30. Tim Tebow and Blake Appleton – Of course Tim Tebow is popular in the news lately. But earlier in the year Tebow made a wish come true for a young fan, Blake Appleton. Blake who is battling cancer had a wish – to talk to Tim Tebow. From the story I’m reading on Dec 10^th it’s not sure how Tebow found out about Blake. But he did make the wish come true having a conversation with him over the phone. When you think about Christmas it’s hard not to think about children. When you think about sports and Christianity Tim Tebow is the obvious athlete we think of right now. This is a heartwarming story, and gets Tebow and Blake a Golden George Award.
http://tv.breitbart.com/tebow-makes-call-to-boy-battling-cancer/

29. United States Army and Brennan Daigle – The US Army could be put on this alone in recognition of what our soldiers do for their sacrifice for our nation. But along with Tim Tebow making dreams come true for children, the Army did the same thing back in March. Brennan Daigle is battling a rare form of muscular cancer. For his 10^th birthday he didn’t want toys or a video game system, instead he wanted to be a soldier. The US Army made that happen, providing Brennan with a party complete with a Humvee, local soldiers from his home in Louisiana, Army themed gifts, a flag flown in Afghanistan in his honor, and an honorary induction ceremony into the United States Army.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/wish-comes-true-cancer-stricken-10-old-inducted-20110308-083835-458.html

28. Heartland of America Band – The band and orchestra from Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska puts on one heck of show anytime you see them. I had the chance to see their holiday concert early this month and was blown away. These servicemen and women devote themselves to being the best they can with their talents, often taking their show on the road to entertain our service members overseas.

27. Tabacco Brothers – Derek and John Tabacco are Wall Street businessmen and brothers who believe in what they do and in free market capitalism and the American Dream. When the Occupy movement hit New York the brothers engaged the Occupiers, even holding a mini job fair of sorts to see if the Occupiers would take a job search seriously. While they have been controversial in the past, I applaud them for being an example, trying to offer help for what the protestors demand – jobs, and standing up for what they believe in.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/wall-street-heroes-to-hold-occupy-a-desk-american-job-fest-at-zuccotti-park/

26. Gibson Guitars/CEO Henry Juszkiewicz – Gibson Guitars became the target of the federal government over the summer for God knows what – essentially being told they had to use labor from Madagascar instead of American labor – some issue involving use of ebony in their line of music products. Whatever. This is complete non-sense and Gibson is an American company that makes great products that thus allow artists to enjoy…some of which give us the wonderful sounds of Christmas each year. It is my hope that plenty of Gibson guitars found their way under the tree this day.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/update-gibson-guitar-ceo-says-feds-told-him-to-outsource-labor-to-madagascar/

25. Giles County School Students, Giles, Virginia – In a rare display of young people defending faith in school students in this Virginia school fought back against the school over displaying the 10 Commandments. This didn’t happen at Christmastime – but it certainly is a reminder that no matter what time of the year it is, we shouldn’t be afraid to stand up for Christ.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/wv-students-outraged-after-10-commandments-removed-from-schools/

24. Bill O’Reilly – The Fox News host made headlines earlier this month for a segment where he defended Christmas and shot back at those instigating the real (or inflated) War On Christmas.

23. David Barton – When comedian Jon Stewart ran a funny, satirical, but not exactly factual report mocking the War On Christmas, David Barton was the heavy hitter to put Stewart in his place. Barton corrected Stewart’s history on Glenn Beck’s radio show on December 9^th. Barton continues to be one of the most important but least known people in the United States. Without him I believe some history would be lost, and thanks to Barton history is being saved and interests in it renewed, which includes Christmas.
http://www.glennbeck.com/2011/12/09/dave-barton-takes-on-stewarts-founders-didnt-care-about-christmas-claim/

22. Pitman, New Jersey – Citizens of Pitman have come to the defense of a Knight’s of Columbus banner that reads “Keep Christ in Christmas”.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/atheists-up-in-arms-over-nj-towns-keep-christ-in-christmas-sign/

21. Green County Tech Primary School, Paragould, Arkansas – In another front on the War On Christmas, or rather the Defense Of Christmas, this school district in Arkansas took a stand this year defending a Nativity scene on the elementary school in the district.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/public-school-defends-posting-nativity-scene-despite-potential-church-state-challenges/

20. Chester County, Pennsylvania – In our Defense Of Christmas/War On Christmas block of Golden George Awards we go to the Keystone State where citizens of Chester County, PA refused to let atheists display a “tree of knowledge” on the courthouse grounds along with the normal Christmas display. Now I’m a defender of free speech and exercise of free religion and welcome differing viewpoints. But let’s be frank…the season is Christmas…not _________. And Christmas has symbols. ________ does not exist, or rather symbol involved (tree of knowledge) doesn’t have a holiday to go along with it. My best guess is that these are just atheists who want to make a non-issue into an issue. I say great job to Chester County for taking a stand against the trivial in a season which defines anything but the trivial.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/atheists-angry-after-pa-officials-refuse-to-host-holiday-tree-of-knowledge/

