get the numbers they are asking for. I make an assumption here that they know what they are doing, and would never intentionally endanger more soldiers than they absolutely have to, but if they thought we needed 40,000 more to make this work, they should have it. 30,ooo feels like someone gave in to some pressure from his party to not send any at all. When it comes to the safety and efficiency of our Armed Forces, it is not a partisan issue. I hope we aren't playing a game with the lives of our brave soldiers to save some face with our political agendas.

Fairness in politics?

2009-12-02T08:35:00.002-07:00

I just read that the Utah GOP is considering not even holding a primary election so that they can choose whomever they want to run for the various elections in 2010. There is no independent primary, so fortunately Dave Glissmeyer and myself can run all the way to the election date in November. It's nice to not have that kind of repression forced upon us by our party leadership.

Nothing fair in media...

2009-12-02T08:31:00.003-07:00

I got the Deseret News to mention me in an article finally, but still nothing in the Tribune even though they can write articles about people who are only thinking about entering the race. It's very frustrating when there are two people actually in the race, myself included, that they haven't said a word about yet.

Glad I am an independent...

2009-11-30T19:12:00.003-07:00

If you want finaincial support from the Republican National Committee, you need to get on board with their newly outlined agenda. Because, you know, we wouldn't want people to be able to have their Congressman represent their ideas instead of being a partisan puppet.

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/NEWS/A_Politics/Reagan_First_Read.pdf

Lunch with Dave Glissmeyer

2009-11-29T16:58:00.002-07:00

I met with Dave today at Red Robin(he was nice enough to buy my chicken sandwich), and we had a nice meal and talked for about two hours on what it is like to be an independent campaining for Congress, the challenges we face, and some ideas we each have as to how we can get enough votes. He's a great guy with a lot of good ideas, and I almost hate to try and take votes from him, but he never once suggested that I let him be the one independent and put my support behind him. We both want the same thing: to have someone be an honest person and represent the people the way they want. I will fight to win the election, but if it ends up being Dave, I think the people will have a great Congressman.

More reasons to abandon the major parties...

2009-11-24T16:32:00.002-07:00

I just saw on the news that the Republican party has now set forth a list of demands that candidates must agree with 8 out of 10 on or lose campaign funding from the party. They want to force someone to agree with them, then throw their money behind that candidate so that everyone else loses the primary election. I may not be able to secure a large amount of corrupt money, but at least I get to choose my own principles when I run my campaign. Is it becoming clear to everyone how important it is to abandon the Democrats and Republicans?

A few notes...

2009-11-21T21:44:00.002-07:00

First, the previous post was something that I submitted to the Salt Lake Tribune. It was printed in the 11/21/09 issue of the paper. Second, I received an e-mail from someone who works for The New Patriot Journal asking for an interview about my campaign. I asked for some information about who they are before I arrange anything.

I received my information packet from the Office of the House clerk which will advance my registration as a candidate for office. A lot of information to sort through and forms to fill out, but it will all be worth it after winning the election in 2010.

Shattering the mold...

2009-11-14T22:33:00.002-07:00

Republicans and Democrats both think that they can force everyone into one of two shapes. Being an independent, I don't want to shape Americans, I want them to choose their own shape. Liberate yourselves from the path you are made to walk by the party leadership and support an independent candidate in 2010.

Pointless arguements...

2009-11-13T21:03:00.002-07:00

Just pull up the opinion section of your local newspaper online, and read the discussion after an article about our government. Back and forth, Republican vs. Democrat, liberal extremist vs. conservative radical. What happened to being one nation united? How did we allow them to pull us apart and have us so busy fighting each other - our own people for crying out loud! - that we don't even realize, or seem to care, what they are doing? What is it going to take for people to set aside their differences, and I mean all of them from political, to racial, to religious, etc., and just be American citizens? Do we have to wait until our country falls apart around us and we have to fight a second Revolutionary War before we learn the lessons that President Washington tried to teach us in 1796?

New idea.

2009-11-09T22:24:00.002-07:00

If Congressmen really do need to spend a large amount of time in D.C., I would propose the creation of local organizations who monitor my official website, and then hold meetings to discuss the information and return a response indicating the choices of the people to me. Something that I set up and is overseen by me as a representative to make sure that the voice of the people is easily heard. I got this idea while thinking today of how difficult it would be to go through several hundred thousand letters and then come up with responses to them all. That's a full-time job in and of itself. With help from local committees, I could facilitate the information getting back and forth between myself and my constituents. Something for me to think about for after I am elected.

Bring home the politicians...

