Badger Benson

Posts Tagged ‘Fox News Channel’

I have to tell you this was a full month on both sides. But the CANTS side really took a jump this month. It was a very busy news month in total. Starting first on the list for our April edition goes back to March 27^th…a few carry-overs from the last month…

THE CANTS

1. 3/27 Abercrombie and Fitch – The trendy clothing company has released a line of what would seem to be adult swim swear for a target audience of 7-13 year olds. Who thinks this is a good idea? The sexualization of our children continues.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/padded-push-up-bikini-tops-for-8yr-old-girls-again-abercrombie-fitch-sexualizes-children/

2. 3/27 UN Cut Rallies – About 40 liberal rallies were held around the country by the group UN Cut. The group challenges corporate taxation and doesn’t think the government needs to cut anything from the budget. Good for these people exercising their right to assemble. But I think they’re way off the mark in their assessment of our country’s fiscal crisis.

http://gatewaypundit.rightnetwork.com/2011/03/radical-libs-hold-40-rallies-across-us-demanding-higher-taxes-spending-banks-targeted/

3. 3/27 PETA – At the end of March PETA announced they are pushing for a Bible that features more friendly animal language.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/peta-hey-lets-change-bible-to-include-more-animal-friendly-language/

4. 3/27 Media Matters/David Brock – Former “conservative” “journalist” David Brock came out swinging against Fox News. It’s no secret that Media Matters has never liked Fox News. But now they’re wide open about. According to Brock the new strategy for Media Matters against Fox News is an all-out campaign of “guerilla warfare and sabotage”. Good luck with that David.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51949.html

4/1 Media Matters – Again Media Matters makes the list a few days later. This time a poorly researched article suggested that Glenn Beck has lost 400 affiliates for his radio show. However, the numbers don’t quite work out that way and didn’t take into account the number of affiliates gained. The radio business with large network syndicated shows is pretty fluid and every changing. If this is part of David Brock’s war on Fox News and conservative pundits…it looks like they’re off to a bad start.
http://www.glennbeck.com/2011/04/01/april-fools-media-matters-caught-in-a-web-of-lies-in-their-war-on-glenn-beck/

5. 4/1 L.A. Dodgers Fans/San Francisco Giants Fans – A group of Los Angeles Dodgers fans brutally beat a San Francisco Giants fan into a medically-induced coma at the season opener at Dodger Stadium. Not to be outdone the Giants fans left a 42 year old paramedic in critical condition. “Take me out to the ball game! Not in L.A.! Not unless you want a beating with your Cracker Jack.” What’s wrong with us? For as much as we complain about athletes we now have more and more examples of lewd fan behavior.
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/news/story?id=6280485
6. 4/2 Keith Olbermann – It wouldn’t be a monthly CANT list without a mention of Keith Olbermann. For April, Olbermann makes the list for some antics at Cornell University. His antics included stomping on the campus conservative newspaper and pouring water on it.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/olbermann-uses-coulter-founded-paper-to-mop-up-stage-during-speech/

7. 4/2 Rosie O’Donnell – Rosie makes the April CANT list. Apparently her teenage son has interest in joining the military. Rosie has tried to talk her son of it and just can’t believe and understand why he’s attracted to it. On one hand I can understand any mother’s concerns about a child joining the military. But I think Rosie should be encouraging her son. To her credit, she does understand that it will be her son’s decision. The audio from her show during the segment was interesting.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/rosie-odonnell-cant-believe-her-teenage-son-wants-to-join-the-military/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URiVdJfKH2I&feature=player_embedded

8. 4/2 Howard Dean – “Howling Mad” Howard Dean was back in regular form earlier this month when he went on a rant about Tea Party members, Fox being propaganda and MSNBC being factually correct. Gee, haven’t we heard this all before?
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/dean-scream-payback-right-running-things-is-a-threat-to-country-equivalent-to-burning-down-buildings-tea-partiers-have-deep-problems-fox-propaganda-msnbc-factually-correct/

9. 4/2 Bill Maher – Another one of our favorite resident CANTS is Bill Maher. In April Maher makes the list for some lame jokes about Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann regarding Donald Trump and his dive into the birther issue. Maher brought out fake birth certificates for Palin and Bachmann. Palin’s reading “Healthy, alert and pregnant” and Bachmann’s reading “Stupid, even for a baby.” Bill Maher continues to redefine scumbag every month.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/have-you-heard-the-bill-maher-joke-about-palin-being-born-pregnant/

10. 4/4 Charlie Sheen – BOOM! Failing! The national sideshow took to the road this month. Sheen’s early performances were dismal failures including people leaving their seats during the show and plenty of booing.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/wow-chicago-audience-give-sheen-a-standing-ovation/

11. 4/5 Pennsylvania District Judge Douglas Gummo – If Charlie Sheen needs a drinking buddy he might look to Douglas Gummo. Gummo who sits on the bench decided he’d saddle up to the bar at a legal conference. Gummo was arrested after being found drunk and naked, wrapped in a bed sheet trying to get into the hotel room of a female colleague.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/half-naked-pa-judge-tries-to-force-his-way-into-hotel-room-of-female-colleague/

Judge Gummo – A Case of Impaired Judgment?
12. 4/5 Wisconsin Democrats – The 14 missing Democrat assembly members in Wisconsin quietly returned to their jobs. Good for them for coming back…but they won’t get any applause here for something they should have never left. Shame, shame, shame indeed.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/theyre-back-wisc-dems-who-fled-senate-quietly-return/

13. 4/7 Media Matters
14. 4/7 David Brock
15. 4/7 Chris Matthews
Media Matters and David Brock make our list yet again for the month. Chris Matthews joins the list too. All of them in a combined effort on this story. As you know Glenn Beck announced in early April that his show would be ending on Fox News. What’s interesting is how the media ran with the story, and ran wild. The show is ending, but Beck is still going to be involved with Fox News. AND the show doesn’t end until the end of the year. So it’s not like Beck just got canned and the show is done. Not even close. But had you listened to Chris Matthews or David Brock you wouldn’t think that. Brock went on Hardball and he and Matthews basically couldn’t contain there glee and Matthews even went so far to congratulate Brock on his efforts in Glenn’s “exit”.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/chris-matthews-congratulates-media-matters-himself-for-beck-transition/

16. 4/8 Norman LeBoon – Norman “Bafoon” LeBoon was sentenced to two years in prison for threats to U.S. Rep Eric Cantor of Virginia. LeBoob issued the threats in a Youtube video posted earlier this year. LeBoon called Cantor a “liar”, said that Cantor was “Lucifer” and then vowed to shot him. Now the threats to Cantor have been removed, but there’s some other “material” from LeBoon left to be heard.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/youre-a-lucifer-pa-man-sent-to-prison-for-threatening-gop-rep-eric-cantor/

17. 4/8 Jonah Goodman
18. 4/8 Nolan Treadway
Leftwing activists Jonah Goodman and Nolan Treadway thought it’d be a great idea to create an event and schedule it on Facebook that involved dumping trash on Speaker Boehner’s lawn. The Facebook event page created had over 5,000 planned attendees. The reasoning behind the event was to protest the threat of a government shutdown.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/facebook-event-calls-for-dumping-trash-at-boehners-house/

19. 4/8 Andy Stern – In an op-ed piece posted on the Huffington Post, former SEIU president Andy Stern suggested that our country would be better off without checks and balances. This guy just gets spookier and spookier.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/fundamental-transformation-andy-stern-speaks-out-against-checks-and-balances/

Andy Stern – We don’t need no checks and balances!
20. 4/8 Senator Chuck “U” Schumer – Chuck Schumer who has been on a roll in recent months with rhetoric against conservatives went to the senate floor calling Republicans “fleas” who were controlling a dog. If anyone knows about being a pest…I think Schumer would be one to know.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/154963-schumer-likens-house-conservatives-to-a-flea

21. 4/8 Planned Parenthood – Most of the selections on our list are individual Americans. But we do include groups and organizations, businesses, associations, teams, etc. One of the groups that appears from time to time is Planned Parenthood. They make the April list when it was found that the “women’s health advocacy” group had donated over $1 million to Democrats during the last election cycle. What a nasty cycle this is. Planned Parenthood makes money off abortion. They also get federal funding. In turn Planned Parenthood kicks money back to Democratic candidates and causes. Then of course Democrats toe the line on abortion related legislation. Disgusting.
http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/04/planned-parenthood-spent-more-1-million-electing-democrats-last-c

