Badger Benson

Posts Tagged ‘Tea Party’

It is the last Friday of the month! That means it’s time for the AmeriCANS and AmeriCANTS! The February edition is packed! It was a fast moving news month. I couldn’t believe looking back on the list on so much that I had forgotten in just weeks. Remember our coverage for each monthly selection starts where we left off the month before – so there’s a few carry over stories from January. Here’s the lists for February 2011 starting with the AmeriCANTS.
Check out the radio segment here! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/badger-benson/2011/02/25/americanscants-of-february-2011

AmeriCANTS of February 2011
1. Julie Schenecker – January 29^th – Julie Schenecker age 50 of Tampa, Florida killed her two children for quote, “They were mouthy.”
Alright…I know parents get frustrated. But killing them? A sign of the times. Declining culture. Just a sad story there.
2. City of Omaha, Nebraska, Voters – January 25-Feb 5^th. Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle…the number two Democrat in the state after Ben Nelson overcame a special recall election. Suttle is a mess of a mayor. But that’s another story. The big story…76,039 total votes. That’s fewer than 1/3 of the city’s 250,000 registered voters. People! If you want better from your government and elected officials…you have to get out and vote!
http://www.omaha.com/article/20110125/NEWS01/110129780

3. Parents from East Mecklenburg and Butler High School near Charlotte, North Carolina – Decided to get into a brawl after a high school basketball game on January 31^st. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/parents-attack-police-during-wild-fight-at-nc-high-school-basketball-game/

You have to watch the video of that one. All of these by the way will be posted on BadgerBenson.com with the links to the stories and any pictures or video with it.

4. Again in North Carolina…again a brawl….this time at a church! This one is from January 31^st. In the town of Fletcher, North Carolina a dispute among churchgoers over removal of a pastor sparked strong feelings among the congregation…leading to a brawl at their Sunday service.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/caught-on-video-parishioners-brawl-at-church-over-pastors-dismissal/

5. MSNBC – Our friends at MSNBC once again make our count as they decided on January 31^st that they would be running a special called “President of the World: The Bill Clinton Phenomenon”….which would air on President’s Day. I never watched it. Really? Bill Clinton? On President’s Day?
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/its-official-msnbc-declares-bill-clinton-president-of-the-world/

6. Rachel Maddow – Sticking with MSNBC on February 1^st, Rachel Maddow fell for a fake satirical story about Sarah Palin and ran wild with it. Maddow is someone who constantly defends herself as someone who uses facts and checks and rechecks sources….yeah, so as it fits her agenda. This is just another example of the radical left’s obsessive reactionary efforts to destroy Sarah Palin at whatever cost…even at the cost of truth.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/its-official-msnbc-declares-bill-clinton-president-of-the-world/

Maddow then the very next day on February 2^nd went on to blame Glenn Beck for her screw up.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/maddow-points-blame-at-beck-for-her-being-duped-by-fake-story-on-satire-site/

I’m not making it up. Again the full stories at BadgerBenson.com

7. Another MSNBC member, this time Chris Matthews on the same day, February 2^nd. Matthews took time to compare the Tea Party to the Muslim Brotherhood during a broadcast, specifically attacking Michele Bachmann, Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. Really Chris? The Tea Party movement is comparable to the Muslim Brotherhood? Are you nuts? Are you that caught up in your hate of political opponents that you can’t see reality?
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/matthews-compares-tea-party-to-muslim-brotherhood-attacks-bachmann-palin-beck/

8. Planned Parenthood – On February 2^nd videos were released from several Planned Parenthood clinics across the country where undercover activists posing as pimps sought advice from Planned Parenthood employees on how to get abortions, in some cases for underage girls. Just a disgusting story. Another chapter to our moral decline. Over the weeks more videos have been released and has renewed debate on whether or not Planned Parenthood should receive public funding.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/update-planned-parenthood-employee-fired-over-fake-pimp-vid/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/busted-again-va-planned-parenthood-worker-coaches-fake-pimp-on-how-to-get-underage-abortions/

9. Dana Milbank – Milbank is a reporter for the Washington Post. He made a pledge not to mention Sarah Palin for an entire month, calling it a “Palin Free February” and also wished that others would join him. Milbank made this pledge on February 1^st. How long did it take before he failed? Not even one day. In fact almost 16 hours later he violated his own pledge by mentioning Sarah Palin.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/washington-post-columnist-breaks-his-palin-vow-on-day-one-of-sarah-palin-free-month/