19. Army Sgt Joe Tavera, J.R. Martinez and William Ryan Homes, and Building Homes For Heroes – Actor J.R. Martinez was involved in an amazing act of charity with real estate company William Ryan Homes in Florida. Sgt. Tavera who has numerous injuries from his service in Iraq received a $450,000 home complete with disabled access and extra wide hallways. The act was made possible by the non-profit group Building Homes for Heroes. All of these individuals and organizations deserve a Golden George Award!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/im-really-really-blessed-severely-injured-war-vet-receives-life-changing-act-of-kindness/

18. Mount Airy, North Carolina – Glenn Beck has put a few causes and communities on the map. Last year at this time it was Wilmington, Ohio which I also awarded a Golden George too. This year it’s the town of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Mount Airy is the site for Beck’s new 1791 clothing line/charitable organization. The town was selected in part by the plea of the town’s mayor. Mount Airy is known as the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry in the classic Andy Griffith Show. The town estimates to have lost 10,000 jobs in the past decade. But now the remaining citizens, with the help of Beck’s innovation and inspiration hope to reverse that trend. And let’s hope that the important charity work will make someone’s Christmas better who reside in the Mount Airy’s all across the country.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/mayberry-town-plans-bring-it-beck-rally-to-attract-1791-clothing-line-business/

17. Christina Taylor Green – Not all of our award winners this year are due to happy stories. We remember Christina Taylor Green. You may recall 9 year old Christina being one of the victims of the attack on Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords back in January. Christina was a great student, developing interests in leadership, involved in various extracurricular activities and had big dreams for her life. Sadly that all ended that tragic day. However, her memory lives on and may she continue to be an inspiration for all.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/mothers-memories-of-slain-9-year-old-leaves-fox-news-host-in-tears/

16. Brenda Tharp – An Omaha woman is helping to replace gifts that were stolen from a local shelter. Someone earlier this month broke into Brenda’s car and stole gifts meant for children at the nearby Stephen Center. While talking about the crime with friends at a restaurant some patrons overheard and presented Brenda with $100. Inspired by the act of generosity, Tharp has now made it a mission to raise $1,000 for the shelter. Christmas miracles do indeed happen! If you would like to help Brenda and the Stephen Center you can contact the center at 402-715-5445.
http://www.ketv.com/holidays/30023771/detail.html?utm_source=KETV+Newswatch+7&utm_medium=twitter

15. Travis Air Force Base – Travis AFB in California has joined many communities across the country in taking a stand against radical atheists seeking to keep Nativity scenes and other symbols of Christmas out of public viewing. The display is set up on the main drive into the base and has been a tradition for years.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/air-force-base-wont-remove-nativity-scene-menorah-from-holiday-display/

14. Kevin Peck – On December 12^th West Valley City, Utah police officer Kevin Peck help aid an injured woman stuck under a commuter bus. The bus struck Aryann Smith at a crosswalk pinning her underneath causing serious injuries to her legs. Once on the scene Peck crawled under the bus to check on Smith’s status, and stayed until more help could arrive, comforting the hurting pedestrian. Smith was rescued a time later and is recovering. Peck is being honored as a hero in the community for his compassion and kindness.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/i-told-her-i-would-stay-hero-police-officer-crawls-under-bus-to-hold-trapped-womans-hand/

13. Vicky Thomas – You may recall the dastardly beating at a Maryland McDonald’s back in April. The fight was caught on tape and became a viral video. The victim, Chrissy Lee Polis, a transgender woman was being severely beaten for several minutes before Vicky Thomas who was also in the McDonald’s at the time tried to intervene. Vicky also got hit in the face in the process. Polis was drug by her hair and beaten so badly that she had a seizure on the floor of the restaurant. Vicky’s actions likely saved Polis from further injury and possibly saved her life. Vicky Thomas, a Good Samaritan, and a good neighbor, makes the Badger Benson Golden George Awards for 2011!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/meet-the-good-samaritan-woman-who-tried-to-stop-brutal-mcds-beating/

12. Jan Cline – Jan Cline is fighting cancer. She also is struggling to pay for her treatment. She’s a former business owner, and describes herself as being independent. So she started having garage sales in her backyard to help pay for her treatments. Sounds like a positive story about an inspiring individual that exemplifies the American spirit doesn’t it? Well…also a sign of the times and out of control government the city of Salem, Oregon told Cline that she had to stop her garage sales. Why? Because of a complaint by a neighbor and the city says residents can only hold three garage sales a year! Outrageous! An example of out of control government. Thankfully a community development department and other individuals in the city have been doing what they can to aid Cline.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/womans-garage-sales-to-pay-for-cancer-treatment-shut-down-by-city/

11. Franklin Graham – Graham is probably best known as being the son of Rev. Billy Graham. Franklin like his father is an evangelist. Not many know though that Franklin Graham has been involved in food and agriculture charity organization that has been permitted inside North Korea to aid starving people of that oppressed country. Franklin Graham is a Golden George winner for being brave, doing the right thing, furthering the Kingdom, and bringing hope to those who otherwise would not have any.