2009-11-09T20:55:00.002-07:00

I just joined the Facebook page of this organization which has a very interesting idea. They want a law that requires all Congressmen to spend 75% of their time in their state capitols, using secure methods to contact the other members of Congress, and gathering in Washington only to hold sessions for debate and voting purposes. I don't know how feasible this would be, but as someone who wants to spend as much time as I can at home for my voters and my family, I would love to look into this when I am in office.

http://www.bringhomethepoliticians.com

I don't understand people sometimes...

2009-11-07T14:54:00.003-07:00

Every time I mention my campaign to someone, I always hear a version of the same thing.

"Well, what you're doing sounds great, and I hope you get a few votes, but you know that there's just no way that you will be able to beat someone from one of the two major parties."

No, if people keep that kind of attitude about making the changes they have been asking for, I won't get elected.

I disagree when anyone says the American people are too stupid to understand what is happening. I think we know all too well that the parties and their sponsors have gained so much control and influence that they consider themselves to be above the law and the Constitution. In fact, I just heard a Congressman last night say that many of the things they do have no regard for the Constitution at all. And yet, despite how much we complain, no one ever wants to do what is necessary to fix the problem. Who is going to do it for you? Congress? They won't give up their power on their own. There aren't enough decent people there already to make that much of a difference. The time has come to start removing them from office and replacing them with people who have the integrity to do what is right.

I just read that MoveOn.org has now threatened moderate Democrats who are planning to vote against the health care reform bill that they will use their money to make sure these Congressmen lose the Democratic primary elections next year. Combine that with the fact that Rep. Barney Frank, D-MA chose to insult Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-MN for organizing a protest in front of the Capitol this Thursday, and you can see how much decency these people possess.

Do not let this continue. It is time for America to get what they want from their representatives, and not be content to accept what they throw at us under the umbrella of the parties. There are holes in the umbrella, and we are tired of getting wet. Don't patch it, throw it out and get a new one. Vote for me in 2010.

Signed and sealed...

2009-11-06T00:57:00.002-07:00

7 letters, 6 of them to members of the House, and 1 to a Senator, asking for their endorsement for their campaign. Going in the mail tomorrow. I'll be sure to announce anything I hear back.

Hear us now...

2009-11-06T00:15:00.002-07:00

or hear us in 2010. That was on a sign held by one of the thousands of protesters in front of the U.S. Capitol Building today. What I want to know is, if we are waiting to hear from America in 2010, which seems the more likely scenario, what will we hear? Will everyone fall in love with the Republican party again, only to be disappointed when they don't get what they thought they would, or will they choose what they have been asking for when it is on the ballot? As steep as the hill seems, I will keep climbing because I know that the people want me at the top.

Integrity isn't only missing in government...

2009-11-05T21:00:00.002-07:00

Hard to be happy for Mark Teixeira winning the World Series with the Yankees. All he did was show enough of his talent in Texas, Atlanta, and Anaheim to get the Yankees to pay him too much money to play a game, then finally became the player he is capable of being to win a championship. It's easy to jump ship until you find one that floats. I won't feel too excited for him and those like him.

Just an observation...

2009-11-04T23:21:00.001-07:00

http://www.mathesonforcongress.com/contact

At least when I read this page, it says "Congresswoman Matheson"

Who is really listening to you?

2009-11-03T23:33:00.002-07:00

Today at work, I was voicing one of my main complaints about the voting habits of the average American. There are many people who, for example, will vote for the Democratic candidate simply because they dislike the Republican. There are just as many who will do the exact opposite. This probably comes from the common misconception that there are only two choices for our government.

One of my co-workers put it this way. If someone were displeased with the Democrats, and so wished to support the Republicans because their policies would at least be not as bad, why would they vote for me, the independent loner in Congress who only has one vote and can't really change things, instead of the Republican who can join with their party in voting a majority. My answer was this. That works, as long as you continue to agree with the Republican party. What do you do, then, when they begin to propose things you can't support, and you contact your representative to ask them to vote against them, only to hear them tell you that they don't have to listen to you and they will do whatever the party wants to do. That's when you need the independent candidate who has the flexibility to represent what you want, because there is no party leadership looking over their shoulder.

A fair fight?

2009-11-03T23:25:00.002-07:00

Something I read this morning was what motivated me to participate in the election this year, even though I wasn't interested in driving an extra 25 miles just to do so. There are hundreds of thousands of American volunteers in our Armed Forces, willing to die so that we can remain free to live the lives that our Constitution grants us. And yet, most Americans sit at home on Election Day, failing to exercise the rights that others fight to preserve for us. The fight is a different one, but the stakes are the same. If we are not willing to work to defend our liberties by participating in our government, it is an insult to the men and women who lay it all on the line for us.

And another thing...

2009-11-02T22:13:00.002-07:00

Until such time as they see fit to act like they care, I hereby suspend the Utah Jazz from my sphere of interest. I will start watching them again when they are worth watching. I won't waste my time subjecting myself to talent that goes to waste.