10. Richard Dreyfuss – Video surfaced of Dreyfus at the National Press Club defending comments made by MSNBC host Ed Schultz. Here’s the context – Dreyfus was calling for civility when CNS News asked Dreyfus if Ed Schultz’s statement that “Dick Cheney should be taken to the promised land” was uncivil. Dreyfus answer was a ridiculous lesson in circular reasoning and another case of liberals having a double standard. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/richard-dreyfuss-defends-ed-schultz-anti-cheney-death-wish/

11. Code Pink – On February 2^nd footage was seen of Code Pink demonstrators in Cairo joining the protests. Good for Code Pink to demonstrate and voice their opinions. But in Egypt? Hey you know what…fine by me. I hope they stay over there.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/codepink-anti-war-group-joins-egyptian-protests-in-cairo/

12. Ron Reagan, Junior – This story is from February 5^th. How sad is it that the son of President Ronald Reagan, the first inductee here to be put in the AmeriCAN Hall of Fame makes our CANT list? Well Ron Junior has made the cut. His recent book suggests that President Reagan was suffering from Alzheimer’s while in office, something that cannot be proven and those who were close to him dispute. Why even suggest that? Then Junior decided to mock Sarah Palin during a speech at the Reagan Center. He ridiculed her by suggesting she’s not a serious candidate and only wants to keep her name in the public and make money. Hmmmmm…..maybe Ron Junior isn’t all that serious of a political analyst and only wants to use his name to keep himself in the public eye to make money?

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/ron-reagan-jr-mocks-palin-speech-at-reagan-center/

13. Anthony Weiner – New York Democrat Representative Anthony Weiner appeared on an episode of Bill Maher’s Real Time. Maher suggested that Beck-Palin fever has cooled. Weiner than went on to suggest that the Glenn Beck audience were comparable to extras in the move Deliverance.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/maher-show-moment-rep-weiner-depicts-beck-audience-as-shoeless-toothless/

14. State of Maine – During a time when states are struggling with fiscal issues, including Maine – the government there took time to discuss which delight would be the official dessert of the state. The debate choices – blueberry pie or the whoopie pie. It’s what we elect these people to do I guess!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/as-many-states-face-critical-pension-battles-maine-fights-a-dessert-war/

15. The National Collectors Mint – We’ve all seen the commercials for these commemorative coins made of silver from the World Trade Center to support the building of the 911 Memorial. I had always thought this was questionable ethics. Turns out I was right. Recently news stories came out of people being overcharged for their orders and the silver in the coins is not from the World Trade Center. The National Collectors Mint has been involved in several other fraudulent cases involving use of the 911 tragedy – in fact even to the point that the 911 Memorial Commission has stated they have no connection with the company and have not received any funds from them.

16. Christina Aguilera – During the Super Bowl Aguilera screwed up the National Anthem. Now this is the first famous flub of the Star Spangled Banner and it won’t be the last. And I actually feel bad for Aguilera. But what I will say is that these celebrities need to just start focusing on singing the song and not making it into such a dramatic event with their own styling to the song. Just get up there and sing it!

http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-christina-aguilera-screws-up-the-national-anthem-at-the-super-bowl-2011-2

17. Ed Schultz – The MSNBC host blamed Fox for Christina Aguilera’s mess up the next day. (Wasn’t Ed already mentioned in this list? Oh yeah he was.)

18. Lawrence O’Donnell – Well it seems that MSNBC works in threes or something like that. Not to be outdone by Ed Schultz on February 10^th Lawrence O’Donnell decided to take Iowa Congressman Steve King to task over a segment done on the Sean Hannity TV show on Fox News. In the segment Frank Luntz polled a group of Iowans and 40% of the group said they believe President Obama was a Muslim. O’Donnell apparently felt this was the fault of Steve King. In a bizarre exchange O’Donnell kept asking King if he had a card, as proof of his Christianity.