10. Faith Baptist Church, Orlando, Florida – After the congregation was challenged to help the poor by preacher and author Bruce Wilkinson last March the First Baptist congregation answered. By July the church had brought in $5.6 million in pledges! Soon the poor were knocking on the church doors presenting an issue – how to use the money and treat causes and not the symptoms. The church partnered with local non-profits to address community needs.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/orlando-church-raises-unprecedented-5-6-million-to-aid-orlandos-poor-and-homeless-families/

9. IHOP, Kansas City – No, not the International House of Pancakes, but those sure sound good on Christmas Day! The IHOP is the International House of Prayer, a church in Kansas City, Missouri that started in 1999 and has been in continual prayer 24/7 for more than 12 years. Spiritual inspiration!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/kansas-city-christian-church-has-been-praying-worshipping-247-for-more-than-12-years/

8. The Old Guard, Arlington National Cemetery – The two years I have been doing this it should be any surprise that military stories find their way onto the list multiple times, and rightly so. The Old Guard needs to be recognized. The Old Guard is the Tomb Sentinel, 3^rd US Infantry Regiment that marches on watch at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The Guard has been on duty at the tomb every second of every day regardless of weather or holidays since April 6, 1948. In late August pictures of the on duty Guards went on the 3^rd Infantry Facebook page showing the soldiers performing their duties while in hurricane weather. Glory and honor are found in the Christmas story, likewise it is found in our military – the Old Guard receives a Golden George Award for 2011.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/photos-of-the-old-guard-as-they-watch-over-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-during-hurricane-irene/comment-page-4/#comment-1758768

7. Dakota Meyer and Leroy Arthur Petry – Staying with the military theme two servicemen are honored in our awards. Dakota Meyer received the Medal of Honor over the summer for saving 36 lives at extraordinary risk to himself in Afghanistan.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/marine-cpl-receives-medal-of-honor-for-saving-36-lives-in-afghanistan/

Petry also received the Medal of Honor Award earlier in the year for saving himself and two others from a grenade. While tossing the grenade Petry lost his hand. Petry who had already been injured with gunshots during the battle, saved the lives of his colleagues. We don’t often think of sacrifice during Christmas – but there are those who have sacrificed a lot so that we can enjoy the day, those who are serving, those who are spending their day with loved ones who are serving, and those who have passed away in service to their country. May we be reminded in these sacrifices that Christmas leads to us to Easter where our Lord made the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore we honor Dakota Meyer and Leroy Petry with Golden George Awards.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/meet-the-armys-latest-medal-of-honor-recipient/

6. Yeager Family, State Center, Iowa – The Yeager family of my hometown of State Center, Iowa made national and world headlines this fall. Gordon (94) and Norma (90) gave the world a showcase of love and the meaning of death til us part. In fact Norma promised Gordon that when she graduated from high school that she would spend forever with him. The couple died in a car crash (actually on the corner of my family’s farm) in early October. Rescuers rushed the couple to the hospital where they passed away…holding hands. Of course when we think of Christmas we think of Love. Along with that, we are given a story of family. The Yeager’s show us both love and devotion of family.
http://www.kcci.com/r/29528191/detail.html

5. Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation – John Kanzius was a good man. He died a good man and his legacy of good is living on. Several of our Golden George winners on the 2011 list have been cancer victims. John died of cancer. But not before providing hope and innovation for a cure. Believe it or not, a cure might not be far off – in large part due to the Kanzius Research Center. John Kanzius was a radio broadcaster. While fighting his battle with cancer he wondered if radio waves might be able to combat cancer cells. A process that involves injecting micro-sized gold particles into the blood stream, the particles attach themselves to cells, radio waves then heat up the particles and the bad cells and particles are burned off. Further research needs done, but so far indications suggest a 100% cure rate. A cure for cancer in our lifetime might be a reality. Hope is alive at Christmas. And the Kanzius Center is giving hope to millions.
http://www.kanziuscancerresearch.com/about/

4. Eric Bolling – In at #4 is Eric Bolling, the Fox Business Network host. Bolling made news in mid December when he kicked Dan Baker of the Freedom From Religion Foundation off his show after Baker had called the Nativity scene an insult. Bolling rejected the notion, defended his Christian faith and ended the interview abruptly. Baker whose group the Freedom From Religious Foundation is in the news this Christmas season over a situation in Henderson County, Texas involving a public Nativity scene. Bolling’s no non-sense approach was refreshing. It also became the soundbite of the season for people of faith worried about the assault on religious liberties. Dan Baker said he found the Nativity to be insulting. Let us remember this Christmas of the individual in the manager in the Nativity who took the biggest insult to save our lives, and yes, even Dan Baker’s life.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/epic-fox-segment-host-kicks-atheist-off-show-for-calling-jesus-the-nativity-an-insult/

