And then there were two...

Sadly my friends, the dream of a non-politician winning the White House will have to wait for another time. We have simply not gathered enough momentum to overcome the hurdles for ballot access or write-in access in any states.

This is still your country. Please vote your conscience. I cannot endorse either candidate, but I will vote because it is my right and privilege.

Thanks to all of our supporters, friends, and families for believing in us. Who knows what the future may hold?

Steve

My Top Five Presidents

People ask all sorts of questions to find out what kind of person I am. It makes sense since I am running for President of the United States and I am largely unknown to the general public. I was recently asked who my five favorite presidents were and why.

Harry Truman once said, “No man can really fill the Presidency.” We all would love to think Washington could not tell a lie and that Honest Abe really was honest. We all want our heroes and yes, presidents to be perfect. But no one single man, by himself, could ever or can now lead our nation alone. That said, here are my choices for top five, in chronological order. Tough choices to be sure.

First would be George Washington. He seems like an easy pick, but that should not detract from his importance. Washington took the reins of a new country with a Constitution and a title. He charted a course for our nation without any precedent. By strength of character and firm resolve, he held our new nation together, rejected the call to become king himself, and allowed our democracy to survive and prosper.

Next would be Andrew Jackson. He was the first “common man” to be elected. He was a soldier at the age of 14 and a military hero. But unlike other military presidents, he was able to extend himself beyond military success and fight for limited federal government in the face of the growing threat of the Bank of the United States. He put the people first.

Next in history would be Abraham Lincoln. Again a man with common and humble upbringing who overcame to win the highest office in the land. His resolute desire and ability to save the union during the Civil War; as well as his vision for a country of, by, and for the people are simply inspiring.

My next choice would be Chester Arthur. “Who?” you might ask. Our 21st president, never elected, but taking office after the assassination of James Garfield. What I appreciate about Arthur is that he was considered fairly corrupt until he was forced into the spotlight as the president. The honor of the office brought out the best in Arthur who changed his ways and dedicated himself to cleaning up the government, even those in his own party who had put him in power.

My final choice is Ronald Reagan. I cast my first presidential vote for Reagan because he made me proud to be an American. I have yet to see a leader emerge since Reagan that evokes such pride and that is a critical factor to bond this country together. His conservative ideals, commitment to a strong national defense, and brilliant dealings with the Soviet Union earned more respect from me.

None of these men were perfect and all made mistakes. Other presidents did great things that should be noted. But to tell you who I am, these are the five presidents that stand out – maybe not in the history books or the polls – but to me.

Steve

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on http://www.presidentadams.com/ or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.
AdamsHargis08 - Register your support today and tell a friend!!

First 100 Days in Office - The Presidential Commitment

If you're tired of talking points and sound bites from our presidential hopefuls, you're probably not alone. I'd like to add some substance to the discussion. Who knows? Perhaps the others might follow suit.

As the President of the United States, I and my Administration will:
- Meet with members of Congress personally to determine the best way to work together. Congress is responsible for representing the people of the nation in government and to others around the world. A positive working relationship with Congress is a necessity. Failure to obtain this relationship and failure of Congress to represent the people in an effective manner, consistent with the expectations of the oval office, will result in public record of actions. I will introduce a Congressional Report Card for every member of Congress. This Report Card will be available to everyone on the White House web site.
- Balance the budget. The federal government accepts tax money from the people of the United States. We must utilize those funds to benefit the United States as a whole. Spending your dollars for activities that do not eventually benefit you is irresponsible. The current administration and Congress have the desire and ability to spend hundreds of billions of your dollars. “Deficit Spending” has become a common phrase in Washington. My administration will take fiscal responsibility seriously and I will balance the budget by veto and campaigns of information directly to you, the American people.
- Secure Social Security. Congress has drawn funds from Social Security to the point of impending financial ruin. My administration understands the purpose of Social Security and will stop indiscriminate spending. Congress will no longer have the legal right to spend your Social Security funds. We will adjust the investment of these funds, wage cap, retirement age, payout amount, and other variables as needed to keep the system solvent.
- Bring the troops home. We all know soldiers deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere. We know the costs of war. Every conflict we are involved in must be reviewed. Each requires a clear objective, a true analysis of the costs, and a strategy to implement and exit. Countries and factions around the world must know that the United States will act swiftly and decisively in any future engagement.
- Secure the border. Border Security is our security and the rule of law must never be ignored. Illegal aliens enter the U.S. every day using a variety of methods. My administration will deport all illegal aliens from every city in America. We will “build the fence” using hardware, technology, and manpower. Financial penalties will be distributed to those who provide a sanctuary to illegal aliens.
- Reduce our dependence on foreign oil and then oil completely. We will work with Congress to clear roadblocks and encourage domestic oil production and refinery for the short term. We will then work with Congress to encourage the long term methods of production and storage of electricity. This electricity will be generated by the cheapest, cleanest, and newest technology at that point of time.