Interesting thoughts...

2009-11-02T22:01:00.003-07:00

I was referred by the head of the Utah League of Independent Voters to an organization calling themselves The Committee For A Unified Independent Party. They enclosed a DVD from their national conference last year, where they spoke about the ways in which the independent movement was responsible for electing "America's First Independent President" in 2008. Who would ever refer to Barack Obama as "independent?"

On a related note, VP Biden was in New York today, telling people that they needed to teach the Republicans a lesson and vote for the Democrat in the NY-23 special election. Biden is accusing the Republican party of being unfair to the Republican candidate who recently dropped out of the race, since the independent candidate, Doug Hoffman, was billing himself as the "real Republican." The logic is that it is apparently not okay for Republicans to be dissatisfied with dissent in their own party. The party had originally endorsed someone who was more in line with the Democrats than their own party. I find the VP's comments ironic considering that anyone in the Democratic party who strayed towards the right would be treated as bad or worse by party leadership. None of this would matter if the parties weren't so self-righteous.

Contradiction?

2009-10-30T00:46:00.001-06:00

Why does it always seem like the biggest voices against capitalism are the ones who benefit from it the most? All these actors and celebrities that support the liberals. Do they realize that their plan would take their money and give it to me?

Hooray for pictures!

2009-10-27T01:01:00.003-06:00

I don't know if this is readable or not, but this is my first time posting an image. I like these ideas though.(Edit: Apparently if you click on it, you can see a larger version.)

Another letter to the President...

2009-10-25T11:12:00.001-06:00

And yes, I am really sending these to him. I don't think he reads them, and I know he doesn't respond, despite his claims that he would be transparent and accessible.

Be careful what action you take when it comes to this treaty that has been proposed on climate change. As an independent nation, we must ensure that we do not enter into any agreements that take our law-making ability away from our people. I am not suggesting that we ignore our climate issues, or refuse to work with other nations to lessen our impact on the earth, I simply advise you to not let it weaken our people and our rights to govern ourselves.

Pride in our country...

2009-10-24T19:12:00.001-06:00

I am tired of people telling us that there is something wrong with America and our Constitution. If you don't like our country, you have the freedom to leave it and live somewhere where the government has so much power that they make all the choices for the people. That's not how my country works, and I'll be damned before I am going to let someone take it from me.

For public consideration...

2009-10-23T09:50:00.001-06:00

I wrote to the two newspapers and three of the four tv channels in Utah today(KSL makes it too hard to inform them of news.) Just an FYI about my campaign for office. I got tired of reading in the paper of yet another person announcing their candidacy, but not me. I figured I had better let them know so they can report on it.

Letter to the White house...

2009-10-20T20:49:00.000-06:00

I sent this through whitehouse.gov today:

I am concerned by your recent actions trying to convince people that they should avoid Fox News. What this looks like is an attempt to divert attention away from the unpleasant actions your administration is engaging in. Rather than being transparent, as you promised, you are simply trying to deflect the questions that are being asked of you. What are you trying to hide from us? It looks like Fox News is hitting too close to the mark, or you would be answering them with fact to disprove the claims that some of their hosts are making. Ignoring it or hiding from it makes you look guilty.

I also want you to know that it is disappointing to continue to write to you and check the box requesting a response, and never receiving one. There has to be at least one low-level employee that can type something out and respond to what people write to you. Otherwise, you should remove this option from your site, as it gives the false impression that you might actually care enough about us and what we think to respond to our concerns.

#100

2009-10-19T09:27:00.002-06:00

My 100th blog post today. I credit reaching that number to my sudden inspiration to run for Congress, since I posted more in the month of September 2009 than I did in all of 2008. I am even more excited about being printed in the opinion section of the Deseret News now that I have seen the actual news sheet. My article was the featured one printed that day. I could only wish that it had been more personal in mentioning my campaign, but I think the fact that it wasn't allowed it to be published. Salt Lake Tribune got the exact same letter and didn't publish it. Maybe I will ask the Des News if they would like an exclusive interview with a candidate.

I have the materials to make three signs and post them somewhere in the district so that voters can start hearing about me. Still trying to figure out the best place to put them so that they are seen and people can remember the information. I would have paid more attention to where Matheson put his last year if I had known. This has to catch hold eventually. People don't want party affiliated representation, but they need to know they have a good option to take its place.

Unheard...