22. 4/8 Washington Protestors – In the state of Washington, Wisconsin-style protests took to the state capitol where 17 pro-union protesters were arrested when they tried to rush into the Governor’s office.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/17-pro-union-protesters-arrested-after-shoving-match-with-wash-state-troopers/

23. 4/8 George Soros – (The second non-citizen to make the list – first one being BP CEO Tony Hayward. Non-citizens only make the list when they have dramatically affected the United States.) – It wasn’t big news but it should have been. George Soros held a four day conference in New Hampshire covering world financial issues, mainly reorganizing world currency. The making of a world financial order. This stuff is scary. And it happened here on our soil.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/sneak-peak-pictures-from-george-soros-weekend-conference-to-rearrange-the-financial-order/

Spooky Dude George Soros becomes the 2^nd non-citizen to make the CANS/CANTS list.
24. 4/8 Rep Donna Edwards – Donna Edwards brought crazy to a whole new level this month when she went to the House floor and gave a White Stripes inspired rant. The non-sensical poetic tirade featured a reading o lyrics to the song “Effect & Cause” by the White Stripes.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/rep-donna-edwards-scolds-gop-by-quoting-song-lyrics-on-house-floor/

25. 4/8 Rep Jim Moran – The Virginia Democrat again makes the CANT list, and again it’s for interaction with a voter. This time around Moran got into a verbal back and forth with a veteran. It was ugly.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/dem-rep-gets-in-shouting-match-with-veteran-at-town-hall-time-to-sit-down/

26. 4/8 Congress – The Budget Plan. It could have and should be better.
27. 4/8 National Media – Coverage of the budget issue. If we’re going to include congress we might as well throw in the mainstream media!
28. 4/10 Bon Jovi
29. 4/10 Bruce Springsteen
The issue of farm subsidies has been a minor issue among Tea Party circles. Myself, coming from a farming background am mixed on the issue…in the larger view it’s not right. But in specifics there’s a lot more at play, and it also becomes a national security issue and cost of living issue that isn’t so easy to sort out. That said I have long been saying that the problem isn’t really the farmer outside of Podunk, Kansas. It’s these large conglomerate corporate farms and celebrity owned land that rake in tax exemptions under agriculture use. Rockers (liberal rockers may I mind you) Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are two example. Now I’m not against anyone finding whatever ways to make the most money and pay the least taxes. But what I find hypocritical about these two guys is their non-stop mantras, that seep into their music at times, of class warfare…and here they both do exactly what any rich person would do – find a way to keep more of what they earn. But are they paying their fair share? Are Bon Jovi and Springsteen really farmers? Give us a break. It’s also another example of our broken tax system.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/farm-aid-for-bruce-springsteen-jon-bon-jovi/

30. 4/11 Coldwater, Michigan – The town of Coldwater, Michigan denied a local Tea Party from being able to display signs and banners at a rally in a public park. The city council then went a step further by passing a resolution banning all signs and banners in the park.
http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/14891

31. 4/11 City of Boston – The city of Boston came under fire this month when it was learned that the city has thermal cameras in operation to detect heat loss coming from city homes and businesses. The city had hoped the photos and analysis would encourage efficiency with home owners. But of course this raised many privacy issues, and the ACLU got involved.
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/04/11/thermal-cameras-show-too-much/

32. 4/11 Katie Couric – As Katie Couric’s reign at CBS Evening News came to an end Couric took opportunity to blame everyone else but herself.
http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/2011/04/couric-hints-at-why-cbss-eveni.php

33. 4/11 Donna Brazile – The DNC Interim Chair offered some nice thoughts of white people and conservative voters this month. Brazile suggested that racist white people are the reason why Democrats don’t do better with white voters.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/%e2%80%98the-majority-of-white-people-believe-those-people-are-taking-our-money-and-taxes%e2%80%99-dnc-interim-chair-donna-brazile-says-racist-fearful-whites-are-why-the-dems-don%e2%80%99t-do-better/

34. 4/12 Francis Fox Piven – Piven makes the list this month like last. This time around video footage surfacing of her and Cornel West admitting that riots and social chaos was in fact what she had been writing about after denying it in dozens of previous interviews.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/beck-was-right-she-is-dangerous-cornel-west-piven-admit-riots-social-chaos-was-what-she-was-writing-about-after-denying-in-dozens-of-interviews/

35. Jacquelyn Barnette – Barnette, a woman from Marietta, Georgia is the guilty party behind sending New York Rep. Peter King a bloody pig foot with an anti-Semitic note.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/georgia-woman-admits-i-sent-bloody-pig-foot-anti-semitic-note-to-rep-king/

36. Phillip Struthers – A Hilsborough County, Florida dad was arrested after video was discovered of him encouraging his son into a street fight. The video was quite disturbing. Struthers will definitely not be receiving any father of the year awards anytime soon. Well…maybe he’ll get one in jail.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/slam-his-head-on-the-ground-fl-dad-arrested-for-cheering-son-during-violent-street-fight/

Philip Struthers – Fight Club Father

37. 4/13 Rep Loretta Sanchez – April seems to be the month of anti-conservative rants. Loretta Sanchez jumped into the arena. She mocked Republicans and Tea Party members for their admiration of the Constitution with a bigoted Southern accent.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/%e2%80%98well-loretta-it%e2%80%99s-unconstitutional%e2%80%99-ca-rep-sanchez-mocks-congressional-tea-party-republicans-as-slow-for-caring-about-the-constitution-with-bigoted-southern-accent/

38. 4/14 Jim Wallis – Radical preacher Jim Wallis continues the April-rant-a-thon with his strong words against Paul Ryan, calling him a bully and hypocrite who is anti-poor people and lacks courage.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/spiritual-advisor-or-political-attack-dog-jim-wallis-says-paul-ryan-is-a-bully-hypocrite-who%e2%80%99s-never-been-around-poor-people-and-has-no-courage/

39. 4/14 California Teachers Union – Another union makes the CANT list. The California Teachers Association has planned Wisconsin-style protests for May 9-13^th.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/calif-teachers-union-gives-shocking-protest-instructions-harass-legislators-shut-down-roads-co-opt-fire-drills/

40. 4/13 Rep Eddie Bernice Johnson – The Texas Democrat had an interesting exchange with Neil Cavuto on Fox News. The ending was epic with Cavuto talking about the economy saying, “We don’t have the money” and the Congresswoman saying, “Easy enough…raise taxes!”
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/neil-cavuto-liberal-congresswoman-have-must-watch-smack-down-deficit-debate/

41. 4/14 Keith Olbermann – Keith Olbermann not only makes it another time on this list this month, but makes it consecutive months with multiple appearances. This time might be the most despicable thing he has done or said. Olbermann took to Twitter where he issued statements attacking S.E. Cupp saying it would have been better off had she not been born. The Twitter conversation degenerated further.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/olbermann-says-s-e-cupp-should-have-never-been-born-she-proves-necessity-of-planned-parenthood/

42. 4/16 Louis Farrakhan – “Beam Me Up” Farrakhan makes the April edition of CANTS for a rant at Howard University.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/hate-at-howard-farrakhans-anti-semitic-911-truther-rant-jewish-major-snubbed-n-word-obama-congress-controlled-by-jews-who-assassinated-mlk-trump-a-gangster-defends-helen-thomas-rick-sanchez/

43. 4/16 Kipp Rusty Walker – A Bend, Oregon open-mic night turned into a horror show. 19 year old Kipp Rusty Walker got on stage and took his own life by stabbing himself to death. A certainly tragic event. And we are sad for Walker’s family. But the way this happened was horrible.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/shock-suicide-oregon-teen-stabs-himself-during-coffee-house-open-mic-night/

44. 4/17 Counter Protestors at Oregon Tea Party – A Portland, Oregon Tax Day Tea Party featured some looney lefties swearing, jeering, and making obscene remarks. The idiots were caught on tape, and you should view that footage if you have a chance. All of the list is posted at badgerbenson.com
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/content-warning-not-strong-enough-for-this-video-of-leftist-freakout-at-oregon-tea-party-rally/

