Last weekend I attended the 4th annual RedState Gathering in Jacksonville, Florida, with some of the most prominent conservative leaders in the country.  Most of us are in this fight for the same reason-- we love this country and aren't willing to let her fail because of irresponsible policies instituted by our current government.  Often as I follow the events happening today I am concerned that our leaders are failing to realize that their decisions today will affect the future even once they are out of office; however, after attending the RedState Gathering, I realize that my future is actually in good hands.

I really like the fact that the Olympics and the Primary Election in Florida are so close together.  I hope while we build American pride with our team spirit and athletes we motivate a few couch potatoes to get out and vote at the very least.  Of course for those of us already out there volunteering, we are still knocking doors and at times getting that 'deer in the headlights' look when we mention the date August 14th in Florida it can be a little mind boggling.  Yes, there is a primary election, one might have heard about it, but well not everyone has heard the call.

Not sure the rock under which some hide, but there are still registered republican voters who have walked right into the polls without a single bit of research on the candidates for whom they cast a vote.  I often wonder how do they select?  Names they like, signs they see as they drive into the parking lot or is there more eenie meenie miney moe going on than we all think in that voting booth.  If I am on a rant it's because I realize how precious the right to vote is for Americans and the price paid for us to have this right, so I want at least a little effort on the part of the voter in selecting a candidate.  I'd like to say I am grateful for those who call and run down their ballot with me over the phone, and I am honored to have their respect and trust, at least they made the effort to fill it out in advance.  Of course maybe the average voter is suffering from campaign fatigue and can't bear another minute of television ads.  It's a bit like hurricane fatigue, but you get it from incessant mailers and robocalls.

Whatever you decide I will always say that voting is better than not voting that is a given, but please take a moment to care about the selection.  Vote smart, and if you are a republican voting in an upside down district your primary selection will face a general election.  Take a moment to look at the bigger picture.  Also get to know your candidates, they want to know you and if they don't then perhaps you need to reconsider that selection immediately.  In the end just vote please, and republicans you have a party office somewhere in your area where information and assistance is always available.  So absentee, early or election day GET OUT THE VOTE!

As I focused with many of you over the tragedy of the recent shootings in Colorado, I noticed without hesitation the discussion quickly turn from the news breaking horror to the sadness of those lost or injured and then to gun control.  Without fail each time something of this nature happens, those opposed to our 2nd Amendment rights come out in full force with their view of 'no guns - no shootings'.  I firmly denounce this kind of thought process and wholeheartedly defend the 'right of the people to keep and bear arms'.

I have been shooting guns since I was four years of age either in the capacity of hunting or target practice, with a little skeet shooting for sport thrown into the mix.  I have a concealed weapons permit and believe it is my right to protect and defend myself as per the laws of the state of Florida where I reside.  I obey the law and am accountable for my gun ownership and use.  So please explain to me why I should be punished for the crimes of another individual who does not and chooses to murder innocent people?  You don't take my car keys when my neighbor gets a speeding ticket.  Oh, I know some will argue that isn't the same thing.  Well really because a vehicle has the power to take lives too, so I debate along these lines.

I am tired of those who use the recent tragedy as their rally cry for gun control.  The actions of one unstable or evil individual are not reason to violate the constitutional rights of the Americans whose gun ownership and use are perfectly legal and who are responsible citizens.  Deranged individuals are not new to our society, and I am certain the future holds a few more to come forward and commit criminal acts.  However, I firmly believe that in any given situation where my life is threatened and the other person means to do me harm, I have a constitutional and legal right to defend myself.  Guns don't fire all by themselves and bullets do not magically load themselves into a gun - it takes a person.  None of us can predict what makes someone fall off the sociological cliff and turn violent to the point of committing a murder, but let's punish the criminal not the compliant citizen who owns a gun and has never even considered a crime.

Today marks Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's 1,001st day in an Iranian prison for charges of apostasy from the Islamic faith and evangelism to Muslims.  He is awaiting a death sentence that has been upheld numerous times by the Iranian Supreme Court.  Youcef claims to have converted to Christianity as a child (Court documents claim that he converted at age nineteen) and never actually practiced Islam.  In 2009, Youcef became aware of a change in Iran's education policy that would require all students to take a Qur'an course.  Having two young children who would be affected by this policy,

Youcef went to the school and protested, stating that the Iranian Constitution gives freedom to practice religion.  He did not believe his children could or should be required to take this course.  Now, after his charges being changed from protesting to apostasy and evangelizing, our president is standing idly by as this man of faith is awaiting his death for refusing to recant his Christian faith.