2009-10-16T22:54:00.002-06:00

I wrote letters to Matheson, Hatch, and Bennett yesterday, asking them to not support or vote for the health care bill unless they could promise me that it would not tax my employer and force them to drop my insurance coverage. I even clicked the box that said, "Response required." Nothing yet, but I'll give them a week before I ask again. This won't happen when I am in office. People will hear from me, and I won't try and hide behind the words, "It's complicated." If I can get people's attention, I can hopefully convince them that they need to stop letting the parties control them and make their own choice. People say they want a representative who will listen to them, who will be honest, and tell them the truth, and not be beholden to special interests. I believe that as long as they know about me, that they have the choice they have been asking for, I can earn their trust and support.

A thought...

2009-10-14T20:44:00.002-06:00

I just heard this yesterday for the first time. It's source is unclear, but I can see our nation in these words. I think that Americans need to find the courage to break the apathy that is leading us to dependence on our government. Our liberty is threatened when we let our elected leaders ignore us and make choices without our consent. I hope that I can convince enough voters that the Republicans and Democrats with their endless war against each other are leading us somewhere we don't want to be. Let's stand together in 2010 and remind them that we aren't stupid, and that they need to let us know what is happening before they make laws that change our lives.

A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:

From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage.

The issues...

2009-10-12T22:40:00.002-06:00

Time to address the things that matter to the people. I've started a discussion on my Facebook page where people can ask me what I think about the issues. I will be sure to make sure that the information we discuss makes it to the official campaign site, and possibly even here on the blog. If you are not a Facebook member, but still want me to give my opinion on the issues, you can also e-mail the campaign at:
ryankellyforcongress@hotmail.com

I will re-state here what I mentioned on Facebook. I am willing to give my opinion on the issues, but I want to remind you all that it won't be my opinion alone that decides how I vote. That's not representation. I hear people say, "Tell us how you will vote on this." I think it is important to remember that whether I am in Congress or not, my personal opinion still only counts for one out of 350 million in the country. I don't want to lose as much support as I gain by having people think that I will only vote the way that I think I should.

Cynicism and apathy...

2009-10-12T10:31:00.002-06:00

Someone actually used my discussion boards on Facebook and said the common thing that most people say about politics - That if I am running without party support, I have no chance. Why? Because no one cares enough to vote for someone other than the two parties? Haven't we all been disappointed enough by the parties and their leaders and their constant arguing that we could concentrate our votes towards someone who will listen? They only win if you vote for them instead of someone like me. My lack of interest in the parties means I can focus it on the people, where it should be.

326,335

2009-10-10T09:52:00.002-06:00

That is the number of total votes counted in the 2008 election for District 2. So it would take at least 163,168 votes to win the election if the same number of total people turned out next year. Now I just need to get their attention.

Another new idea...

2009-10-09T23:50:00.002-06:00

So I was thinking about how to address the issue that will come up when people find out that I live in the 3rd District, but want to represent the 2nd. I actually think this is a fantastic idea. If the actions I take in Congress don't directly represent my personal ideas, I would have to communicate with my own representative to have my voice heard. Makes me think that maybe it should be a requirement that you cannot represent the district you live in. Then you might have to get to know your voters to do your job.

Thanks are due...

2009-10-08T09:14:00.002-06:00

To everyone who has shown any support for me as a candidate so far. Starting with my wife, who got me going on being passionate about changing our government, which lead to the idea that if no one else was stepping up to do what is right, that I would. I never thought she would really be a campaign wife, but I'm glad she has.

Also to my nine fans on my Facebook page. Being my friend means your friends see my page, or at least have a chance to. Any kind of attention this can get will help.

And finally, a co-worker of mine donated to the campaign yesterday. It was just the 8 cents she had in her pocket, and we all had a good laugh about it, but she and the others I was talking to were taking the idea of me being in office seriously. A couple even said they would vote for me if I was on the ballot. I know I can win this election, if I can just get the campaign to the district. They'll love me and what I want to do once they know about me. I can feel it.

Utah needs me...

2009-10-07T10:34:00.002-06:00

Every day I read another article in the opinion section of the SL Tribune where it is clear that the people are seeking an honest representative. Yesterday, someone even pointed out a failing of current 2nd District Representative Jim Matheson as he brushed off a voter who asked him a question about health reform. He said to her it's "complicated." She found out later that he receives a large amount in contributions from health care companies. I bet it is hard to vote for something when your financiers are telling you they don't want it. People are ready for me. They would vote for me if they knew about my campaign and what I want to do for them. It's just so hard to get the word out. Any ideas?

Letters to the editor...

2009-10-05T09:44:00.002-06:00

Two notes to make here. First, my letter that I wrote to the SL Tribune and the Deseret News did not get published, at least not that I saw. I will try again though, because the second thing I want to mention was something I read in today's(10/5/09) opinion section in the Tribune. I man from Salt Lake expressed his feelings about wanting to have a representative that listened to the people and not special interests. Sounds like I have another voter if I could get his attention somehow...