3. Joplin, Missouri – One of the biggest stories of 2011 was the disastrous tornadoes that struck parts of the South and Midwest including Joplin, Missouri. Joplin was leveled by a tornado. But within minutes of the devastation the community was in action helping to rescue others, clear debris, and comforting those with hurt or suffering loses. Out of ashes and ruble came hope. Talk radio hosts like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck featured the Joplin story and help raise aid for the victims. The community is bouncing back, while rebuilding may be slow, and many will have a rough Christmas because of loss or property and worse yet, loss of loved ones; the community of Joplin is committed to rebuilding and making their corner of the world better. Joplin receives a Golden George Award for their inspiration and example to the world. Might Joplin serve as a reminder of another small town that provided the world hope on that first Christmas Day, known as Bethlehem.

2. Layaway Secret Santa’s – An interesting trend started a few years ago and has exploded in 2011. Secret Santa’s are going into area stores, mostly K-Mart’s around the country and paying off total strangers layaway bills. Typically the Secret Santa’s look for layaway bills containing children’s clothing and toys. Even further inspiring is that many of the shoppers who return to pay their own bills finding out a stranger has paid their bill for them, continue to pay it forward by paying off another stranger’s bill. May the K-Mart Secret Santa’s remind us of the first visitors to Christ who went to the manager out of faith and joy.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/tis-the-season-secret-santas-pay-off-needy-families-layaway-bills-at-local-kmart/

1. Henderson County, Texas – This Texas community has been ground zero this year in the secular vs. religious clash that occurs every year at this time. For years the courthouse in Henderson, Texas has displayed a Nativity scene on the grounds. This year one complaint was filed with the Freedom From Religion Foundation in Wisconsin. The FFRF threatened the county with legal action. The community however didn’t back down. The FFRF got their nose into a place they didn’t belong and these Texans let the organization know it! In a grand show of support and community unity a happy throng Christmas loving Texans gathered last weekend at the courthouse. May the community of Henderson, Texas be an example to us all to have no fear and not be intimidated in this world when we know our Lord and Savior lives…and we know He lives because he came to earth to live among us. The Word became flesh. Henderson County, Texas is the Badger Benson Show 2011 #1 Golden George Award winner! Congratulations and Merry Christmas!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/intimidation-atheists-demand-that-texas-nativity-scene-be-torn-down-immediately/

Now…this show is pre-recorded and I recorded on Thursday night. Well turns out on Friday I found two stories that needed added to the Golden George Awards. I apologize. Now here’s the deal…I also feel that both of them would be great additions to the number one spot with Henderson, Texas. So this year…three #1’s. And we’ll just call Henderson the overall number one. Again, I apologize for that, but I really did not think there would be any more additions to the list before the weekend. So here are the two add-ons into the Golden George Awards…
1. Brad Lueddeke – Lueddeke of the Dallas-Fort Worth area found himself in a rescue situation on Wednesday, December 21^st…with himself being the rescuer. Brad came across an accident and pulled a man from the wreckage. Going beyond the rescue effort Brad also directed traffic around the accident, keeping other travelers safe. And he did all while dressed as Santa Claus. Brad was on his way to deliver gifts to needy children. But we can make this story even more impressive and heartwarming. Brad had lost his son Jordan to an auto accident 7 years ago. The man he saved was father to Amber Walker, who had been a close friend to Brad’s son Jordan. That’s a great Christmas story and I had to make sure Brad Lueddeke made the list.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/santa-impersonator-saves-man-from-burning-pickup-in-real-life-christmas-miracle-7-years-after-tragedy/

1. David Wilson – Wilson of Los Angeles, is one of those Secret Santa’s paying off layaway bills at stores like Kmart. Wilson who’s identity was revealed, is now more of a Layaway Angel than a Secret Santa. Regardless, what Wilson did is remarkable. In a show of Christmas charity and good will David called the Kmart in Laguna Beach and had the store tally up all the items on layaway that cost under $100. He then paid the entire sum – $15,919.61! Wilson’s act then inspired others when the news got out, and an additional $8,000 flowed in!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/layaway-angel-generously-picks-up-entire-16k-layaway-tab-at-calif-kmart/

So there you go, the two additions to the list, and you can clearly understand why I had to get them both included. So I dubbed in this segment and uploaded the audio again on Friday evening. But now, back to the original recorded program. And thanks again!