19. Lady Gaga – America’s Queen Weirdo made an interesting entrance to the Grammy’s this year showing up in an egg. Gaga was carried into the event on this egg, with her cozy inside with air control and water before her performance. Also in recent days footage was released of Gaga doing a provocative photo shoot for Purple Magazine with her being sexually suggestive, barely clothed and also involving a toddler boy at her side. http://www.tmz.com/2011/02/13/lady-gaga-grammys-red-carpet-egg-photo/

(WARNING: Explicit Video Content) http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/02/22/lady-gaga-poses-semi-nude-photo-shoot-young-boy/

20. CREW – Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington decided that the rise in the number of congressmen who use their offices to sleep in need to be investigated….for ethics. There are at least 33 representatives, from both sides of the aisle that double their offices as sleeping quarters when in session. The housing prices and apartment rentals in DC are sky high. These officials are there on business. I for one applaud their efforts to save their own money, and also concentrate on their jobs. Often these representatives are the last ones asleep and the first ones up devoting their work to the business of the people. Seriously, are there not more blatant and disgusting ethical questions in DC that need investigated? Leave these leaders alone!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/ethics-group-knocks-thrifty-lawmakers-for-sleeping-in-their-capitol-hill-offices/

21. Carl Behr of Baldwin, Pennsylvania made the news on February 16^th for a controversial lawn decoration. Behr has a 25 foot illuminated cross in his yard. I actually agree with his neighbors. This is way too over the top. I applaud Behr’s openness of his faith. But this is just ridiculous. That’s not a way to reach people, by being in your face and over the top, and just plain obnoxious. I say at the very least he doesn’t need it to be lit up at night.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/neighbors-feud-over-25-ft-yard-cross-somebodys-got-to-make-a-stand/

22. US Government Failure to Address Border Crisis – On February 16^th footage was released of the Mexican military crossing into the United States on the Texas border. This is just another example of the chaos on our southern border and the failure of our leaders to address this issue.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/caught-on-video-possible-mexican-military-incursion-on-u-s-soil/

23. Wisconsin School Teachers – On February 16^th teachers in Wisconsin began to call in sick to work to go protest the Governor’s proposed budget solutions that include changes to collective bargaining rights. These teachers are setting a terrible example and I believe are doing themselves and their union a great disservice.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/good-god-man-stuart-varney-hammers-wisc-labor-activist-for-teacher-sick-out-protest/

24. Wisconsin Democratic Senators – 14 Democrats in the Wisconsin Senate have fled the state to avoid voting on Governor Walker’s bill. This act is simply cowardice.

25. The Union Protestors – Stories upon stories are being released of violent actions and rhetoric taking place at these pro-union rallies. These include assaults on counter protestors and journalists. There has been heckling of minorities who don’t agree with the pro-union stance. These stories continue to show up daily. So much for the new civility.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/you-are-a-bad-jew-union-protester-loudly-scolds-conservative-activist/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/thats-assault-union-protester-whacks-young-freedomworks-activist/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/no-respect-union-protesters-continue-chants-as-indiana-legislators-pause-for-prayer/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/alleged-seiu-protesters-heckle-uneducated-black-tea-partier-ask-if-he-has-children-he-claims/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/ri-protester-threatens-tv-cameraman-ill-fu-you-in-the-a-you-faot/

26. Indiana Deputy Attorney General Jeff Cox was fired on February 23^rd after suggesting in a Twitter post that the Wisconsin protestors be dealt with using live ammunition. This of course was a reckless and horrible statement.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/indiana-official-fired-after-personal-tweets-suggested-police-use-live-ammo-on-wisc-protesters/

27. Ed Schultz – Again the MSNBC host makes the list! That’s 3 times he’s been mentioned this month. This time around on February 23^rd Schultz decided to go on a rant that suggested there’s a massive right wing conspiracy led by Fox News, the Tea Party movement, Governor Walker, the Koch Brothers and the Heritage Foundation. Ok Ed.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/ed-shultz-mocks-beck-pointing-out-protest-connections-while-claiming-wi-is-massive-right-wing-conspiracy-of-fox-newsthe-tea-party-gov-walker-koch-bros-heritage-foundation/

28. Ian Murphy – Murphy is a leftist blogger from Buffalo, New York for the Buffalo Beast. Murphy released a recording on February 23^rd of him posing as David Koch, a major Tea Party donor, having a conversation with Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. During the conversation Murphy repeatedly tries to bait Walker. But after twenty minutes Murphy falls way short with his attempt. Liberals are trying to use this clip against Walker. However, there’s really nothing to it. I think it actually hurts the left more – showcasing once again their terrible ethics and the drastic means they will resort to.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/leftist-writer-records-phone-call-with-gov-walker-while-posing-as-koch-brother/

29. Massachusetts Representative Michael Capuano – Capuano was shown at a union rally firing up protestors by saying that, “Sometimes we need to get bloody.” Again, more leftist hypocrisy with their calls for civility.