45. 4/17 Madison Wisconsin Protestors at Tea Party – A return to Madison yet again. Like the scene in Portland a group of counter protestors showed up a Tea Party rally where they were caught booing during the National Anthem.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/leftist-protesters-boo-during-national-anthem-at-madison-tea-party-rally/

46. 4/18 Lady Gaga – The Queen of weirdoes returns, this time for her new song “Judas”, featuring lyrics expressing love for Judas. The same Judas in the Biblical account of the Last Supper and the Passion.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/im-in-love-with-judas-pop-star-lady-gagas-new-song-sparks-outrage-from-catholics-critics/

47. 4/18 Al Sharpton – The Reverend Al had to get his rant in too this month! Al Sharpton suggested that only blacks should educate blacks and continued with the standard “Tea Party is racist” garbage.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/sharptons-nan-race-rants-shut-down-construction-sites-with-no-blacks-only-blacks-should-educate-blacks-other-classes-teach-hate-media-conspiracy-causing-obamas-polls-to-drop-with-blacks-al-b/

48. 4/19 New York Health Officials – New York Health Officials had made recommendations to ban such playground games like tag and kickball because they were seen as un-safe for the children. Fortunately there was such an outcry that the officials backed off their plans to further make our children a bunch of woosies.
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Freeze-Tag-Red-Rover-Deemed-Dangerous-in-New-Summer-Camp-Regs-120195644.html

49. 4/20 Central Florida Workforce – In one of the most bizarre stories of wasting taxpayer money it was discovered that a Florida unemployment office spent more than $14,000 on red capes for an advertising campaign. Go to the unemployment office…get a check…and a cape.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/14000-the-amount-a-calif-unemployment-office-spent-on-superhero-capes/

50. Michael Bargo
51. Charlie Kay Ely
52. Justin Soto 4/21
This group of 17-20 year olds were involved in a disgusting murder plot. They lured a peer into a backyard where they killed this individual, then burned the body, and stuffed the remains in paint cans that were then tossed into a large trash can. What is wrong with our kids?!
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/04/20/florida.killing/index.html

53. Teonna Monae Brown
54. 14 Year Old Accomplice 4/22
These two made news a few days ago when video of them went viral where they brutally beat another woman at a Baltimore McDonalds. The victim turned out to be a transgender individual and luckily survived. At first there wasn’t much outrage over this. But then once it turned out the victim was transgender, there was an outcry from LBGT groups with calls of it being a hate crime. But had it just been she was a white woman…I doubt the same rhetoric would be used. Either way, the two girls involved in the beating are horrible individuals. This was truly one of the most disgusting things to happen in our country and I think really shows the level that our society has crumbled to.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ec0_1303444048

55. The McDonalds Employees – At the same location, the McDonalds employees who shot the video and then warned the girls to flee as cops approached should be ashamed of themselves.
56. 4/21 Riverwood Elementary School, Tennessee – Some Elementary School students seemed to have been indoctrinated a bit when they performed an earth day rap that included lyrics speaking out harshly against big business.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/indoctrination-did-these-elementary-school-students-just-sing-boycott-big-business-in-earth-day-rap/

57. 4/20 Wonkette – The liberal blogger Wonkette made a questionable post about Trig Palin. Trig Palin is the young son of Sarah Palin who celebrated his 3^rd birthday this month. Trig has down syndrome.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/liberal-website-mercilessly-mocks-down-syndrome-suffering-trig-palin-on-his-birthday/

58. 4/21 Massachusetts Sex Education Program – A web site for Massachusetts sex education for youth features an interesting discussion from the perspective of a young girl. Under the Q & A section of the web site there’s an answer that says, “it’s much easier” in regards to getting an abortion.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/state-funded-mass-sex-ed-website-hey-girls-getting-an-abortion-is-much-easier-than-it-sounds/

59. 4/21 Ellen Lewin – When the University of Iowa College Republican Club decided to host a week or events they sent out an email to university personnel. One reply was typical of leftist civility. It came from Professor Ellen Lewin who wrote “F*&$# You Republicans” and was signed using her official college title.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/university-prof-sends-vulgar-e-mail-to-college-gop-fu-you/

Professor Ellen “F-You” Lewin

60. 4/21 John Ensign – Republican Senator John Ensign of Nevada announced he would resign his seat after news of an affair surfaced. (Yeah, we put a Republican on the CANT list. Not the first time either.)
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/gop-senator-john-ensign-to-resign-amid-ethics-investigation-of-adulteress-affair/

61. 4/23 Anarchists – A group of left wing crazy anarchists vandalized a Chase bank location in Seattle on the 23^rd.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/anarchist-group-takes-credit-for-seattle-bank-attack/

62. 4/25 Donald Trump – Earlier this week news came out that Donald Trump has not voted in state and local primaries in over 20 years. His excuse was basically that he felt in New York the primaries didn’t matter. Terrible logic. I like Donald, but I’m also fair and this certainly didn’t look good for him. For those who want to serve in office it’s good to know if they have been active in the political process.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/trump-defends-not-voting-in-primaries-for-21-years-its-useless-i-travel-a-lot/

63. 4/15 Levi Johnston – The former boyfriend of Bristol Palin, and father of their child, Tripp, is going to be releasing a new “tell all” book. I can’t wait to hear what new attacks on the Palin’s that Levi will offer up. This guy just seems to have no shame.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/levi-johnston-bristols-ex-to-write-tell-all-book-on-palin-family/

64. 4/26 Bill Maher – Again Bill makes the list! On the Dave Letterman show he called Tea Party members “sad, fat, useful idiots”. Bill it’s really getting old.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/bill-maher-continues-his-tea-party-bashing-bunch-of-sad-fat-useful-idiots/

65. 4/26 Vandals – A cemetery at Clarion University in Clarion, Pennsylvania has a memorial set up to commemorate the millions of babies lost to abortion. But last week the memorial was damaged when 350 wooden crosses were torn up or turned upsides down and splattered with fake blood. It was a very disgusting sense of humor put into action.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/revolting-pro-life-memorial-vandalized-with-upside-down-crosses-fake-blood/

66. 4/25 Pastor Wallace Smith – President Obama went to church on Sunday for Easter like many Americans. Yet again he went to a church that probably most Americans wouldn’t go to. This time where Preacher Wallace Smith spoke. Turns out in the past Smith has made some interesting statements, including a statement calling Rush Limbaugh the model of the new KKK member.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/revolting-pro-life-memorial-vandalized-with-upside-down-crosses-fake-blood/

67. 4/26 Robert Watson – The Rhode Island House minority leader was recently dismissed debate over decriminalization of marijuana use was caught himself in procession of marijuana. (That’s two Republicans, elected Republicans on the CANT list this month is you’re counting.)
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/high-ranking-anti-pot-maine-lawmaker-busted-for-pot-possession/

68. 4/26 Nichole Sandler – A former Air America Host, who it seems most of us have never heard of until now was arrested when she disrupted a town hall meeting with Allen West. Sandler wouldn’t let West talk when she questioned him to the put of being disruptive, and then became belligerent towards police officers who led her away, finally arresting her. The entire scene was just embarrassing.
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/04/26/radio-talk-show-host-arrested-at-gop-town-hall-meeting/

69. 4/28 Whoopi Goldberg – The Queen of Leftist Pseudo Intellectualism made a “profound” statement on Wednesday regarding President Obama releasing his birth certificate information. She says that she’s to the point of frustrating on such topics that she is throwing out the race card.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/04/27/whoopi_on_race_card_im_playing_the_damn_card_now.html

70. 4/27 Sikh Temple – “Worshipers” turned a Sikh temple into a war zone when rival groups threw down in a scary sword fight.
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/RAW_VIDEO___Sword_Fight_at_Sikh_Temple_New_York-120738319.html

71. 4/26 US State Department – New passport process is a mess! And it asks whether or not you’ve been circumcised. Also the estimate on the new form to fill out is 45 minutes. But as displayed by Glenn Beck it will likely take you hours and hours as it asks things like your entire work history with details of your boss at the time and where that person can be contacted.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42765513/ns/travel-travel_tips/

72. 4/26 Lawrence O’Donnell – The MSNBC host makes the April cut for a message about Easter, specifically theories that Jesus Christ was a socialist.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/was-jesus-a-socialist-msnbcs-lawrence-odonnell-thinks-so/

73. 4/27 Birther Debate – Let’s hope this thing is now over. But it won’t be. Conspiracy theorists are never happy no matter the amount of evidence. Still questions remain as to what in the world took President Obama so long to release details of his birth and why now? Well it was simply for political reasons. Which I think is a shame. But now what? Has he improved his credibility by finally doing it, or does it just make him look silly…or is it even more suspicious…as…if you had nothing to hide, like it would appear, then why exploit something like this for political purposes? Which is it? Does it help Donald Trump…or make him look weaker? Who know? Do we care anymore? Is this issue finally cleared up. I hope so. But only time will tell. It’s one of those things that will continue to divide us and for that reason it makes our list, all parties involved it.