2011 Potter Awards

The Potter Awards

12/6 California School

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/calif-school-reportedly-bans-teachers-from-displaying-santas-christmas-trees-in-classrooms/

12/8 Henderson County Texas Atheists

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/intimidation-atheists-demand-that-texas-nativity-scene-be-torn-down-immediately/

12/7 *English School

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/british-principal-cuts-off-clasrooms-heat-amid-near-freezing-temperatures-to-lower-carbon-footprint/

12/8 Lincoln Chafee

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/fox-producer-confronts-r-i-gov-over-holiday-tree-who-exactly-does-a-christmas-tree-offend/

12/8 Mall Vandals

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20111208/NEWS03/712099997
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/12/09/125-ipads-stolen-from-san-carlos-best-buy-store/

12/9 Santa Monica Atheists

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/calif-atheists-successfully-nudge-out-offensive-nativity-display/

12/9 Jon Stewart

http://www.glennbeck.com/2011/12/09/dave-barton-takes-on-stewarts-founders-didnt-care-about-christmas-claim/

12/12 US Postal Service

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/u-s-post-office-in-maryland-kicks-out-christmas-carolers/

12/12 – The Freedom From Religion, Madison Wisconsin group

12/14 US Marine Corps

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/marine-corps-apologizes-after-mailing-purple-heart-tree-ornaments-to-deceased-soldiers/

12/15 Jesse Jackson

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/jesse-jackson-jesus-was-an-occupier/

12/18 Barbara Kibler

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/occupy-north-pole-pricey-private-schools-christmas-play-skewers-big-oil-corporate-greed/

12/18* Bethlehem Mayor Victor Batarseh
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/bethlehem-christmas-mayor-compares-israel-to-apartheid-south-africa-and-prime-minister-calls-jesus-palestinian/

12/18 Congressional Franking Commission

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/u-s-house-members-banned-from-writing-merry-christmas-in-official-mail/

12/18 UNICEF

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/new-unicef-ad-says-santa-doesnt-do-poor-countries/

12/19 White House

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/no-jesus-ornaments-on-the-capitol-christmas-tree-but-it-does-celebrate-obama/

12/21 Yonkers, NY

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/hate-crimes-nativity-scenes-christian-statues-desecrated-in-yonkers-ny/

12/23 Mass Superintendent

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/school-superintendent-receiving-death-threats-over-santa-order/

12/23 Pineville, North Carolina Shoppers

http://www.waff.com/story/16383548/shoppers-throw-punches-while-waiting-for-sale-of-popular-tennis-shoe

Bandcamp: http://www.sojournmusic.bandcamp.com/

Free Track Downloads: http://www.noisetrade.com/sojourn

Website: http://www.sojournmusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/SojournMusic

https://www.facebook.com/events/249395895116071/

I started the Golden George Awards last year out of inspiration of the town of Wilmington, Ohio that was in the news this time last year. The town was on hard times after DHL and other businesses closed. But people and businesses came together, supported each other and kept the town going. The story was featured by Glenn Beck and other news outlets.

I decided on the name Golden George after the character of George Bailey in the Christmas classic "It’s A Wonderful Life". The purpose of the awards are to recognize those people who are the George Bailey’s of their communities. People who best espouse the Christmas spirit. They might be your neighbors or family members. They might be the richest person in town or the poorest. Young or old. It could be the smallest gesture of kindness to running a homeless shelter.

Whatever it is, you know who they are and they’re doing great things for others, and they likely don’t require thanks to do it. They just do it because that is who they are…and such people make the places we live a little bit better, especially this time of the year.

If you know of such a person nominate them for the Golden George Awards. Email me at brandon@badgerbenson.com telling a little about them and why they deserve the award.
You can view last years winners here: http://www.badgerbenson.com/americans-vs-americants/2010-golden-george-awards-announced/

Last year the top two spots went to my Grandmas…I’d argue they both certainly deserved it! But with only family making nominations that’s just how it ended up. I managed to find little stories from around the country like Wilmington for the rest. This year I hope to see more nominees!
The final list will be announced on my program, a pre-recorded show on Christmas Day.

Thank you to my Great Uncle Bill and all the Veterans out there!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/badger-benson/2011/11/12/honoring-veterans-day–best-of-badger-with-great-uncle-bill

I have a few nieces and nephews going to school for the first time this week. It’s so exciting seeing the pictures of them off to their first day of school. It made me think back to my early childhood. I’ve told bits and pieces of the story before, but I don’t think I’ve ever told it at length with the implications to my life included. Perhaps what I experienced might be to the benefit of children and parents entering the world of public education for the first time.

To set the stage of my journey I was a carefree kid living on a lonely gravel road in Central Iowa. It was small home with chipped paint and a front porch. I never thought about how run down it was until later in life. It was home to me! And while dad was at work I spent the days with my mother and the children she babysat for. Those were my first friends. Soon the day came when I started preschool and I met other friends. Preschool wasn’t bad; it was mostly play time and was only a short time in the morning. The teacher was nice and fun. I remember even learning a few things – like the “Silver War” (Civil War) as I called it. I have no complaints about my days in preschool.

