Photos From 9/12 March on DC

Here are some of the photos I took on the day of the March. I spent most of my time people-watching and writing in a journal, taking pictures mostly for art references. There was so much going on and there were so many interesting people I would have missed if I had been taking pictures the whole time. I've been back a week, and I still can't find words to express all of the things I saw and felt on the trip. I was extremely inspired by the people I met, the architecture and history of DC, and the conversations along the way. I will share the art as I create it, and look forward to any feedback you may have.

Grass Roots Conservatism has Found its Wings

The first thing I would like to ask you in this post is that you read one of my old articles. Letters from MoveOn: Can You Spare a Couch, describes the marketing, networking, and training behind the Progressive movement's successful promotion of Obama during the Presidential campaign. One of the greatest successes of the Progressive Movement was the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States. As I described in many previous articles, Progressives are masters of manipulation and marketing. They feel a moral superiority that drives them to accomplish their goals by any means necessary. When I say we need to beat them at their own game, I do not mean to adopt their tactics. I mean that we need to learn to utilize all of our resources, incorporate the creative and marketing industries into our efforts and learn how to network.
Last week in DC, one of the things I heard most often from Conservatives was a regret at their own complacency. For years we've all been working hard to support our families and contribute to society. We've been minding our own business and tolerating the destruction of our culture, based on some misplaced concept that the Left has a monopoly on creativity. We've been burdened by an unearned guilt for having a better life than the 'less fortunate' among us and the sins of slavery and racism that many of us are too young to have been responsible for. And finally, we have misplaced our trust in the very people we have sent to Washington to represent our concerns.Conservatism reached an epoch on 9/12. We stood shoulder to shoulder with over a million of our fellow Conservatives and experienced a universal epiphany - we are not alone in our desire for a better America, nor are we an angry minority. We are concerned, hard working, patriotic individuals with a common cause. We have united in the defense of America as a Constitutional Republic, with a representational government that is subject to specific limitations and we have the power to change that government if it becomes bloated and over-reaching.
The reason I directed you to the article above, was to point out to you that Conservatives are finally learning to be activists. We are learning to play the game, and it is the only way we will have a chance. When I first heard about the 9/12 March, I was disappointed because I knew I could not afford to go. Two weeks before the event, I got an email from a fan of my art inviting me to go; I need only pay for my food. It turns out, there was a woman in Maryland with a vacant rental property that she was offering up as lodging for the event. The only requirement for use of the space was to have posters for the 9/12 March. I spent a frantic week making posters, which I signed and numbered to hand out at the rallies, and packing camping gear, preparing my family for my absence, etc.
The drive up from Georgia was beautiful, and I had many interesting conversations with Stan, who drove us up in his car. When we arrived at Karen's house, she was there with several friends and tons of food. The kitchen was charged with a level of excitement and camaraderie that I have not experienced in a long time. We all became good friends over the course of the weekend and I hope to see them all again. On Friday, 9/11, Stan and I played tourist around DC while the rest of our group shuffled between appointments with their Congressmen. I took loads of pictures and notes to share with you here as I develop ideas for larger projects. We were two of hundreds of people milling about the streets of the Capitol, excited to be part of an active effort, reaching out to one another and sharing stories. I met many wonderful people and it was one of the most encouraging and inspiring experiences I have ever had. We are learning to reach out to one another. To trust each other and to stand strong in the conviction that we are right.
There has been very little honest coverage of the event from any of the MSM since I returned, a reality I was already prepared for before I left. I don't need the external validation of a disdainful media or a corrupt government to know that my actions make a difference. I am not bothered by the lack of coverage or the disparaging descriptions of the event. I was there. I know what happened. I know why it happened, and I know in my heart that Conservative activism has just taken flight. I am proud of my fellow Americans, regardless of where they stand on this issue, for their determination to speak out and be heard. Until we engage in open debate with one another, face to face, we will not solve the problems we face as a nation. We must remove the power of government to control and destroy our lives, the influence of the media over our thoughts, and engage one another in an effort to solve our own problems. A revolutionary moment is upon us, and we must not allow it to go to waste.