Can America become interested in itself again?

2009-10-01T21:18:00.003-06:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_turnout

I read the page on the link above, and copied a portion of the article for you to examine below.

"The basic formula for determining whether someone will vote is[6]
PB + D > C
Here, P is the probability that an individual's vote will affect the outcome of an election, and B is the perceived benefit of that person's favored political party or candidate being elected. D originally stood for democracy or civic duty, but today represents any social or personal gratification an individual gets from voting. C is the time, effort, and financial cost involved in voting. Since P is virtually zero in most elections, PB is also near zero, and D is thus the most important element in motivating people to vote. For a person to vote, these factors must outweigh C."

So the main challenge I have before me is this:

How do I get 'D' in the equation above to be at its maximum? It is the most difficult thing that any candidate has to face. My hope is to use the words of George Washington's Farewell Address, and the Declaration of Independence, which are both mentioned in my mission statement on my official campaign site, to inspire the American people to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. Not everyone has to be as passionate about it as I am, but I want to get you involved again, so that you have pride in your country again. It will take time, but I have 13 months to work on getting you all to hear me. I know many won't listen, no matter what I say, but I will still try. With enough people to support me, I can show the country what it means to be fairly and honestly represented by one of their own.

A new thought...

2009-09-30T21:44:00.003-06:00

I read today that Jason Chaffetz may be considering running for Senate as opposed to defending his election to the House in the 3rd District. I think I will write to him to see if he is serious, because I think that I could have a better shot at the seat of a one-term representative as opposed to Matheson who is quite established.

They're at it again...

2009-09-29T23:03:00.002-06:00

Nice to see that Sen. Hatch just added another $50 million waste of time and money to the health reform bill. I don't recall him asking us if we wanted that here in Utah. And yet, I will sit here and never get anywhere close to Congress where I could speak out against this kind of needless waste, because I choose not to become a servant of one of the parties. How dare I think for myself and respect the right of others to do the same?

Lack of support...

2009-09-26T21:43:00.002-06:00

Probably the biggest challenge to getting elected. Not many people know me, and it's hard to get the word out. If I had time to spend around town asking people the questions I have and getting them interested in my ideas, maybe I could get the 300 people to sign the petition to get me on the ballot next year. Though I still need to ask the Lt. Governor or the county clerk exactly how to word such a petition. I imagine something like: "We the undersigned hereby declare our intention to have Ryan John Kelly of Taylorsville, UT listed as a candidate for election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Utah's Second Congressional District, of which we are all residents and registered voters, as shall be verified by the Salt Lake County Clerk, and approved of by the Office of the Lieutentant Governor."

Letter to America

2009-09-25T02:36:00.001-06:00

I sent this to the opinion departments of my two local newspapers, Deseret News, and the Salt Lake Tribune. I wonder if either will have the guts to publish it.

Here’s a question I have for everyone: What if you had to choose one person to make all the decisions for yourself and your family, and you did anything they said because they promised you they would always do what was best for you? Would you do it? Chances are you already have done it, many times. Most of our elected government officials are voted for simply on the basis of what political party they affiliate themselves with. We invest our lives in these few men and women in Congress, and then turn them loose and hope for the best. I know that for many, American history wasn’t the most exciting topic in school, but as I look at the state of our country and government today, I wish I had paid more attention to my teachers. I’m sure they had me read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I’m sure they explained to me that the government is set up to be an instrument of the entire nation, representing our needs and using legislative power to accomplish our goals. Somewhere along our 233 year history, we forgot the words of President Washington from his Farewell Address. He spoke of the importance of what had been done in creating our nation, and that we should, to paraphrase his words, be jealous of our country and what it means to us, be watchful for any attempts to abandon our Constitution, and to immediately put down any attempt to divide us from each other. Yet here we are, over 200 years later, separated by the Republicans and the Democrats into arguing factions which are convinced of their own superiority. Gone is the time when all Americans stood as one and worked together for a common goal. The two parties, and their powerful financial supporters, have done everything they can to disengage us from what is happening in our government, because they know that an informed and aware nation cannot be easily controlled. The fact that we allow this to happen by distancing ourselves from our politicians, and by not participating in the general elections, speaks to our failure as a nation. Though many people feel helpless to do anything to change the way things work, we are not powerless. We have the right to vote. We have the ability to communicate with our Congressmen. We have the power to change who represents us if they refuse to listen. We simply need to be willing to take the necessary action to ensure that the power in America returns to, and remains where it belongs: in the hands of its many citizens.

http://www.desnews.com
http://www.sltrib.com

Question for you.....