THE CANS

We started with the CANTS this month because there was so many of them, a record number of 73! April was a rotten month for the AmeriCANTS. So I figured we would finish on a good note, something positive, so we end with the AmeriCANS. We start going back to the carryover from March, back to March 27^th.

1. 3/27 Shaka Smart – Now in March he was actually on the CANT list for a debacle with a mascot. For the month of April Shaka Smart makes the CAN side because of his excellent coaching of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the NCAA basketball tournament. Smart was motivational and a good leader. That makes up for his silly display a month before.

2. NCAA Sweet 16 – This year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament was one of the best ever. Lots of close games, some overtime wins, a good amount of upsets, and some great Cinderella stories. We had the story of Shaka Smart of course and the VCU Rams. Then there’s their cross town rival Richmond Spiders who made a nice run. Butler makes the championship game for the 2^nd year in a row. There was also the perennial power houses making runs – Kansas, Ohio State, North Carolina, Arizona, Duke, Wisconsin, and the champion out of the Big East, Connecticut. Congratulations to the UCONN Huskies and the NCAA for another great tournament. The NCAA basketball tournament is my favorite sporting event and one of my favorite times of the year too. This year was one of the best.
3. 3/27 Jeremy Renner – Renner, an actor, stared in the hit Hurt Locker. Turns out Renner has a side-job. He flips houses. I think it’s a great example of American entrepreneurial spirit.
http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/991-jeremy-renners-secret-side-gig-flipping-houses

4. 3/27 Herman Cain – The presidential hopeful and former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza gave a rousing speech in Des Moines, Iowa. Among the highlights were telling the crowd that conservatives will save the USA from socialism.
http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/HermanCain-Republicans-Iowa/2011/03/26/id/390824
3/31 Herman Cain – Cain again makes the list for a Tea Party event in Florida. At the event he scolded the media for their hypocrisy on race and said the media is afraid a real black man might run against Obama.
4/16 Herman Cain – Another great speech at an AFP rally in New Hampshire.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/herman-cain-gives-rousing-speech-at-tax-day-rally-we-need-some-altering-abolishing/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/herman-cain-media-scared-a-real-black-man-might-run-against-barack-obama/

5. 3/29 Jacob Barnett – I love putting young people on the list. We have another great youngster to add to the CAN ranks this month. Twelve year-old Jacob Barnett is like most other kids, he shoots hoops, plays Guitar Hero with friends and has a girlfriend. But he also has an IQ of 170! He began solving jigsaw puzzles at age 3. He’s also working on a challenge to the Big Bang Theory. Barnett’s story prompted a guest appearance on Glenn Beck’s TV show. The kid is amazing!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110329/ts_yblog_thelookout/for-12-year-old-astrophysics-prodigy-the-skys-the-limit

6. 3/31 Long Island Lutheran – The New York high school basketball squad faced a mighty challenge in the state championship facing the St. Mary’s squad who was 28-0. The St. Mary’s team had recently won the state Catholic championship and received shirts that read “State Champs 30-0”. Now on one hand they had indeed won the state Catholic championship, but obviously the 28 wins didn’t equal the 30 on the shirts. Long Island Lutheran used the shirts for motivation and in the end became the state champions upsetting St. Mary’s 78-51.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Premature-championship-shirts-lead-to-title-game?urn=highschool-wp469

7. 3/31 Kenneth Dominguez – A 16 year old San Diego student was suspended from his school. Why? He brought a Bible to school an openly talked about his faith. After the suspension Dominguez has filed suit against the school district, superintendent, assistant principal, and a teacher. Interestingly enough this is one time where the ACLU even agrees that the student’s rights have been violated. No word yet on any settlement.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/boy-suspended-for-bringing-bible-to-school-files-suit/

8. 4/1 Michael Kosko – Kosko made one of those decisions that could have changed his life one way or another. But he’s happy with the decision that he made. You see Michael Kosko could have chipped in $2 with his co-workers for lottery tickets. This time he didn’t join the pool. Turns out this was the one time the pool worked. His co-workers, seven total, won the lottery in New York, with each person getting a one-time payment of $28,971,029 before state and federal taxes. Why didn’t buy in that day, well Michael says he didn’t have two ones on him that day. But he’s taken the decision in stride saying he’s not going to sit and question himself over the decision and is happy for his friends.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110401/ts_yblog_thelookout/heres-why-you-should-always-buy-in-to-your-office-lottery-pool

9. 4/1 Dave Ramsey – Ramsey is well known for his books and radio ministry and organization that provides financial advice, mainly focusing on the subject of debt. He also knows something about building an organization and leadership. Ramsey’s brand of business development is something he calls “Entreleadership”. I had the opportunity to attend his one day national telecast seminar on April 1^st. It was amazing. I thought it was well thought out, had proven leadership principles embedded, and he also added his own Dave Ramsey common sense and humor to the mix. For those who can afford the small fortune, Ramsey holds a week-long Enterleadership seminar coming up in June. Well worth it if you can attend. The one day event, again, just amazing.
10. 4/1 Michael Scheuer – Scheuer is a pretty well known former CIA counterterrorism analyst who often appears on Fox News. He appeared on a CNN segment early April that went somewhat downhill. Scheuer ended up calling out CNN host Christine Romans for “carrying the water for Obama”.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/guest-slams-cnn-host-youre-just-carrying-the-water-for-mr-obama/

11. 4/2 Rosie O’Donnell’s Son – As we discussed earlier in the CANTS section, Rosie’s son has an interest in joining the military. What earned Rosie a CANT, wins her son a spot on the CAN list.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/rosie-odonnell-cant-believe-her-teenage-son-wants-to-join-the-military/

12. 4/2, 4/7, 4/12 Donald Trump – Trump, love him or hate him, you have to agree that the guy is absolutely pro-American. I agree he’s not perfect but he’s become one of my favorite people to watch the past few months. I like his antics to tell you the truth and I think stirring up everything isn’t all that bad. He makes the list for April for a strong appearance on the Bill O’Reilly show. On the 7^th he placed second in a Wall Street Journal poll among potential Republican candidates. And on the 12^th he dared take on political correctness by speaking against the Koran.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/04/06/wsjnbc-poll-a-donald-trump-surprise/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/major-chance-this-guy-has-violated-the-constitution-trumps-emotional-birther-defense-to-giggles-smirks-of-the-morning-joe-panel/
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/trump-takes-on-koran-it-teaches-a-very-negative-vibe/

13. 4/4 MillerCoors – It was announced that the brewing giant is expected to pass Anheuser Busch this year in beer sales. Competition is good. I love all American success stories. It also doesn’t hurt that I’m a Miller and Coors fan over Budweiser products.
14. 4/4 “Dudette 07” – We all know there are brave men and women serving over-seas. But did you know that there’s an all female fighter squadron? That includes pilots, weapons officers, mission planners and the maintainers. The squad flies F-15’s and made history in late March marking the first combat mission to be planned, maintained and flown entirely by females.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/all-female-american-squadron-flies-bombing-mission-against-taliban-meet-dudette-07/