This article is cross-posted at Liberatchik

The Latest 9/12 Drawing of the Capitol Dome

Photos Available at MachinePolitick

The last couple of weeks have gone by in a blur of activity and excitement. I knew about the 9/12 March months ago, but had no expectation of attending. There just wasn't any money for it. I was disappointed. Three weeks ago, a fan of my work sent me a proposal. I could ride with him to DC, where he had been invited to stay in the home of someone who would provide lodging for anyone interested in attending the March.
With two weeks to plan, organize and prepare for the trip and the rallies, I was running myself ragged trying to prepare. I had a wonderful idea to promote my art, which I will share with you at some future date. In preparation for the rally, I made posters, signed and numbered to hand out at the March. I also made posters for a rally at Walter Reed Hospital in support of our wounded troops.
The experiences I shared, friends I made, and inspiration I received during the trip are too numerous to put in a single post. This will be the first of a series to describe what I saw and how I can use it to promote the Liberatchik project.
I will leave you for now, with the main point I took away from this long weekend: This is an extremely exciting event. An epoch. A point from which there is no turning back - and the collectivists among us are terrified.

This Article is cross-posted at Liberatchik.

Art by the People vs Art for the State

Before I went to DC for the 9/12 March, I was all fired up by the NEA. That would be the Endowment for the Arts, rather than the equally useless National Education Association. The reason, as I pointed out in previous articles, is the move by the NEA to sponsor pro-Obama agenda items.
I've always opposed entitlement programs. However, State Sponsored Art is an affront to my talents as an artist and my principles as an individual. I decided to launch an artistic revolution against the NEA and its participating hacks, sell-outs and parasites. If the government wants to promote propaganda that pushes their agenda, pay for it with tax money and keep it quiet so they can develop "legal language" to 'protect themselves', I'm going to give 'em hell. I don't need to go into the historic significance of such a move, or incite you to anger on this issue. If you're not angry, you're not paying attention, and there's nothing I can do for you.
When I found out I was going on the March, I spent the week and a half I had to prepare making posters for the event. At some future date, you will be able to purchase them as t-shirts and other merchandise. In the mean time, here are some photos from the lawn of the Capitol Building.

This Article is cross-posted at Liberatchik.

I am going to the Taxpayer March on Washington

MachinePolitick is going to Washington DC!

September 10 – 13, 2009, I will be joining thousands of other Patriotic Americans who are fed up with the growth of government, federal spending, and bureaucratic intervention in our personal lives. The Tea Party Movement and it's supporting foundations have organized a March on Washington for 9/12. Some of us will be visiting Walter Reed Hospital on the evening of the 11th to say thanks to our wounded soldiers as well.

There is an itinerary of events and speakers for the event in addition to the March that will occur on 9/12.

I was not expecting to attend the event, but a generous fan of my art has offered to take me along. I will be making posters and T-Shirts for the March to the Capitol on 9/12. The posters are handmade, signed and numbered. If you see me there and you would like to have one, be sure to ask. I will gladly give you one while they last. Thanks you to all of you who continue to support my work and efforts with your encouragement and inspiration. I appreciate the opportunity to fight for my country in the only ways that I can – through activism and artistic expression.

Local Updates for Atlanta

I will be participating in the one day show in Norcross as planned, thanks to friends and family who are handling the artwork for me while I am gone. I will be unable to attend the show because I will be in Washington, but I would still urge those of you in Atlanta who can make it to go. The paintings included in this show are: The World According to Alice, Don't Cry for Me Amerika, Silence of the Lambs, and How to Exorcise Conservative Thought in an Artist.

I now have 4 paintings at the Duluth Art Gallery, along with my handmade jewelry. The paintings are: The Sun is Setting on Liberty; The Jersey Girls...; Drill, Drill, Drill; and Spinning With the Winds of Change.