2009-09-24T22:08:00.002-06:00

How is it that the Senate Finance Committee voted against a proposed amendment to the health care reform bill based on the fact that it would hurt the profits of the drug companies, who some of the committee members are friends with? Doesn't matter if it would be good for America and the people. No one asked us how we feel about it. This is how our government "works" for us.

Fair news reporting?

2009-09-24T19:50:00.002-06:00

Did you see on the news today that a classroom in New Jersey re-worded some childrens songs to proclaim the unending glory of Barack Obama, and then they taught the children to sing these songs? Depends on which source you get your news from. Apparently our media, which is supposed to keep us all informed of what is happening in our country, is selective about what they present to us. kind of scary, isn't it?

I wrote a letter to the President today...

2009-09-24T19:47:00.000-06:00

I am deeply disturbed by the recent actions of educators in New Jersey re-writing children's songs to feature lyrics that idolatrize you as the most glorious person in the world. I am not a religious person, but I still feel that these actions are deplorable, and it is in your best interest to address the nation and advise the people that actions of this type are unappreciated by you, and that people need to exercise caution when making statements about you. Furthermore, I think you have a real problem in America that you are failing to address. You and the members of Congress, along with your Democratic Party, have America's mind so wrapped up in the health-care issue, but the feelings and desires of the people are being ignored and displaced with political rhetoric. You made claims that your administration would be the most transparent in American history, yet you are trying to place several men and women into these so-called "czar" positions, allowing them to make decisions for America over which we have no control. I cannot imagine a more un-Constitutional action, other than simply voting to abolish the Constitution outright. America belongs to the people, not to you, or to Congress, or anyone else you appoint to rule in our place. We elected you to represent us, not to speak for us. Before you rush to enact new legislation regarding health care, or anything else, you should take the time to be forthcoming with us. If you are willing to involve us and have our true support, instead of support that you manufacture through fear and misinformation, we will let our House members and Senators know that it is okay to vote for changes to our country. You have three more years to make changes. Do not make a mistake by forcing something that isn't ready. Let us help you make America better.

Ask yourself these things...

2009-09-24T02:03:00.000-06:00

1 - Are you registered to vote, and if so, do you participate regularly in the general elections?

2 - When choosing a candidate to vote for, do you investigate that person, determining if they are honest, decent people who will truly represent you and the place you live in, or do you make your decision based solely on which political party that person is a member of?

3 – Do you take the time to make yourself aware of what is happening in your country, and what impact these things will have on your life?

4 – Do you ever worry that the elected officials and their party leaders have connections to lobbies and large corporations who use their money and power to influence the way in which your representatives vote?

5 - Do you think you are responsible for the future of America?

6 - Are you familiar with our Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution?

7 - Do you think that the political parties, and their leaders, are honestly interested in you and the things you need for a quality life?

8 - Do you think that the system functions in such a way that if you were not pleased with the representation that you are receiving, you could do something to change it?

9 - Do you think it is too late to make changes in Congress by removing the current members from office, and electing new people who have no connections to third-party interests?

10 – Would you ask a random person you meet today to start making the decisions for you and your family without any knowledge of what they are going to do, and without ever checking on what they are doing with your life? Why do you accept this from your government?

Clearing some things up...

2009-09-18T10:42:00.002-06:00

It occurred to me last night, after a few things happened that I won't go into here, that I haven't properly, and formally, declared my intentions here. Allow me to do so now. I apologize to my personal friends who already know me, since some of this might seem redundant.

My name is Ryan Kelly. I am a lifelong resident of the state of Utah, born in Salt Lake City, raised in Sandy, and now moving to Taylorsville with my wife and son. Like many Americans, I looked forward to turning 18 and having the ability to vote for our elected officials. I was taught in school, as we all are, that voting is an important right, because it is the very foundation of this country's amazing principles of freedom and liberty. Unfortunately, I started to feel as though while I had the right to vote, it wasn't really doing much except to give me a false sense of power. I think that many Americans have this feeling, as evidenced by the often poor turnout at the polls, and our low voter registration rate.

Recently, my wife inspired me to make a change in my life regarding American politics. She and I have had many discussions on the current issues affecting our nation, and I often met her concerns with saying, "Well, the government has too much power and corruption. You will never get them to listen to you." In a way this is true, however, she challenged me to get up and try to change that, in whatever way I thought I could. She also encouraged me to watch a few episodes of Glenn Beck's show on Fox News, to see what he was saying about doing something to end the corruption.

I normally am skeptical of news media, because they tend to have a bias towards one political party. I know that Glenn Beck labels himself as a Libertarian, with a conservative lean. But in watching him a few times, I have seen him make statements against both Democrats and Republicans, pointing out those who are guarding their own interests, rather than those of the people they serve.