Kindergarten is where things got off track for me. Back in 1984-85 the West Marshall school district had all day kindergarten that alternated days. (This changed in the following year or two from alternating full days to half day every day classes. I’m not sure what they are now.) I wasn’t prepared for a full day away from home. To make it worse I was separated from the friends I made in preschool. This really upset me and I had no interest in making friends with the “weirdos” I was now with. I disliked the teacher. I felt I had no reason to be there and no interest in anything we did. I hated the school lunches…disgusting. The bus ride home was long and made me miss my favorite cartoons. (I think we were always the last ones of the bus each year.) This stuff is all funny looking back on it…but also some serious implications I think can be drawn on.

Obviously the important thing is education. But in my mind at the time I didn’t see the value in something I didn’t enjoy. I spent the days in class starring out the windows thinking about everything I was missing in the world while I was coped up in a classroom. (This is probably played a role in developing my creativity and becoming an introvert.) Everything about it was just miserable. All I wanted to do was get home every day. In fact it got the point where I did all I could to not go to school in the first place. One day I even refused to get on the bus. I made the bus wait about 5 or 10 minutes while I stood halfway in the driveway while my poor mother stood on the porch with a stern look and telling me to get on the bus. In the end she won and it was another day off to the factory for me.

First Grade started off a little better. I was reunited with many of my preschool friends. In fact the first day of school I was approached by another boy who said, “Hey Brandon, I’m Brian from preschool, remember me?” We were best friends from that moment on. Thanks to Brian I actually opened up a little and the social dynamics improved. Unfortunately education worsened. We started spelling tests and I simply didn’t understand the instructions. (I guess I was starring out the window at the time this was explained.) The teacher would say a word and then speak it in a sentence, standard approach to spelling. I knew what to do…but I thought we had to spell the entire sentence! There was no possible way to achieve that at that skill level. I’d quickly scribble down a few letters barely before the teacher had moved onto the next sentence (word). I couldn’t keep up! It was impossible! And all around me the other kids were done in just a matter of seconds. How was that possible I thought! Fortunately in this situation the teacher did explain to me what to do after a week or so. After that I actually became a good speller!

The same couldn’t be said for that teacher’s approach to math. When I was that young I suffered from asthma and allergies pretty bad. During one asthma spell I missed a week of school. While I was out the kids were learning basic math. When I returned the teacher wrote “3+3=” on the board. She called on me to answer. I don’t know if she forgot that I had been away or if she was just that mean. Whatever the reason she never bothered to explain this foreign language to me that was now on the chalkboard. I can remember it all clear as the sky in the classroom windows I often escaped to during such moments. I had no idea what the hell this jibberish on the board meant! I was terrified. All around me I could hear the snickers of the other kids when it became apparent that I didn’t know the answer. The teacher finally ended the torture in disgust by solving the problem for me. Yes, the torture had ended. But the damage had been done.

I was humiliated. In my mind I didn’t realize I hadn’t been taught something. I just assumed everyone else automatically knew something that I didn’t. That further puzzled me. Was I that stupid? Was everyone else smarter than me? Instead of actually attempting to learn basic math my mind was consumed with the questions of whether or not I was stupid. I resented numbers and those stupid little signs of + -= that had no meaning to me.

However, out of that situation I developed skills that would serve me well later in life. I became a problem solver. I further developed my creativity. Even though I doubted my abilities in some subjects I became self reliant. No one was going to help me and I was too shy to ask for it anyway. First Grade now became a war to me. The war was me against the world. It was all about survival.

Survival meant cheating. I developed a system of waiting until papers were turned in. I waited for the opportune moment and went to that hand-in box and simply pulled out a paper and took it back to my desk. I erased the other kid’s name and put mine in their place, then turned in “my” paper. At the time I had no idea I was cheating. I was just doing what I had to do. This worked for a short time. Another kid caught on to what I was doing and started doing the same. He got caught. (He wasn’t as good with the eraser as I was.) The fear of getting in trouble ended my homework laundering scheme. After that I just copied answers when I could or simply guessed. How in the world I was able to pass two grades without knowing how to add or subtract is a mystery to me. I was either a proficient guesser who should have been at the horse track, or I simply fell through the cracks in the system.

I eventually learned to add and subtract. No thanks to the school system or a teacher. I figured it out on my own! It was in third grade. I remember the moment when I figured it out just by realizing what the concept of addition meant. Now I was still behind in math, and would forever lag behind; but now I had won a little victory. It made me realize that I could figure things out on my own. This would later be a blessing as well as a curse. Even though I had figured it out I still disliked math. So I overcompensated in other areas like social studies and English classes. Still, I was never considered all that great of a student. That’s how junior high and high school went. There’d be a few semesters where I got on the honor roll. Mostly it was just a matter of barely getting by.