I have a hand-painted violin blank on display at Chocolate Perks, in downtown Duluth. The month of September, Duluth Art Gallery and Huthmaker Violins are sponsoring Street Strings, a community art project. Violins are hanging throughout the shops and along the streets of downtown Duluth, representing the talents of over 100 local artists and organizations.

Check back with me at MachinePolitick.com in the weeks to come, as I will have lots of information and projects to share after the March on 9/12. There is also new work to be added, and an online store should be up soon for those of you who are interested in T-Shirts and other merchandise.

Thanks, and keep up the fight,

Frances

http://www.machinepolitick.com/

A Letter to Sean Hannity

This is one of the main reasons I have been so busy lately. It will explain the lack of posts here. I am trying to generate interest in the Conservative community for my work. It requires a tremendous amount of time, but I have to get paid for it some day. The letter varies for each person I send it to, but the message is the same. If Conservatives want a voice, they have to be a part of the culture. If they want to combat the Liberal bias in the arts, they have to stop complaining and produce art. If they want that art to succeed, they have to buy it. In a nutshell: "put up or shut up".

Dear Mr. Hannity,
I attended your pre-concert rally this afternoon in Atlanta. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak, as I was unable to get tickets for the Freedom Concert. I was the short woman in the front row with the anti-Che Guevara shirt on, so I had a good view of all of the speakers. I appreciate all of your hard work to fight the corruption and manipulation of the American people by their own government. You help give a public voice to those of us who are being ignored by our Representatives in Washington. Please give me a minute to explain to you who I am, and what I am doing to fight for my country.
I am neither a soldier, nor a politician. I am a housewife and an artist. Seven years ago I realized that I must combine my passion for politics and Liberty with my talents as an artist. I was not inspired to paint pretty pictures or create art that would merely sell. I was driven to create work that makes people think, and in turn, inspires them to take action. About a year later, my husband and I planned to have our son and prepare for me to stay home and care for him while building a body of work that represents my views. We have given up much to keep me home with our son, rather than send him to daycare. We have given up even more so that I can pursue my art, and my vision for work that will spread the message of Liberty, individualism and limited government. I am not asking for sympathy or charity, merely understanding. I stand by the choices I have made and regret nothing.
Now, he is in school, and I devote a great deal of my time to producing art and trying to find a venue for it. You may wonder how I expect to make a difference with my work, or why I would choose subjects that are so unpopular with my peers in the art community. The answer is: Because it is the right thing to do. There is very little work coming out of Hollywood, the music industry, or the fine arts that is patriotic, much less Conservative. I think this is one of the major reasons why we Conservatives are struggling so hard to beat back the Liberal agenda. All of the arts have such a pervasive influence on our culture. Our children grow up with beliefs they don't know they have, and no reason beyond the drivel they see on TV or hear on the radio. I believe it is vital to our culture and our future to change this. We must present work that upholds and explains the virtues of Liberty. We need to explain why the individual is better than the State; independence and self-reliance are better than security; limited government provides greater opportunity than the bureaucracy in Washington. I am doing these things with my art. And, slowly, I am finding more people who are brave enough to do the same. It is my intention to build a network of Conservative artists who are known for their principles as well as their work. I want Conservatives, who have turned their back on art, and assume that we are all raging Liberals to know they have a choice and a voice. They can buy art that is good, meaningful, and supports their principles. We can change the culture of America, and we must, but we need help.
We need Conservatives to support us. I am not asking for a favor or money unearned. My work speaks for itself, and I intend to build a market for it. However, I need help. I have no influence, no disposable income, and no support for the message I am trying to spread. I need money, yes, but I also need publicity. I need people to know I am here; working long hours, not just creating the art, but trying to promote it. I am building a Conservative art movement from the ground up, while trying to manage my home and be a good mother and wife. My husband is a talented writer, and it is my goal to build a business from my art, so he can stay home and write.
Again, thank you for all of your hard work. I hope you had a wonderful evening at your concert. If you have a moment, please look at my art. I hope that you will be able to see the time, passion and research I have devoted to my work and my goals. I hope you will share my conviction that we must repair the culture of America if we are to convince people of the greatness of this nation. And, I hope you will take a minute to spread the word. In return, if there is any way I can help you or the Freedom Coalition with my work, I would be happy to do so. Perhaps we could organize a fund-raising auction for your scholarship fund. I would gladly donate a percentage of the sales of my work to your fund for the children of fallen soldiers. Our brave soldiers are the ones who sacrifice the most for our freedoms, and it is a shame that they are currently serving a government that has no concept of or respect for freedom.
Thank you for your time. And I wish you the best. Hopefully, we can work together to build a culture of Liberty-minded individuals and restore America to the Constitutional Republic she is meant to be.
Frances
http://www.machinepolitick.com/MachinePolitick Art That's Not Liberal

