I can only hope…

That Americans go to the polls understanding that elections have consequences:

·         That change is not always for the positive

·         That power and a lack of experience is a dangerous combination

·         That the constitution has given us our prosperity, freedom, and ability to be uninformed

·         That judges are like tyrants if not harnessed by the constitution

·         That the constitution is not a living document; it is what rules are to a game, defined and for a purpose

·         That speaking is a great skill for a politician but honesty and integrity is not negotiable

·         That policies and lack thereof have consequences, just remember September 11^th

·         That our military deserves our thanks not dismissive condemnation

·         That the UN, France, Germany, and the rest of the world can kiss our …

·         That God is not a 4 letter word; anywhere

·         That guns are the only insurance to a free society; just read our or any history

·         That freedom is not free

·         That being tortured by the enemy, fighting for this country, is a real qualification to be considered

·         That hanging out with terrorists and America haters; is a real consideration

·         That America as we know it is not guaranteed for the future

·         That this is a government of the people, Messiah’s and Kings need not apply

·         That America is a sovereign nation; our future should be determined by us

·         That God truly did Bless America; let’s think about that…

I am Rich Hand and I am running for the Congressional District 5 seat because our political system has been corrupted by the two parties that have controlled it for too many years. We the people have been promised reform every election cycle but what we have been given is always more of the same. Both parties have been entrusted by the people to govern in their best interest. The only interests we see politicians protecting are the lobbyists, special interests, and their own.

We have watched our politicians in both parties ignore the facts that Social Security is going bankrupt, they have ignored the billions of dollars of fraud in Medicare, Medicaid, and every form of government contracting, and they ignored all the signs and warnings of the financial crisis we find ourselves in today. The two parties have failed us miserably, and again are promising us “change”, “reform”, and a host of other empty promises.

It is time to look at the results of the two parties and ask ourselves if they will ever deliver on their promises. I know they won’t so I am running. If you know they won’t, send a message by voting for me. It will send a message louder than any other message you can deliver.

I promise you I will deliver on one thing; I will never sell my soul to the devil of politics; lobbyists, special interests, and self interest. I will never accept a nickel from any group looking for access. What I will do every day in congress is to work for fundamental change in the rules of congress, the way they are elected, and to reduce the time that is spent in Washington. Both in days per year, and the amount of years they can serve.

You can’t reduce the encroachment of government until you reform the way congress conducts itself. Today one congressman can control the debate of the rest of the body. We recently saw Nancy Pelosi close down debate on energy policy, stealing the rights of the 434 other congress men and women representing hundreds of millions of Americans in the process. We watch as single committee chair people decide what bills are given consideration. There are rules to keep order, and there are rules that silence the voice of the people. The rules as of today silence the voices of millions of Americans. I ask you; is that right? Is that good policy? Is that constitutional? That ability to stop debate must change.

Money is the poison of the election process. I will propose to limit donations to allow only individual constituents within a representative’s district to donate to campaigns. I don’t understand why we allow corporations and interest groups to donate to congressional races. They can run all the ads they want on their own. What they are buying with their donation is the ability to control the representative through intimidation, and the threat of cutting off the life blood of the current election process; money. The lifeblood should be the constituents vote not the money funneled in by powerful interests.

I believe in the individual, the free market, limited government regulation, secure borders, and the hope that America represents to the world. I am proud of the military and the way they conduct themselves on our behalf. They make this all possible; God Bless them. I am proud to say I believe in God. I believe we are a Christian nation but it is best that religion is not a test for politicians. Just an indication of one’s beliefs and character.

I believe the federal government should be held accountable for stealing the hopes and dreams of the Black and inner city community. They need to be dismissed from having anything to do with the education of our citizens. All you have to do is look at the current state of education to see it has failed. Education is the fuel of hope and success. It is time to bring that money home to the states. I believe the states need to start reducing their dependence on the federal government, and reduce the treasure they send to the federal treasury.

I believe we must prepare the American people for the fight we may find ourselves in if the current democrats take control of every branch of government. They are radically opposed to the most fundamental of American values; individual freedom, state’s rights, a strong military, patriotism, free speech, free markets, the right to bear arms, and a supreme court that judges the law, not one that circumvents the constitution and creates law. We must realize that what they stand for resembles nothing that the founders would recognize. We must educate, communicate, and be willing to stand up for the American values that made us great; the constitution.

I am offering my service to fight the fight. All I ask is for your vote. You can have more of the same or you can try a new approach. I hope you choose me so I can bring trust back to the great halls of Congress…   

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read, Vote Obama, I need the money…. I laughed.

Once in the restaurant my server had on a Obama 08 tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference….just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need like the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient needed money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

And they are a failing grade for America’s future. That Barrack Obama can even be a candidate is a sad testament of the ability of our nation to think critically. The people that support Obama are either voting on emotion, think that change is needed but can’t define what change, or the scariest scenario is that they believe it can’t get much worse under Obama and the radical leaders of the Democratic Party.

The more I talk to people who are going to vote for Obama the more concerned I get about an education system that has not emphasized our history, constitution, economic system, or the simple task of analytical thinking. They are too cavalier in their response to the question; do you want more government telling what you can do or more importantly what you can say? They don’t get how dangerous Obama and Biden are to our democracy.

Barack wants to disregard our constitution to redistribute wealth, not have to answer to the people, socialize our healthcare and economy, and make everyone equal in outcome. We are not equal in outcome because some of us put more into the system to succeed. If you want to be beholden to the people you see working for the TSA, Post Office, or any other government agency you obviously need to reassess your positions.

We will be tested if Obama is elected. We will be tested to see if we are willing to defend our constitution and basic American principles. Obama does not want what the founding fathers gave us; he wants to ignore our basic rights and impose his own through the Supreme Court. Five of the nine Supreme Court judges are over 70. God forbid it is Obama, Reid, and Pelosi nominating these judges. If we elect Obama God will be forbidden as well…

Iran prefers Obama, the French prefer Obama, and the main stream media prefers Obama. Do you need any other evidence that we as American’s should prefer McCain?

On another note; this is the most racist column (click here to read) I have read in a long time. It suggests that if Obama doesn’t win, the black community will riot. Now I know emotions are high this election but I have to give the black community the respect it deserves. I believe that the black community will react just like the white community; with reasoned response. There is no need to send in the riot police in pre-emptive action. That will only provoke ANY neighborhood they show up in!

Finally, there is a debate being held October 30^th, sponsored by the Falcon Republican Club at Sand Creek High School. I was not invited although the other 3 candidates listed on the Secretary of State’s website were. Yes, even as a write-in, you must register with the SOS to be considered. Not to mention I ran in 2006, and the fact I refuse to raise money, making for a different perspective for the voters. I am running against the party system, and I believe we need real rules reform in congress so that all congressional districts get fair representation, not just the ones from the party in power. Well, maybe that’s why they excluded me.

The presidential race is close, and every vote in Colorado will make a difference this year. Make sure you do!

Write-in Rich Hand for Congressional District 5 Colorado…