15. 4/5 Paul Ryan – Ryan continued to gain momentum in April during the budget fight.
http://blog.american.com/2011/04/ryan-budget-fights-moral-decline-as-dependency-and-passivity-weaken-the-country/

16. 4/7 Glenn Beck
Fox News
Mercury Radio Arts
Joel Cheetwood – It was announced that Glenn Beck would be leaving his Fox News television show. Which most of the media ran wild with, even making it sound as if Beck was being fired or had been removed immediately from the show. Not exactly the case though. In fact, Beck’s TV run on Fox will continue until the end of the year. He’s also said he’ll continue making specials for Fox and be a contributor. But forget Beck, the media really missed the real story here. Along with ending the TV program Beck is taking from Fox News, Joel Cheetwood. All around this just seems like it’ll be good for all parties in the long run. Beck’s company, Mercury Radio Arts has proven to be a major force for innovation in the world of new media, political commentary and entertainment.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/beck-explains-his-transition-like-paul-revere-you-have-to-get-off-the-horse/

17. 4/8 Bill Cosby – Now earlier I said I’m somewhat a fan of Donald Trump. That’s not an endorsement by any means. I also said he wasn’t perfect…just a proud American stirring things up. Bill Cosby is also another proud American, and one who is, how shall we say…more reserved than Trump. But Cosby also has been known to add his thoughts and social commentary about the state of the world, specifically on matters of culture. On the Today Show Bill Cosby offered Donald Trump and other potential candidates some advice – put up or shut up! And I agree. I think it’s terrible how long the presidential campaign cycle is, but these potential candidates who aren’t up front about the intentions especially become annoying.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=42807

18. 4/9 NAVY – the United States NAVY has a new experimental weapon. It’s a powerful laser weapon that simple fries its target when pointed. Another great example of American military dominance!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/see-the-navys-powerful-new-laser-gun-in-action/

19. 4/10 The Masters – Another great sporting event took place in April. The Master’s. The annual golf classic takes place every year in Augusta, Georgia where golf’s best fight for the right to wear the Green Jacket. This year’s winner was Charl Schwartzel of South Africa. The Master’s is a great American tradition and deserves a mention on the April edition of our CANS list.
20. 4/10 Tornado Victims – Starting with Mapleton, Iowa on April 9^th and then other areas effected later, mother nature took her toll across the country. And of course has carried over into May with F5 tornadoes in the southeast and major flooding in other areas. Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who have been affected. They are AmeriCANS.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110410/ap_on_re_us/us_iowa_tornado

21. 4/12 Dewayne Bunch – Bunch is a state legislator in Kentucky. He’s also a high school teacher. Bunch tried to break up a cafeteria fight and became critically injured during the scuffle. Bunch was punched and hit his head hard on the floor tile. The boys in the fight were charged with 1^st degree assault. Our wishes go out to Dewayne Bunch. In an era where most people whip out their cell phones to get the next hit viral video, Bunch did the gutsy, but right thing in trying to break up the fight. Sometimes such situations don’t end up the best. But it’s good to see there are still those brave individuals who try to settle disputes with common sense and not fists, even if they might get physically injured themselves. That’s character. More people like Bunch are needed in this world.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/kentucky-teacher-lawmaker-critically-injured-trying-to-break-up-high-school-fight/

22. 4/13 Allen West – West is an emerging star in the GOP and a Tea Party favorite, and possible presidential contender. Earlier in the month West had been subject to numerous threats including a derogatory letter with white powder. West, a former Army colonel, and a black man, has made it clear that he’s not backing down and will not be intimidated and addressed constituents in the latest turmoil by calling out racist hypocrisy of the left. I hope we’ll continue to see more of Allen West!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/allen-west-asks-is-it-open-season-on-a-principled-black-conservative/

23. 4/13 Todd and Selene Drexel – The Drexel family became part of the news cycle when their 6 year old daughter was the subject of a TSA pat down caught on tape. The Drexel’s, a Kentucky family, have come out swinging over the TSA non-sense. They told their story to ABC News and voiced their disgust. The Drexel’s obviously have their daughter in mind, but they’re also voicing the opinion of many Americans.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/parents-of-6-year-old-pat-down-girl-break-their-silence-demand-change/

24. 4/13 Rick Santorum – I’ve mentioned Trump, Herman Cain, Allen West, even Paul Ryan has been mentioned as a presidential contender. But what about Rick Santorum? He has launched a exploratory committee. I think Santorum would be a fine choice and will add to the GOP field.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/santorum-announces-presidential-exploratory-committee/

25. 4/14 Neil Cavuto – Fox News and Fox Business host Neil Cavuto used a little humor to demonstrate the absurd budget plan offered by John Boehner. Cavuto demonstrated the budget in terms of a 10 year health plan where he would only gain 10 pounds over the next decade instead of the current trend of 15. The video is pretty funny!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/still-fat-cavuto-mocks-boehners-10-yr-debt-plan-with-10-yr-fitness-plan/

26. 4/15 Rand Paul – Rand Paul seems to keep dropping in on our list. This month he makes the CAN list for his defense of the Tea Party movement on the Senate floor.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/rand-paul-defends-tea-party-on-sen-floor-i-dare-you-to-come-to-a-rally/

27. 4/16 Sarah Palin – Mamma Grizzly returns to the CANS list for a speech she made at a tax day rally in Madison in front of Tea Party members. Palin defended Governor Walker and declared that the Wisconsin Tea Party crowd had won the fight.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/you-won-feisty-palin-fires-up-wisconsin-tea-party-crowd/

28. 4/18 Tricia Willoughby – Another teenager on the April CAN list. And another story out of the Wisconsin tea party events. Tricia Willoughby is a 14 year old girl, who is home schooled, she’s very knowledgeable and well spoken. While giving a speech at the rally in Madison she was heckled with profanity by several counter-protestors but Tricia kept her composure and delivered a great message to the crowd.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/fung-brat-protester-screams-profanity-at-14-year-old-tea-party-speaker/

29. 4/18 S.E. Cupp – I noted the disgusting antics of Keith Olbermann towards S.E. Cupp. After several days Cupp offered up her response to Mr. Olbermann and all we can say about S.E. is…Boom! Winning!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/s-e-cupp-rebuffs-olbermann-in-own-special-comment/

30. 4/20 Sheriff Joe Arpaio – Arizona’s best known sheriff, and the nation’s most talked about sheriff is back in the news again. This time Sheriff Joe has launched a mugshot of the day section to the Maricopa county web site. The mugshot of the day features the best of the worst…or the worst of the best? Of humorous mugshots.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/az-sheriff-arpaio-solicits-votes-for-mugshot-of-the-day/

31. 4/20 Alden Minnesota High School Students – Students at a Southern Minnesota school have invented a car that go 700 miles on a single gallon of fuel. It was all part of a competition among schools and universities held in Texas sponsored by the Shell oil company. What’s not to like about this story?! American ingenuity is alive and well.
http://www.kimt.com/content/localnews/story/Super-Mileage-team-places-in-national-competition/KmLInyyosE-kXsSKa1o62g.cspx

32. 4/21 Weird Al Yankovic – The parody king, Weird Al has many fans, but apparently Lady Gaga isn’t one of them. Weird Al asked permission to parody a song of Lady Gaga’s, but he didn’t get her blessing. Just another reason to not like Lady Gaga. And we don’t need a real reason to put Al on the CANS list other than he’s Weird Al!
http://alyankovic.wordpress.com/the-gaga-saga/

33. 4/22 Matthias Giraud, Stefan Laude – To the world of skiing and an example of American spirit of adventure. Matthias and Stefan are backmountain skiers who happened to have helmet cams that caught their race as they outran an avalanche. It’s some amazing video!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/the-heart-stopping-video-of-2-skiers-outrunning-an-avalanche/

34. 4/22 Recy Taylor – Recy Taylor received an official apology from the Alabama legislature after nearly seven decades of living with memories of being raped by a group of white men when she was walking home from church. The men, all now believed to be dead, were never prosecuted. Recy is just another reminder of our scarred past.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/ala-lawmakers-apologize-to-black-woman-raped-by-white-men-67-years-ago/

35. 4/21 Atlas Shrugged – A long time coming, the movie Atlas Shrugged hit theaters on April 15^th opening up in a limited number of theaters, but made a great showing comparatively to the major box office movies currently showing. I made a date with my wife to see the movie. She has never read the book by Ayn Rand, but still enjoyed it. I thought it was great and met my expectations. I hope that parts two and three make it to the big screen!