My High School years were a blur. By that time I had just got fed up with it all. School was just a waste of time to me, or just time to socialize. I figured I could learn whatever I needed on my own. No more being fed up with what I did or did not know. This was a time to come out of my shell. It was time to step into the adult world, which to me meant working, driving all over the county, and partying with friends. I wrecked two vehicles and was arrested once. If it wasn’t for extracurricular activities like 4H and FFA I might have kept on a path of destruction. But I didn’t. In 4H and FFA I won awards. I found something I was good at. But like school sports and band those activities only last so long. At the end of high school I turned to work to fill my time. I had no desire to attend college. Not that I didn’t want to. I just didn’t know what it was I wanted to study.

This is where I tell people the two biggest lies you will be told during high school. 1. You will use algebra every day of your life. 2. You need to go to college.

Sure I use math and numbers every day. (I even question that as there’s been days where all I’ve done was sleep.) I suppose in the general definition of algebra, I do use it a lot. I’m not saying I’ve never figured out an equation. But hell if I have ever done 5 to the second power equals 3 the second plus B to the second every single day of my life since leaving high school. Certainly I have a dislike of math and not the skill level of most at it that might make me bias against it. My point though is that fear tactics like saying, “YOU WILL USE THIS EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE” is not a good way of selling learning to kids of any age. At least it wasn’t for me. On another note I really believe we’ve put too much emphasis on mathematics in recent years. All I ever heard growing up was “math and science, we need more math and science”. I’m sure that’s reasoned and well thought out. But increases in those subjects should not come at the expense of others. You know what I’m talking about. We have a nation of young people that are illiterate in history (and illiterate in general in many cases) and social studies. I even remember hearing some non-civics teachers even criticize civics classes as being disciplines you don’t need in life. Well…now we’re seeing the results of that mentality. We have a nation of young people that still lag behind in math and science, and don’t have a darn clue about our Founding Fathers and the Constitution. As the hip kids would Tweet today #EpicFail.

Lie number two – you need to go to college. Where did this non-sense begin? Sure there is undeniable evidence that the further you go with education the more successful you will be. There’s also common sense found in sticking to what you’re good and perfecting it. Let’s face it, college is not for everyone! Why do we push kids out the door of high school right into the college campus? Most times high school graduates simply aren’t ready for it. The end result can’t be good! It’ll simply end in disaster – a waste of time and money. Tragic really. How many of us can say that we knew what we wanted to do when we were 18? What harm is there in going out in the real world for a few years and discovery of what you want to do? Why do we rob people of that experience? Why does this lie continue? It completely flies in the way of common sense. Would you start a job you didn’t understand? Would you hire someone who was not qualified? Then why do we pressure kids into entering into something as serious as higher education when they are not prepared for it? For those who are ready…absolutely go right away! Great for them and no doubt they will have a head start on becoming successful. But still there are no guarantees. Who knows how many young minds we have short tracked in life with their respective fields because their talents were not allowed to develop sooner…because guidance counselors, other adults, and peer pressure told them that they must go spend a few years partying instead? I really believe we have done serious damage to our nation’s entrepreneurial pool by continuing this lie. In doing so we have marginalized the experience of higher education and fostered cynicism into young people who were not ready for the experience.

I’m happy that I waited to go to college. Who knows if the road I went down would have led to this point in my life if I hadn’t experienced the failures of the public school system that turned my mind away from the standardized approach taken to the masses in our schools? Since I wasn’t receptive to it I didn’t become a zombie to it. Certainly for a great number of people public education has been a success. My point isn’t to attack teachers or parents either. I’m just saying that we might want to reconsider what we’ve been doing all these years. If education has taught me anything it is to question everything. Why can we not question our system of education then? I don’t have the answers. But if we work through the problem we just might discover one. That’s how the process of education has worked for me.

In regards to my personal journey I will achieve my bachelor’s degree in six weeks around the same time I will turn 33 years old. I am tempted to keep going and earn my masters degree. Either way I’m looking forward to that moment when I’ll have earned something that I never would have thought possible as a little boy being mocked for not knowing 3+3=6. In all seriousness I say that my biggest challenge in life so far has been those early days of school. Truly it has! Everything else has been a breeze really. There have been times in high school years and adulthood when I thought the world was caving in and nothing could be worse. But those times were relatively short. In comparison getting lost in the system could have been absolutely tragic to my life. I never realized the odds I really have overcome!

The best part. While God has been there, my wife has been there, my parents and family have been there, friends have been there, and even teachers…I can say that with the exception of God, I did this all on my own. No one else is responsible for my learning. Period. Teaching aided in the lessons. Yes, others played a role. But it was I who made it happen and I will never let anyone else say otherwise. It’s easy to get lost in the system. But there is a way out if you choose to embrace that empowerment to pave your own way out.