America knows that their government is tangled in a massive web of corruption, and most feel helpless to do anything about it. As I have mentioned in an earlier post, our 1st President, George Washington, left us some great advice concerning the future of our nation. He specifically warned us to be jealous in our guarding of the Constitution, and to immediately break up any threat to it, or any entity which seeks to divide us as a nation and take our eyes away from the common goals of unity for America.

He also cautions against the growth of political parties, stating that they will replace the will of the nation with the will of the party, and that through them, men and women without principles will attempt to take control of the government for themselves. He speaks as well of the dangers of having separate factions in our government that battle back and forth for power, seeking to undermine what the other does rather than working together for all people of America.

America has allowed itself to become polarized by the Democratic and Republican parties. Just as President Washington warned us, there are now people who simply walk into their polling locations in November, and check the box that votes all for one party or the other, or sometimes they vote for one candidate over the other, based solely on which party that candidate is a member of.

In response to the failure of America to guard the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, I am starting a campaign to become the elected representative of Utah's 2nd Congressional District. As someone not affiliated with any political party, I can be a true voice for the people, and speak out against the corruption that is threatening our entire way of life.

I need your help though. For someone like me, who is not affiliated with what is called a "ballot-approved party", I need to gather a petition signed by at least 300 registered voters who are residents of Utah's 2nd district. I also need $433 to pay the fee for the Lt. Governor's office to list me on the ballot in November 2010, which must be submitted by March 17th.

We have watched silently for years now as our government has isolated us into these separate groups, and fought against each other in what could be seen as a civil war. It is time now, before they take control away from us completely, to start taking the steps that will remind the government that the power is ours, not theirs. Their job is to listen to us, and do what we ask of them. Instead they deceive and misinform us, and make us so busy trying to argue with each other, that we don't see what they are doing. If you want the country you love to remain whole and strong, with a Constitution that keeps us free, join with me in taking the first steps towards eliminating the greed and corruption in the government.

Sincerely,
Ryan J. Kelly

I want you to know that I am serious.

2009-09-17T00:33:00.002-06:00

I honestly intend to become a candidate for Congress in the 2010 election, and every one afterwards until I reach an office. I am looking to gather support in the form of the signatures from Utahans so that my name can appear on the ballot next November. It is our duty as Americans to stand up and fight against those who would take our power of government out of our hands. You know that helpless feeling you have about our government, and the way they don't listen to you? It's because you let them. It's because you empower them with the ability to ignore you and do whatever the hell they want. It's because none of you will get up, educate yourselves about the issues, and the vote for people who will actually listen to you. Your elected officials should not be interested in their own personal gain or power. Their job is to represent you; to carry your voice to D.C. because it just isn't possible to fly there every week and speak your mind on the floor of the House or Senate. Send a message people. Let them know that you are done letting them undermine the foundations of our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. I want to represent you, not a corporate interest, and not a political party. This has to happen before they take it all away from us, both Republicans and Democrats. They serve no interests but their own, and they are not looking out for you. You have the power to stop them, if you are willing to exercise your right and responsibility to vote. Make this happen!

Another American history lesson...

2009-09-16T21:25:00.002-06:00

Makes me wish I had paid attention the first time I learned this. I apologize to my educators profoundly.

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Washington%27s_Farewell_Address

The link directs you to the full text of President Washington's farewell address to America at the end of his second term. Wikipedia has some nice paraphrasing in its article about this address, but I wanted to pick out some pieces that I think have special significance given the current state of our government.

7 Here, perhaps I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all-important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion.

- Just a long way of saying that he finds this a good time to share some advice on the future of the country.

8 Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.

- It goes without saying that Americans love their country.

9 The unity of Government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment, that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the Palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion, that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.

- Our Constitution and Declaration of Independence are everything to us. Without these documents, we have no America. Even over 2oo years ago, Washington could see that there would be people who would try and take this away from us, often in ways that we won't even see until it is too late. We need to be constantly aware of how much being American means to us. I love the phrase "watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety." I don't think he means to be paranoid, but that we need to be aware of how it is being run, and willing to step in and take action against any who would attempt to alter it from how it is written.
10 For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of american, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the Independence and Liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.

- Pride for our country. Pride that we have a place where we can be whoever and whatever we want, without being told how to behave. Realizing that for all of our differences in race, religion, and political ideals, above all else we are Americans, and nothing should stop us from being unified in the pursuit of maintaining those freedoms.
15 In contemplating the causes, which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern, that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by Geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavour to excite a belief, that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heart-burnings, which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those, who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our western country have lately had a useful lesson on this head; they have seen, in the negotiation by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event, throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the General Government and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to the mississippi; they have been witnesses to the formation of two treaties, that with Great Britain, and that with Spain, which secure to them every thing they could desire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the union by which they were procured? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their brethren, and connect them with aliens?