36. 4/21 George Lange – Lange is a well known photographer. He’s also a liberal. So what’s he doing hanging out with Glenn Beck…a lot? He’s Beck’s official photographer and responsible for many of the famous photos of Beck, including some of this book covers. The two are far apart politically but share an amazing creative link that shows through the camera lens. I think it’s a great example of Americans working together, and being their best, and using their talents to the fullest.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/meet-the-photo-whiz-who-takes-all-those-wild-pics-of-glenn/

37. 4/25 Ron Paul –How about another GOP presidential hopeful? It’s not a complete field without Ron Paul is it?! Paul announced in April that his exploratory committee has been launched.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/libertarian-ron-paul-to-run-for-president-in-2012/

38. 4/25 Man in Utah finds rare book – A Utah man discovered something rare in his home. A 500+ year old book! The book is a partial copy of the Nuremberg Chronicle. Unfortunately the book, even though rare, is not so rare, and with 2/3rds of the pages missing it’s not worth as much as you’d think. But still the find is amazing! The owner who has refused to be identified said that the book has been passed down from his Great Uncle and has been collecting dust in the attic. What a great story! Sometimes the best stories turn out to be the books themselves.
http://www.windstream.net/news/read.php?rip_id=%3CD9MQK4BG1%40news.ap.org%3E&ps=1011
39. 4/26 Healthy Ice Cream? – It might happen in our lifetime! (Not that it would keep us from eating ice cream no matter what.) Researchers at Missouri University have been working with so called “functional foods” one of which being ice cream. The process adds fiber and pro-biotic bacteria to the ice cream. Hey…Americans are still leading the way in science…even if it is to feed our bellies!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/american-scientist-has-created-healthy-ice-cream/

40. 4/26 Vicky Thoms – In the CANT edition for the month of April I talked about the disgusting video footage of a fight inside a Maryland McDonald’s. Vicky Thoms was the Good Samaritan seen in the video footage trying to break up the fight and save the girl who was getting attacked. Vicky definitely earns a spot on our AmeriCAN list.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/meet-the-good-samaritan-woman-who-tried-to-stop-brutal-mcds-beating/

41. 4/26 Daniel McKeague – Daniel is the new voice of the Aflac Duck! He replaces Gilbert Gottfried. The annoying duck…let’s face it…annoying…yet for some reason we all really like him, has been around 11 years. In America…it is true, you can do anything!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/this-is-the-new-voice-of-the-aflac-duck-a-36-year-old-father-of-3/

42. 4/27 David Petreaus – President Obama announced a reshuffled national security team late April. CIA Director Leon Panetta will replace Defense Secretary Robert Gates. General David Petraeus will be taking over Panetta’s spot at the CIA. Petreaus has been a successful leader and served our country well in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is an AmeriCAN and we wish him well in his new post.
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=209&sid=2360915

And those are the AmeriCANS for April! 42 total. The CANTS dominated in numbers, but we have a great group of CANS this month I think. The entire list, both sides, now posted at badgerbenson.com. The list went from March 26^th to April 28^th. The next edition, the May edition of AmeriCANS and CANTS will run from April 29^th to about May 25^th with the show airing on Friday, May 27^th. Let’s hope May is a month of AmeriCANS!

AmeriCANS for 2010

Well here it is. Our final 2010 list of AmeriCANS and AmeriCANTS. We start of the list with the “regular folks” division. Then move on to the high profile AmeriCANS, and last of all the shameful AmeriCANTS of 2010. The official AmeriCANS and CANTS 2010 show can be heard right here.

2010 AmeriCAN of The Year

1. Army Staff Sgt Salvatore Guinta – An Iowan and the first living Medal of Honor recipient in four decades. He served in Afghanistan. I announced Guinta was the official winner back in November when he was presented with the Medal of Honor.

Guinta’s Profile on the Army web site.

Guinta’s Medal of Honor citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. While conducting a patrol as team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated insurgent force. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen and believing that he had been injured, Specialist Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security. Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.

The Rest….
2. Daren Gardner –Mr. Gardner I’m proud to call a personal friend. Gardner is a small businessman from Virginia, he has quite the story about his own business going through hard times and even starting it all over. He’s a Christian, and a true patriot. Daren did the Constitution Ride Across America. He traveled across the continental 48 United States on his motorcycle. He stopped at each state capitol presenting copies of the Constitution to elected officials. He also presented a resolution to uphold the Constitution. This resolution was later presented in Washington, D.C. I met Daren during the stop in Lincoln, Nebraska. I helped organize that stop here, where Nebraska congressional candidate Dan Hill spoke as well as State Senator Tony Fulton, who was our signer for Nebraska on that resolution. Daren spent the evening with my wife and I here in Louisville. It was great to talk to him and learn about his life. But what an amazing thing he did…just one guy on a motorcycle protecting the Constitution. To this day I am still baffled as to why his story and his ride was not given more attention. Either way, he doesn’t complain because it wasn’t about him. And it’s because of that reason he makes the number two spot on the 2010 list of AmeriCANS.

Nebraska State Senator Tony Fulton with Daren Gardner in Lincoln, Nebraska. September 2^nd, 2010.

Daren’s bike in my garage.

Daren departing my home in Nebraska on his journey across America.

CRAA Web Site

3. American Flag/Bicycle Kid Cody Alicea – 13 year old Cody Alicea, a teen in California caught the news buzz back in November when his school told him that he could no longer ride his bike to school with an American flag on it. The story went viral. The school was bombed with complaints, and rightly so. The school then changed course allowing Cody to continue riding to school on his bike with Old Glory waving alongside him. His first trip back to the school on his bike after the mess he was followed by a line of motorcycles and cars following him on his ride to school…all those vehicles behind him with American flags flying high. It was a cool thing to see. I was even more impressed with the interviews that Cody gave. He seems 10 times more mature than most kids his age today. Therefore Cody makes the list of 2010 AmeriCANS.

Youtube footage of Cody’s ride to school.

4. Brent Morehouse – Brent is an average guy from California. A family man. He’s never really been involved with politics. But he got involved with the Tea Party movement and decided he wanted to tell the individual stories of the people in it. So he wrote a book – myself included in this book on page 168 where I actually talk about AmeriCANS vs. AmeriCANTS ironically. The book is titled Tea Party The Awakening – Written by The Grass Roots Leaders. The book contains a great introduction by Brent himself doing an historical comparison of the 1770’s to today. The rest of the 400 some pages are written by all the individuals that Brent contacted, all from the ground level. Truly an amazing work and I applaud Brent for his efforts…doing something that most of the media hasn’t – actually finding out who these people in the Tea Party movement are!

Order Brent’s book at New Patriot Publishing.
5. Outlaw Hot Dog Stand/Steve Pruner – Steve Pruner is a small businessman in the Durham, North Carolina area. Pruner got into a dispute over the bureaucratic process with the city of Durham over permits. But in the end Pruner was able to continue selling his hot dogs. It’s an interesting story, and I applaud his entrepreneurial spirit. The Outlaw Hot Dog Stand makes our list of AmeriCANS at number five. Steve’s Story.

6. Joseph Monto – There’s no better regular Joe than Joseph Monto. In November Mr. Monto discovered a backpack full of $23,000 in jewelry and cash while hiking in a state park. Monto found the owner of the bag, Rebecca Knox. Knox rewarded Monto with $1,000 for his honesty and doing the right thing. Knox was in the process of moving and had stopped to use her phone, she left the bag on the ground in the process. After tracking down Knox and receiving the reward Monto noted that it was nice to receive some money in return, but to be known for doing something good was more important to him. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/man-finds-18k-worth-of-gems-5k-in-cash-and-returns-it-all/

7. David Barton of Wallbuilders – David Barton is a frequent guest on the Glenn Beck TV Show. He’s an amazing historian and founder of Wallbuilders. Check that out at Wallbuilders.com. It’s a great organization and he’s a great person who knows everything there is to know about the American Revolution. He got me interested again in American Folklore. I think Barton is doing a good job at reviving our lost and revised history…bringing us back to the truths that started this country. David Barton is an AmeriCAN. http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTbioDB.asp
8. Alveda King – She’s the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She’s a big advocate for the pro-life movement. She’s a wonderful person with a big heart. She’s a caring soul. She was one of the speakers at the Restoring Honor Rally. I don’t know about her politics, but she’s a good Christian lady and deserves a spot on this list.