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/145627-dem-lawmaker-on-labor-protests-get-a-little-bloody-when-necessary

30. Richard Trumka – The big time labor union leader was marched out this week to support the protests. Trumka is bad news. Just do a little research on the guy.

31. Organizing For America – I’m still curious as to why the president needs his own huge political organization. This week Organizing For America sent out emails promoting their Summer Organizing Camp. A summer fellowship program to instruct attendees to be community activists. Straight up indoctrination.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/obamacamp-organizing-for-america-will-deploy-young-cadres-on-summer-organizing-fellowships/

32. Charlie Sheen – On February 24^th Charlie Sheen was on the Alex Jones show and went through a bizarre rant defending his recent actions and struggles with addiction. The show “Two and a Half Man” which Sheen stars on was cancelled hours after. Let’s hope that Sheen gets straightened out.

http://www.tmz.com/2011/02/24/charlie-sheen-two-and-a-half-men-chuck-lorre-argument-radio-talk-show-tirade-turd-thomas-jefferson/

33. The Denny’s Fight – I almost left this one out because I forgot it. But it needs to be included because this is another case of how we’ve lost our decency. In Chicopee, Massachusetts a brawl broke out after a woman asked another customer to pass the maple syrup. The request was turned down you could say…and a fight broke out.

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/offbeat/video-fight-at-dennys-20110222

34. Congressman Chris Lee – Probably the most disgusting act by a single politician this month goes to Republican Congressman of New York, Chris Lee. Lee was caught posing in a shirtless picture on a Craigslist post searching for dates. Lee is married and has a young child. He quickly resigned his position. Thank goodness!

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/congressman-chris-lee-resigns-shirtless-photo-posted-internet/story?id=12878937

35. Old Man Winter – Winter has crippled the entire country the past month after the groundhog promised spring was on the way. In my area we actually enjoyed a span of 4 or 5 days of 50’s and even upper 60’s degree weather. But then winter came storming back dumping 6 inches of snow on me last night. Old Man Winter…you are an AmeriCANT!

AmeriCANS of February 2011

Now time for the AmeriCANS. Starting back to the end of January…here we go…

1. Law Enforcement Officers – January was a horrible month for our nation’s law enforcement officers. During a 24 hour span 11 officers in five states lost their lives. A very tragic end to the month and those individuals need to be remembered, as well as continued prayers for their loved ones.

http://www.chandlerswatch.com/2011/01/25/january-2011-a-deadly-month-for-the-nations-police/

2. US District Judge Roger Vinson – On January 31^st the Florida federal judge ruled Obamacare to be unconstitutional.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/federal-florida-judge-rules-obamacare-individual-mandate-unconstitutional/

3. American Journalists Overseas: Anderson Cooper and CBS Reporter Lara Logan – CNN host and reporter Anderson Cooper came under attack when covering the riots in Egypt. Cooper displayed great courage in covering the event. He was punched 10 times around the head, but fortunately escaped and was alright.

CBS Lara Logan had an even more frightening ordeal with her coverage. She was beaten and assaulted by a mob while in Cairo. Thankfully Logan is “ok” and recovering.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/anderson-cooper-attacked-punched-10-times-during-latest-cairo-protests/

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/15/60minutes/main20032070.shtml

4. News Corp Chairman Rupert Murdoch – On February 3^rd Rupert Murdoch announced the launch of “The Daily”. The Daily is a new exclusive news outlet offered online via the iPad. I think this a great example of American innovation – taking media and adapting it to new developing technology.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960804576120072163471538.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird

5. Fox News Host Sean Hannity – On Wednesday February 2^nd Sean Hannity interviewed controversial Muslim cleric Anjem Choundary to discuss the events in Egypt. When pressed Coundary admitted that the Muslim Brotherhood’s ultimate goal is Sharia Law. Thank you Sean Hannity for having the guts to confront these people on this issue!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/fncs-hannity-confronts-radical-cleric-over-plans-for-islamic-uprising/

6. Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas – These three Midwestern states were announced on February 10^th as being the top three on the happiness index. Good old Midwestern values! Way to go. I’m HAPPY to say I’m a native Iowan and resident of Nebraska.

http://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/moneyinvesting/news/happiness-index-nebraska-still-1

7. Caiden Cowger – Caiden Cowger is a 12 year old radio host from West Virginia. I had the chance to interview Cowger earlier this month. He’s the future of AmeriCANS! Check out the interview and his show on BlogTalkRadio.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/badger-benson/2011/02/09/caiden-cowger-interview

8. Herman Cain – Cain made a rousing speech at CPAC this month. Cain is the former CEO of Godfathers Pizza and is one of the first GOP presidential candidates. Cain has an amazing story and I hope people will get to know him better. I think he’s good candidate and an amazing American story.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/did-herman-cain-give-the-dont-miss-speech-at-cpac/

9. West Marshall High School and Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School of Iowa – West Marshall, located in my hometown of State Center, Iowa and Gladbrook-Reinbeck squared off in an epic girls basketball game on February 8^th. The game broke the national record for a girls game in scoring. My West Marshall Trojans fell just a bit short in the 122-118 battle. Gladbrook-Reinbeck plays a fast-break offense often called the “Grinnell Offense” after nearby Grinnell College that has been using the format for years. The offense features full court pressure, lots of three point shots and frequent group substitutions. West Marshall and Gladbrook-Reinbeck faced each other again five days later on February 12^th in regional play before the state tournament. Gladbrook-Reinbeck won again, but this time by a lower 57-53 score.

http://www.timesrepublican.com/page/content.detail/id/537301/Rebels-advance-in-record-free-rematch.html?nav=5010

10. Ziebach County, South Dakota – Ziebach County is the poorest county in the country. The county’s 2,500 residents are mostly Cheyenne River Sioux Indians on reservation land. During the winter months the unemployment rate hits around 90% after seasonal construction ends. Most of the services and roads in the county are inadequate. But there is hope. Several entrepreneurs are working to break the cycle of failure. Husband-wife team of Gerald and Stephanie Davidson are examples, having started a plumbing and heating business providing service and also growing to employee several individuals.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/A-look-inside-Americas-apf-621911295.html?x=0

11. US Army – On February 14^th news came out that a new weapon dubbed “The Punisher” is being tested in the field by the Army. The new weapon has been deemed a success from early use and the troops love using it. It is being looked at as a life-saver, giving our soldiers an edge on the battlefield.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/u-s-soldiers-love-the-armys-new-punisher-smart-weapon/

12. US Custom Agents – On February 15^th two US Custom Agents lost their lives in Mexico. The names of the agents haven’t been released…at least not that I know of at this time. The agents were caught in the middle of a narrco-blockade. This is another reminder of the hard work and sacrifice being done by all who serve. Please pray for the families who are left behind in this tragedy.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/developing-two-u-s-customs-agents-shot-in-mexico/

13. Bianca Vera – A college student in Georgia became stuck on a bridge when her car got stuck due to the winter weather. In a split second decision as other traffic was heading her way Bianca decided to jump off the 40 foot bridge into the icy waters below…or be hit by a large truck. Bianca survived the fall, and the swim nearly 100 yards to shore. The swim took nearly an hour. In the end she was saved! Bianca credits God to her safety. She is an AmeriCAN!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/georgia-student-survives-four-story-true-leap-of-faith/

14. Florida Governor Rick Scott – As states face budget crises across the country newly elected Florida Governor Rick Scott has rejected $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/return-to-sender-fla-gov-turns-down-billions-in-federal-rail-funds/

15. Jim DeMint – After advocates for public television funding trotted out costumed characters such as Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street to defend funding on Capitol Hill, DeMint let the public know he thought it was non-sense. He referred to the stunt as “The Muppet Lobby” and that to “make no mistake public broadcasting’s furry friends are political animals.” I have to agree.

http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/DeMint-Muppets-PBS-aardvark/2011/02/17/id/386519

16. Freedom Fest 2011 – The Freedom Fest 2011 Rally went public on February 15^th. The event will be held over Columbus Day weekend in Kansas City. The event is being billed as the first ever organic national tea party event and to serve as a nominating convention of tea party candidates by tea party delegates. The objective is not to be a third party, but to beat the GOP and take the media by surprise by having this event way before the GOP national convention.