Here’s my practical advice for children. (Actually it’s more for parents and teachers to encourage children and open minds to learning.)

Early Grades – Believe in yourself. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid of adults.

Junior High – Read. Avoid cliques. Talk to your parents as much as you can.

High School – Be involved in everything you can. Everyone forgets about your awkwardness. Things are never as bad as they seem.

College – Don’t go until you know what you want to do with it. Anything less is a waste of time, money and disservice to yourself…and your country.

Adulthood – Never stop learning.

Note all the times I use the word “you”. Your education is about you and no one else. Parents will be there and you’ll have great times with friends, and even learn from classmates, and you’ll have special teachers who leave an impression on you – but it is you who are in control of what you want to do. No one else is. It is YOU who are accomplishing something and doing the work. And never let anyone take that away from you. Embrace every challenge, enjoy each success, and learn from every failure.

I still am.

The event is FREE! Gates open at 11:00 AM. The event gets going at noon and will run all day. So if you can’t make it or need to leave…come on back later in the day. Entertainers include Jordan Page and Ragged Company. Speakers include Tony Fulton, Tom Becka and John Comstock among others. All of the 2012 Nebraska Republican Senatorial candidates will be speaking. There’s a straw poll being held for the senate race and the presidential race.

I’m selling $1 raffle tickets for a copy of Andrew Breitbart’s Righteous Indignation. I also have a drawing for the event sponsors to receive 20 minutes of broadcast time on the show. Also I’m having a public vote for the next selection into the AmeriCANS Hall of Fame. The candidates are Sam Adams, John Adams, Patrick Henry, Lewis & Clark, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglas, James Madison, and Billy Graham.

I’ll be live at 12:30 to 2:30 and again from 3:30 to 5:30! Stop by and visit me at Heartland Liberty Festival! It’s running all day long. Come be a part of the fun!

The event is being held at Sumtur Amphitheater located off 108th Street and Highway 370 in Papillion. All the details can be found at www.heartlandlibertyfest.com

A trigger is an event, issue, statement, or situation that prompts one into acting politically. You never know what you might say or do that could inspire someone else to get involved. This was one of the lessons learned at the RightOnline conference in Minneapolis this year.

I consider this a very high honor. In fact, it’s the most important honor I have earned. I’ll continue to keep on doing what I have – just being me and telling the story of this Tea Party/Liberty movement.

Thank you so much for all the support!

Award presented by AFP Nebraska Field Director Jeremy Jensen.

Holding the award with my biggest fan at my side, wife Kim!

I’ll be covering it all, including a live show on the ride up talking to Nebraska and Iowa grass roots leaders about their expectations for the conference. I may try to get in one show while up there. Next week I’ll do a full review of my experience. I hope to see you there!

You can listen to the live bus show tomorrow morning right here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/badger-benson/2011/06/17/rightonline-conference–breakfast-with-badger-on-the-road

I want to tell you about an important event taking place in the Omaha area on August 6th. The Heartland Liberty Festival is an event full of great entertainment and speakers dedicated to the cause of liberty.
We need your help! There’s a moneybomb taking place right now. Go to http://www.heartlandlibertyfest.com/ and make a donation. We’re asking for $17.76.
I just ran a show detailing all of the speakers and entertainment. You can hear a few minutes of one of the singers, Jordan Page on the show.
Here’s who will be at the event:
Entertainment:

Jordan Page – Nationally known rocker for liberty!
Ragged Company - Think Johnny Cash and Neil Young.
Ryan Hill – Nebraska native, self-taught artist appealing to a variety of audiences.
Edward Wunder – Conservative. Comedy. Hypnotist! Sounds like a formula for fun!
Speakers:
Tom Becka – 1110 KFAB radio host
Clyde Cleveland – Libertarian candidate for Iowa governor in 2002. He has a great new book out – Common Sense Revisted
"Taxcutter" John Comstock – John will talk about the "Cost of Liberty"
Randy Eshelman – Randy is a Nebraskan who was just named to the Libertarian National Committee.
Senator Tony Fulton – Tony has been working hard for Nebraskans in Lincoln.
Roland Manarin – Roland has a popular radio program dealing with finance.
Gene Siadek – LPNE Chairman
Candidates:
Attorney General Jon Bruning (Jon will be on the Badger Benson Show next week!)
State Treasurer Don Stenberg (You can hear my interview with Don right here)
Pat Flynn
The event is being put on by some great organizations: Campaign For Liberty, The Republican Liberty Caucus, and the Conservative 912 Group of Sarpy County.
The moneybomb is taking place all day! Also, I will be covering the event live on August 6th. So make your donation today and then come out and see me, and all of the great speakers and entertainment at the Heartland Liberty Festival!

Sumtur Amphitheater

11691 S 108th St

Papillion, NE 68046
Donations and details can be found at
http://www.heartlandlibertyfest.com/

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Best,
Brandon "Badger" Benson