Alveda’s King for America web site focuses on faith and social issues.

9. Matt Kibbe of Freedom Works – Freedom Works is a great organization working to assist Tea Party Groups in development. They are doing an amazing job and Matt Kibbe has been in the front of that.
Kibbe’s bio on the FW site.

10. Tea Party Patriots Leadership – Specifically Jenny Beth Martin and Mark Meckler – Jenny Beth Martin is responsible for the founding of Tea Party Patriots – the largest and I think most effective national brand group that carries the “Tea Party” name. Meckler is a great spokesman for the organization and can debate and articulate the tea party message as well as anyone. Both of them have sacrificed much of their personal lives and they take a lot of heat. They are AmeriCANS!

Meckler and Jenny Beth continue their efforts with Tea Party Patriots.

11. CL Bryant – He’s a preacher from Louisiana. He’s been one of the prominent voices of the Tea Party movement. He’s energetic and gives speeches with substance and values that move the crowd. He’s got fortitude and spirit. A Christian and a true patriot. He’s also a former NAACP radical. He’s releasing the documentary “Runaway Slave” sometime in the coming months about the hypocrisy of politicians in their treatment of blacks and minorities.

12. Velma Hart – You likely don’t remember Velma. But you’ll recall the story. She was one of the few that dared asked President Obama directly about the economic uncertainty and the frustrations felt by the American people. Hart, who is an African American, which shouldn’t make any difference, other than she supported Obama and her question caught many, including Obama by surprise. His answer was complete gibberish. I considered the moment similar to the “Joe The Plumber” moment from 2008 campaign. For voicing her concerns and exercising her rights, she is an AmeriCAN.
Hart expresses her disgust with President Obama.

That’s the list of AmeriCANS for 2010 – the regular folks division. Now for the high profile-celebrity types…

High Profile/Celebrity AmeriCANS

1. Glenn Beck – I’ll be honest, I’m a huge fan of Beck. But I didn’t choose him solely because of that. This guy is a multi-media machine. It seems he releases a book every 3 or 4 months. He does radio, he does television, has a web site, a magazine, stage shows and more. His personal life and transformation is amazing. Every facet of his life, his words and his shows are torn to shreds every day by spiteful critics, and he still marches on….and continues to grow and get better. Few are doing more than what Beck is for a spiritual revival in this nation. He’s ridiculed by both sides of the aisle. His sometimes over-the-top antics cause a stir. His TV show with the assistance of a chalkboard is something completely different than what we’ve seen before. He’s exposing the socialist agenda and history of the progressive moment. He’s no fan of the elite and powerbrokers in this world. And yes…he makes money doing it. But I believe his heart is in the right place. Many question him on his faith of being a Mormon, which I have studied and Mormonism is very troubling. But Beck has never suggested the way to God is to become a Mormon and I think that talk of him being a part of some conspiracy to convert everyone to his brand of Christianity is silly. I think he’s a good guy, a caring man, a family man, patriot and defender of liberty. Remember he also organized the 8/28 Restoring Honor Rally at the Lincoln Memorial. After the rally he launched TheBlaze.com – a political news and opinion site, and recently hired the former CEO of the Huffington Post to run the site. Next week S.E. Cupp joins his team with her own show on the Insider Extreme portion of his web site. That’s quite the resume for just one year! Glenn makes the number one spot on the celebrity edition of the AmeriCANS for 2010.


Beck’s Restoring Honor Rally on August 28^th, 2010 attracted hundreds of thousands of Americans to the nation’s capital for a spiritual revival.

2. Rush Limbaugh – Well you simply can’t have a list that has Glenn Beck without Rush Limbaugh ahead or right behind. Rush Limbaugh is probably the biggest defender of the idea of American Rugged Individualism. He’s probably the harshest critic of President Obama…and he usually ends up being right. What makes Rush stand out is how something happens, someone says something and he’s able to pick out audio and stories from 2 or 3 or even 10 years ago involving that same person where they said something that puts them at odds with their current stance. He’ll also play his own clips where he’s joking about something from years back…and boom suddenly that same thing is now happening. Rush also remarried this year, a lovely service to a lovely bride and Elton John played at the reception. He finally formed a Facebook page this year. And right now he’s part of a reality show on the Golf Channel. In addition to all of that, he’s also a humanitarian giving a large sum every year to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And that’s all we know publically of what he gives. I suspect he gives a whole lot more than what we know. He just has the class not brag about it or use it for PR purposes. A great fun loving American, he inspired me to get into radio and media – Rush Limbaugh is an AmeriCAN.

Rush and wife Kathryn on their wedding day in August 2010.

3. Ryan Miller – Miller was the goalie on the US hockey team. The team leader who led our US team on an amazing run before losing to Canada in a tough battle in the gold medal round. We need more athletes like him. Miller also does charitable work.

Miller’s exceptional play at the Olympics gave Team USA a Silver Medal.

4. Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona – She’s probably the most talked about governor of the past year. She was right in the middle of the immigration debate in Arizona – standing up for the law, and her state, and defending Arizona from all those who thought a solution was to boycott the state. She makes the list of AmeriCANS.
5. Kelsey Grammer – He was the star of Frasier and also was on Cheers. He’s been an outspoken conservative in Hollywood for years. Over the summer he helped start the Right Network. Some great stuff on that network, most of which can be found online. I hope it continues to grow. It’s fun, not too cliché or corny, it’s relevant and informative…and it’s right on. Dr. Frasier Crane…you are an AmeriCAN!

Grammer helped get the new Right Network off the ground in late summer of 2010.

6. Sarah Palin – Politician to citizen to Fox News analyst, and of course we can’t forget about her being a mom. She’s definitely an AmeriCAN. She continues to be a hot topic in the news whether she’s part of the story or not, and whether or not she wished to be. Her show on TLC about family life and the people, resources and business in Alaska was really good. Sarah is on the list.

7. Former President George W. Bush – Love him or hate him the former president is ridiculed by both left and right. He’s stayed out of the limelight for the most part since leaving office and being a great citizen, a model I think of what a president should act like after office. He continues to visit the soldiers and contributes to causes without being the center of attention. He was faced with hard decisions when in office and did what he considered needed done to protect the country – I believe that was his central focus, right or wrong. He was certainly treated with a level of contempt not seen before in modern media treatment towards a sitting president. I think he’s a good model of leadership and a standard for citizenship. His book Decisions Points came out a few months ago detailing those tough decisions he made. A great example of an AmeriCAN.

George W. Bush released his first book since leaving office. Decision Points is a candid look about his life and presidency told from his own eyes.

8. Josh Thompson – Country singer with some great songs, one called “Way Out Here” which is very fitting to this entire list. Way Out Here video.

9. Scott Baker – The Editor at The Blaze.com – the news web site funded by Glenn Beck.

Baker’s team at The Blaze are making it a fast growing source of news and information.

10. Pat Caddel – A liberal Fox News analyst. Although his politics lean left, he is one of the most fair-minded people in the media. He’s offered very fair criticisms of the Obama administration and the radical left.

11. Juan Williams – We all know the story of Juan’s departure from NPR; and his full hire at Fox News. Juan is a good guy and keeps people like Bill O’Reilly balanced and on their toes.

12. Dick Armey – An outspoken defender of the Tea Party movement, also part of Freedom Works team.

13. Jim DeMint – One of the few politicians that I put on the list. He’s been a fighter for conservative causes and the Tea Party movement.

The South Carolina Senator has been a speaker at many grass roots and conservative events in recent years.

14. Marco Rubio – The newly elected Rubio from Florida is a tea party favorite and has a bright future.

15. Michele Bachmann – The Representative from Minnesota who started the Tea Party Caucus.

16. Greta Van Sustern – She always brings a fair and balanced approach to Fox News, a great interviewer.

17. General Stanley McChrystal – His criticisms of the president, right or wrong is debatable. But his service to the country is not.

18. Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey – Aside from Jan Brewer he’s probably the most talked about Governor in the United States. He provided us with some of the best audio and video clips of 2010. This is one of my favorites!

19. Conan O’Brien – The late night talk show host is likely a leftist, but he’s never really mean about it. His goofy off the wall humor is fun to watch. He recently moved his show to TBS after the mess at NBC.

Conan is now on TBS – and it’s very funny.

20. History Channel Shows – In an era when reality TV stinks and any smut makes the primetime lineup, the History Channel got something right with “American Pickers” and “Pawn Stars”. Two entertaining, fun and somewhat informative shows about Americana and American business.

The cast of Pawn Stars – Cory, The Old Man, Rick, and Chum-Lee

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe along with their assistant Danielle Colby Cushman are uncovering lost treasures on the backroads of America on American Pickers.

21. Undercover Boss – Another great reality television show featuring high profile CEO’s going undercover to learn about the people that make their businesses run. In a time when the CEO, corporate America, economic uncertainty and lack of leadership plagues the country this CBS show attempts to find those who are doing things right.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/undercover_boss/

That is the entire list – regular folks and high profile lists of AmeriCANS for 2010. Now it’s time for the negative side, the people we despise, the opposite of AmeriCANs…the AmeriCANTS.

The AmeriCANTS almost all were celebrities this year so there’s just one list of AmeriCANTS. The CANTS are petty people. Hateful, bitter, constantly tearing others down and belittling fellow Americans. Truth be damned…they have an unwavering defense of President Obama, and the progressive agenda and just look at anyone else thinking otherwise as being ignorant backwoods uneducated rubes and rednecks. I won’t spend as much time on them as I did the AmeriCANS because frankly they just don’t deserve the time.

So here we go…starting with the AmeriCANT of the Year!

AmeriCANTS for 2010
2010 AmeriCANT of The Year

1. Entire lineup at MSNBC – Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, Ed Schultz, Chris Matthews and Lawerence O’Donnel – I don’t know of any person or group more hateful, spiteful, arrogant and condescending than this bunch. Every week it gets worse and worse. Their ratings are horrible. Their shows are downright nasty and they seemingly have only one objective – hate and destroy Fox News at any costs. Say what you will about Fox News – they also have opinion shows, but not as bombastic as this group of jerks at MSNBC. There’s also a big difference in Fox’s actual news coverage versus MSNBC. For their nastiness and contempt for differing viewpoints and distorting, twisting, taking words out of context and being completely agenda driven…and holier than thou at it – the 2010 AmeriCANT of the Year Award goes to MSNBC (Microsoft No Black Commentators Network – credit to Andrew Wilkow). Their MVP is Keith Olbermann. Congratulations Keith!

Post Script – In fact on the same day that this list was announced Keith Olbermann’s contract at MSNBC was ended – many suspect the new ownership at Comcast had some say in this. Will Ed be next? (Ed who?) Or perhaps Maddow? Then there’s Chris Matthews who I used to consider a fair minded stand up guy has lately gone off the rails with an almost creepy obsession with Michele Bachmann.

2. Nancy Pelosi – An easy choice. Thank goodness she’s no longer speaker of the house.

3. Harry Reid – See above. Too bad the voters of Nevada didn’t kick him out of office.

4. Lady Gaga – A trashy celbutard contributing little to our culture. Fine, there’s been pop stars like that forever. But her ignorant comments about immigration debate in Arizona earned her a top five spot on this list.

American pop culture at its finest in 2010.

5. Stephen Colbert – This guy is pathetic. His bumbling jackass antics at the Comedy Central Restoring Sanity rally earned him the number five spot. Don’t forget about his classic appearance at a congressional hearing.

Colbert aka Super CANT.

6. Joy Behar – Three words – rambling hateful idiot.

7. Former BP CEO Tony Hayward*- Tony Hayward is the only non-American citizen to make either list. But he affected the lives of Americans and American business. What a tragic mess that BP oil spill was and what a dismal display of leadership. Tony Hayward gets a spot on the AmeriCANT list for 2010.

Hayward’s failures as a business leader during a crisis affecting Americans is a rare exception to a non-citizen making either AmeriCAN/CANT list.

8. Meghan McCain – “Like shut up already. This is me speaking to you Meghan, me speaking as a 32 year old male…no one cares what you have to say! Unlike you, I don’t believe what I have to say is any more important than anyone else. But at least I attempt to put some rational thought into what I say. You need to just go away. You’re not bright, you’re not smart. And it’s too bad…because I think you have in you to be those things. But instead you want to be a media darling, some sort of self-righteous anti-Republican-Republican, that somehow because you’re born into politics you have a deeper understanding of the issues. All you want now is the attention of the media and to get it you trash everyone who supported your father’s campaign for president. You have zero class. “ – Badger Benson

Meghan McCain – Bud Light fan.

9. Charlie Rangel – Found guilty of ethics violations. He’s everything that’s wrong with politicians.

10. Brett Favre – From the world of sports. Favre you were once cool. And you were well liked and admired. But you threw it all away. The cell phone thing…creepy.

11. Tiger Woods – Same thing. A painful fall from grace. I hope you get your life on track, and your golf game.

12. Oprah Winfrey – You are no longer relevant. Stop indoctrinating people with your new age religious spiritual garbage. It looks and sounds nice, and innocent, and some of it probably is. But much of that stuff is dangerous and you don’t realize how wrong it is and how misleading it is.

13. Alan Grayson – You pathetic lying weasel. Thank God you’re no longer in congress.

14. Janet Napolitano – Big Sis has been controversial and a disaster in her role with Homeland Security.

Have you had a pat down lately?

15. Ben Nelson – You sell out! You’re a likable man with a good reputation. But you ruined it all and threw that legacy away by selling out.

16. Christiane Amanpour – She’s an incoherent leftist TV host.

17. Tina Fey – I think the shtick is old. You sound like Palin and do an amazing job of imitating her. That’s talent. But I think it’s just getting old and is mean spirited.

18. Christine O’Donnel – The failed tea party candidate in Delaware. She’s a nice lady, had some good ideas. The GOP was terrible for not offering more support. But Christine did herself no favors and is a lesson on how to do everything wrong in a campaign.

Are you a good witch or a bad witch?

19. Lisa Murkowski – The winner of the Alaska senate race over Joe Miller. You lost the primary. Then mounted a successful write-in campaign. The passion is admirable, your ambition is too. But you are selfish and self serving, and a sore loser…even when winning.

20. Rod Blagovich – Why is this guy still around?

21. Eric Massa – A shamed congressman who resigned last fall/winter.

22. Kanye West – One word – Punk.

23. Rham Emanuel – Complete jerk. Thankfully he’s now back to Chicago and they can deal with him.

24. Trent Lott – A former GOP politician. He said that the Tea Party members needed co-opted once in DC. I lost all respect for you.

25. Lyndsey Graham – Mr. RINO himself.

26. Bart Stupack – Good guy. But you made the wrong decision.

27. James Cameron – How big is your ego man? About the size of the Titanic I imagine…flashy, but really a bunch of drivel like that movie Avatar.

28. Entire cast of Jersey Shore – I’ve never really seen the show. But I’ve seen the cast on various shows. I don’t want to see the show. I wish these people would go away.

Really…who are these people?

29. Andy Griffith – Why? Old man…pay for your own medical care! You’re an actor, you surely have some money left! Don’t tell the rest of us what to do. It’s sad how you’re being used.

Sheriff Taylor for Obamacare.

30. Barney Frank’s boyfriend – This guy is a complete dope. His ambush video taping of the Republican candidate running against Frank was creepy.

And that’s the awards for 2010!

I’m not comparing Chris Wallace to Cindy Sheehan. But I do find this administration’s targeting and blackballing of certain media outlets to be ironic. So let’s get this straight – the Big Tent Party that champions diversity, dissent, accepts most abnormalities; and trots out victims to make a point will not even speak to the Fox News Channel? Sounds pretty childish to me.

Fox News...too kooky for this administration.