http://www.freedomfest2011.com/

17. Lincoln Impersonator – 25 year old Phillip Howell was fined for impersonating President Lincoln on Lincoln’s birthday for delivering the Gettysburg Address on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Howell was fined for not having a permit. Seriously?! I think Honest Abe would be proud of Howell…but ashamed of the authority.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/abe-lincoln-fined-while-reciting-gettysburg-address-at-lincoln-memorial/

18. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker – Walker has displayed character and resolve, but not being intimidated and backing down. He is displaying the courage that so many elected leaders lack to do the right thing, even if controversial and even dangerous. Walker should be applauded.

19. Megyn Kelly – Fox News host Megyn Kelly challenged Milwaukee Teachers Union President Mike Langyel on the protestor’s use of fake medical excuses to get out of work and join the protests in Madison. Kelly also made news days later on February 24^th when she confronted Wisconsin Democrats who were cowering out of state to avoid voting on Governor Walker’s bill.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/megyn-kelly-confronts-milwaukee-union-president-over-sick-teachers/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/you-gotta-vote-megyn-kelly-confronts-wisconsin-dem-cowering-in-illinois/

20. American Hostages – Another tragedy in this month’s list of AmeriCANS. Four American hostages taken captive by Somali pirates were executed. The four Americans killed were Jean and Scott Adam, Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle – they were sailing around the world distributing Bibles.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/somali-pirates-execute-4-american-hostages/

21. Ohio Governor John Kasich – As protests sweep the country Ohio Governor John Kasich like Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is holding his ground.

22. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels – The same for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.

23. Captain Paul Fields – The amazing stories of individual leadership continue this month with another example found in Captain Fields of the Tulsa Police. Fields refused to send officers to the Islamic Society of Tulsa’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at a local mosque. Fields stated that he felt forcing him to enter a mosque when not related to his service was a violation of his civil rights. Fields remains under investigation for his actions. But he makes our list of AmeriCANS for standing up for his rights and convictions, even when politically incorrect.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/okla-police-captain-transfered-for-refusing-to-attend-muslim-event/

24. Wisconsin Assembly – Republicans on February 25^th finally made progress in the legislative system by passing the current disputed bill through the assembly. The vote ended three days of grueling debate. The assembly vote allowed the bill to move to the senate. Good for those in the assembly for continuing the democratic process despite the intimidation.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/wis-assembly-passes-controversial-budget-bill/

25. Rockford Tea Party – The Rockford Tea Party in Rockford, Illinois has the honor of saying their members were the first to discover where the missing 14 Democrat “dead-bolt” Senators had been camping out at – a local hotel. The RTP has been hot on the Democrats heels since they were discovered and keep bouncing place to place.

http://gatewaypundit.rightnetwork.com/2011/02/breaking-wisconsin-dems-hiding-at-best-western-clocktower-in-rockford-il/

26. Punxsutawney Phil – On Groundhog Day the critter known as Punxsutawney Phil for once gave us all good news. He didn’t see his shadow and as result – spring is near! (Though after yesterday’s 6 inches of snow here in Louisville, Nebraska I’m questioning Phil’s credibility.)

http://groundhog.org/

Conclusion – There’s both lists folks! Our AmeriCANS and AmeriCANTS for the month of February 2011.

LATE ADDITION: The Black Eye Peas! I forgot to mention their horrible Super Bowl Halftime show. They definitely make our list of AmeriCANTS for February.

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!

Just click on the link below – fill out the form and email to me brandon@badgerbenson.com or print and mail to
301 Maple Street
Louisville, NE 68037

Entry is free!

Winner gets a copy of Tea Party – The Awakening by the Grassroots Leaders from Brent Morehouse. I’ll autograph my pate – page 168 – and send it to the winner after the BCS Championship Game on January 10th.

http://www.badgerbenson.com/2010bowls.xls

Today we dump the Kool Aid. We begin to rid our blood of the toxin known as progressivism – an addiction to other people’s money, an infection that doesn’t discriminate by party name and its side effects are corruption, class warfare, political correctness, judicial activism and revisionist history. Today we start rehab. Today the TEA IS SERVED! For those elected to the table don’t you dare forget who fills your cup.