- Really just one point from this. Parties will arise that will try to mislead you and make you believe that there are other groups who oppose what you support. Do not allow them to turn you against your fellow Americans.

16 To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute; they must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions, which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better calculated than your former for an intimate Union, and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This Government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.

- Our word that we have written is the law. We must abide by it at all times, as it was written, or be seen as unworthy of our freedoms.

17 All obstructions to the execution of the Laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels, and modified by mutual interests.

- The parties are restricting us from being able to make our own decisions, voted upon for us by our elected representatives. They have taken the power out of our hands, and we allow it by continuing to vote for them.

18 However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion.

- This is big! It expicitly states that the political parties will allow those with no principles to take the authority of our government away from us, and then leave us without any way to win it back from them.

19 Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the constitution, alterations, which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments, as of other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard, by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes, upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember, especially, that, for the efficient management of our common interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name, where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property.

- We should not be too fast to make changes to our system, realizing that only over time can the effects of our actions be truly seen. Which also means that if we make a poor choice, we will suffer its punishments long before we can recognize that we need to change it.

20 I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.
21 This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.

- This flat out labels the Republican and Democratic parties as our enemy.

22 The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.

- This speaks clearly against the way that our two major parties in America struggle for control of Congress, using that power to block each others' actions, rather than uniting with each other to do what is best for America. It also warns us that some day, if we are not careful, someone at the head of one or both of these parties will try to convince us that it would be best for us all if we abandon our freedom, and simply do as he or she tells us.

23 Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight,) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.

- And yet, we listen to the two parties almost exclusively.
24 It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.

- The parties use their language to distract and confuse us, raising false alarms. They divide us, and turn us against each other, attempting to destroy the unity that we fought so hard to achieve for our nation. They make us vulnerable to allowing other nations to exert control over us. Look at things like NATO and the UN, which we now feel obliged to agree with, rather than following our own course.

- This says that while it is okay to have some unifying elements of thought in our country, there should be enough of that just on the basis of having a passion for maintaining the wonderful thing we have in America. The parties can serve to keep the issues fresh in our minds, but we can't let their efforts to control what we think get out of hand.

- We need to be careful in how we alter our Constitution, making sure that we not allow some to grant themselves power that they don't need, because if we allow them to convince us that we need one thing, they'll continue to convince us of others, until the Constitution is so damaged that it grants them all the power, and we will be helpless to change it, short of starting another Revolution.

28 It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who, that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric ?
29 Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

- The last point that I have excerpted, that we must be certain that we only allow those to represent us who are strong in their honesty and morality, and in their own convictions that our system of government is a gift. to be treasured and protected with every ounce of our being. Number 29 serves as a reminder that it is our responsibility to constantly be aware of what is going on in this nation, and that we let nothing hinder our ability to get the information from any source possible. If we let the media and our politicans spin the truth and try to hide things from us, we are failing our founding fathers in defending this nation.

President Washington lived under the opression of the English monarchy. He stood up with other men to create a new nation where we could be free to do as we choose. He personally led our new army into battle and watched fellow Patriots die to secure these things for us. He believed in the cause down to the very core of his soul. He wrote these words as a counsel to us, that we do everything possible to defend what he worked so hard to create, becuse the thought of us losing our liberty would be worse than death.

It seems to me that we have failed almost every aspect of this advice we received over 200 years ago. Washington knew, even in the infancy of this nation, the ways in which it could be torn apart. We are watching this happen now, and most people who are able to vote aren't even willing to stand up and get the attention of the elected officials. I realize that I might sound insincere, since I have only recently begun to speak out on these issues, and for that, I can only apoligize for my past failures as an American, and resolve to never again sit quietly and allow our founding principles to be mocked in the way they currently are by our entire government.

I was talking to my brother-in-law this morning about my plans to run for office, telling him that while I am enjoying the process of trying to become what this country needs from its representatives, that I feel intimidated at times by the thought of actually sitting in the House chambers as a member of government. He told me that my feeling that way is what makes me an ideal candidate for the office. I can't even begin to describe the sense of awe and pride I would feel at being able to call myself an elected representative of the people. I wish I could believe that anyone currently in office feels that way anymore.

Step One...

2009-09-16T10:51:00.002-06:00

To appear on the ballot as a candidate not affiliated with a "ballot-approved party", I need a petition with the signatures of 300 registered voters in the district that I want to run for office in. I am starting to wonder if, since it's not likely that I would win on my first try against the established Congressmen, that I should try and do this in the 2nd or 3rd Districts rather than the 1st, since I don't see myself spending too much time in northern Utah getting people to support me. It irritates me that this can be so complicated, but then I have to remember I am dealing with government.