I am Sick to Death of the HEalth Care Debate

I keep putting off this article, and finding it more and more necessary to write. There is so much information and anger out there on this subject, that I am absolutely exhausted. (A 'short' list of articles to follow) I have always distrusted the government, and it often earns me rolling of eyes and scoffing from others. So be it. And, because I am fed up, let me just say: "I told you so". If you can't see the current behavior coming out of Washington as proof of big government, you never will.

We live in America, yet assembly is considered terrorism. We live in America, yet speech is considered evil. We live in America, where our Representatives insult and ignore us. We live in America, where we are on the verge of tyranny. Go ahead, roll your eyes. But don't look to me for sympathy when your nanny puts you over her collective knee and spanks you for getting out of line. Your day will come, don't doubt it for a minute.

Now that I've gotten my rant out, let me get on to a more reasoned presentation. We currently have a President who would rather beat us to death with Rules for Radicals, than allow dissent. Apparently he is the ultimate authority on everything, even when he 'doesn't have all of the information'. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what he knows, because he just wants to be in charge. Repeat after the teleprompter: "The State knows what is best for me". He is backed by a majority in Congress who have no respect for the people they represent. They gloat about their power and dismiss their constituents with accusations and insults. They have grown confident in their ability to wield their power unchecked. All of them are followed and propped up by a lazy and unwitting or avaricious vocal minority who would sell their souls for a 'free' ride at the expense of the rest of us. The greatest mistake we have made is to be decent, hard-working people who respect the opinions of others.

The media plays along by willfully misrepresenting the facts to curry favor and promote an agenda. We see newscasts on major networks editing footage to portray angry black men as white racists. I guess the journalistic standards went out the window with limited government. All of this, while ignoring the deceit and hypocrisy of the President. The level of anger, class and racial tensions being promoted recently is creating damage that will take years to repair. Americans are being pitted against one another on manufactured grounds and escalated fears that are resulting in resentment and anger toward one another rather than those who are responsible.

This article will be cross-posted at my Modern Conservative.

The promised reading material:

News:

Universal HealthCare and the Waistline Police, The GOP SHould Fight HEalthCare Rationing, Pay to Play Politics, The SEIU, and Obamacare, HealthCare is Not a Right, Stimulus Bill Wins Final Approval from Senate, Grandma's Run, Grand Inquisitor Endorses Obama Health Plan,HealthCare Overhaul Threatens States, Government Run HEalthcare Plan Worse Than Anyone Imagined, Democrats Grow Wary as Health Bill Advances, Obama Tries to Pitch HealthCare on Conasumer Level, Democrats May Limit Tax Increase for Health Plan, Who Will Tell Michael J. Fox He Needs to Die, You Are Terrifying Us, Obama May Drop Government Run Health Plan,Big Government, Big Mistake, Obama's HealthCare Horror, Obama's Orwellian Advisor...

Papers:

Principles for Allocations of Scarce Medical Interventions

Letters From MoveOn: The Angry Mob

As a member of the angry mob and a card carrying Right Wing Extremist, I may be overreacting. However, that seems to be what we do, so bear with me. As with most things Liberal lately, there are some absurd accusations and reactions making their way through the news. This article is in regard to my August 7 email from MoveOn.org.
"It's getting ugly out there.
All across the country, right wing extremists are disrupting congressional town-hall meetings with venomous attacks on President Obama's plans for health care and clean energy...
If the shouts of the right-wing mobs are the only voices our representatives hear over the recess, we'll have a hard time passing health care and clean energy legislation..."
These emails always come with articles that are meant to validate whatever point is being made in the email. Typically, they come from outside sources. This week, two of the four links were to MoveOn articles. I don't know if there's any etiquette to this sort of thing, but it seems unprofessional to quote yourself as proof of your own argument. Maybe I've just been giving too much credit to the opposition in the past.
The larger point I am making is this: When Liberals protest or disrupt meetings, it is considered their right to assembly and freedom of speech. When Conservatives do so, they are labeled extremists by media and politicians. When Liberals tout the virtues of Democracy, which is essentially mob rule, no one bats an eye. Never mind that America is a Constitutional Republic. The mere use of the term qualifies me as a home-grown terrorist. When Conservatives demand the attention of their representatives, they are berated as an angry mob.
I only pulled a couple of lines from the MoveOn email this week because most of it was fund raising. The only thing of consequence they had to say was that Conservatives are violent and dishonest. They did site several instances of Conservative violence and threats via effigy. I guess we aren't supposed to know that some SEIU members attacked some of the Conservative protesters. Or, remember all those 'nonviolent' instances of Bush being hanged in effigy. Or Sarah Palin. It seems to me there's enough guilt going around on all sides.
So, on to my final point. Powerful people, be they politicians, judges, journalists, actors - whoever. Power comes in many forms, and the power to influence the masses is an exhilarating power indeed. Fear is the easiest way to exert that power. And make no mistake, this kind of thing is intentional.
I was recently watching an episode of Criminal Minds. A mediocre show, I admit, but I needed a break. Needless to say, I ended up scribbling notes for this post in my notebook. The writers of the show decided, in this episode, to spread a little ant-Libertarian propaganda. Misrepresentation actually. We are, after all, the worst of the right wing extremists.
One of the characters commented: "You know how those Libertarians are, they don't like to pay taxes." I can't speak for all Libertarians, but most of us are not anarchists. We understand the need for government, and the cost of the responsibilities delegated to the government by the Constitution. The courts and the military; the Congress and the office of the President; you know, that stuff the old guys wrote down a long time ago. We also understand that individual liberty comes with responsibility. We don't just go around doing whatever.
Now, the 'Libertarians' in question, are religious fundamentalists - a cult. These are not two belief systems that are mutually exclusive but they tend not to go hand in hand. The second quote I took issue with was: "These guys are Libertarians and the little girls they are abusing are teenagers." I'm sorry, but I have to be a stickler for definitions here. People who think you should be able to do anything you want, to anyone you want, any time with no consequence are called LIBERTINES (Sorry to shout, but it's a huge difference) As I said before, individual liberty comes with tremendous personal responsibility. Everyone has equal rights under the law, and one individual may not take action that infringes on the rights of another. Period.
This is all a convenient tool used to discredit the opposition before they gain support. Fear. If they make you believe, while you are zoned off watching TV, that Libertarians will take advantage of you, you will continue to buy into the broken two-party system. If they equate the words freedom and liberty with anarchy, you will continue to seek 'security' in the arms of the government.
This didn't start in November. It isn't an exclusively Liberal tactic. They just happen to be better at it, and the ones currently wielding power.
To those of you out there making your voices heard - congratulations and thank you. Keep it up. If we don't demand representation from our elected officials, they will continue to do what is best for them. Not us. This is a hard battle we are fighting, but it must be fought.
This article is cross posted at Modern Conservative.