My administration will not and cannot:
- Promise, author or pass any specific legislation. Although many presidential candidates will claim that they will pass legislation, they cannot. Only the legislative branch can pass legislation.
- Solve every problem in the world. Although we all want a cure for AIDS, we all dislike seeing starving children around the world, wars, and poverty; the President of the United States cannot alter many of these problems.
- Offer publicly funded health care. Countries with public heath care do not have exceptional health care. The people of the world, who have the financial resources to obtain the worlds best health care, generally come to the United States. Our people have pioneered ground breaking medical technologies that have been adopted world wide. Changing this now would be catastrophic to the progression of health care.

Steve

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on http://www.presidentadams.com/ or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com. AdamsHargis08 - Register your support today and tell a friend!!

AdamsHargis08 is out of this world!!

There is always much news on the AdamsHargis08 front that I wish to share with you, but I do not like to fill my supporters' inboxes. So I encourage everyone to visit PresidentAdams.com often and check out the NEWS section on the right side.

Since my last note or article, many folks have joined us as registered supporters. Welcome!

In the NEWS section, there is an important blog article addressing the question, "How can I be sure an independent won't be a spoiler?" As disappointment with the mainstream candidates grows, that question is asked more and more.

There have also been several interviews including one with XM Radio. Yes, sattelite radio broadcast around the world!

So read the latest news and listen to the latest interviews. But most importantly, pass on the news that AdamsHargis08 is on the move and we need everyone's support to keep it moving!

Steve

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on http://www.presidentadams.com/ or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

AdamsHargis08 - Register your support today and tell a friend!!

Guaranteed Not To Spoil

With just under a year to go till the 2008 presidential election, we approach party caucuses and primaries. Some front runners are emerging from the uncertainty while other candidates are pulling out of the race.

As we get closer to the election, one question is becoming more and more common to the AdamsHargis08 team. People like our message and plans. They sense the need for real change and for an end to the politics that is crippling our government, so the question becomes, “I like you, but how can I vote for you when you might just be a spoiler?”

Yes, Hillary seems to be in a solid lead for the Democrats. But even many Democratic friends of mine have a mortal fear of Hillary in the White House. Talk radio speaks of the “Stop Hillary Express”. The web has countless “Anyone but Hillary” blogs and groups. If Hillary gets the Democratic nod, won’t a vote for Adams & Hargis take a vote away from someone else REALLY opposing Hillary?

Good question. And it’s important to know our history. Ross Perot gained 19% of the popular vote in 1992 and many argue that he spoiled the election for George H.W. Bush and gave Bill Clinton the victory. Again many argue that Theodore Roosevelt and his Bull Moose Party split the Republican Party and gave the 1912 election to Woodrow Wilson instead of Taft. Aren’t the stakes too high to risk voting for an independent?

Yes, there is risk in casting your vote for us. There is more risk in NOT casting your vote for us. How many more years of politics as usual can we survive? What will happen to us - our economy, our security & safety, the laws and taxes that affect us every day – if we allow those that created the problems to continue running the show regardless of the label they wear?

Ah, but there is hope. And there is a plan so you can see if AdamsHargis08 has an expiration date to check for spoilage. To all that would support us, I ask you to register your support on www.PresidentAdams.com. It’s a simple virtual petition that speaks volumes. Sign up, tell your friends to join you, and see how much of the country responds. If you see tens of millions of regular Americans coming together, without seeing a single AdamsHargis08 TV commercial, without seeing Steve on a TV debate with the top tier… then there is no spoiler. If the numbers are far worse, don’t vote for us…again, no spoiler. You will know where we stand before you enter the voting booth.

So the choice is up to you America. Yes, in November of 2008. But right now too. If you want a spoiler proof alternative, make your voice be heard now. Register on www.PresidentAdams.com today and together we can do great things.

Steve

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on http://www.presidentadams.com/ or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

AdamsHargis08 - Register your support today and tell a friend!!

Announcing AdamsHargis08!

At this time, I am very pleased to announce that Bob Hargis (I-OK) has agreed to be my running mate for the 2008 election. Bob is no stranger to those who have followed other independents running for President, and we feel that together we can make a great team.

Bob and I share many values and stances on the issues. Most importantly we know that we can make a positive change in this country by bringing unity and solutions to our government rather than partisan politics.

Bob will not be a traditional Vice President who is never heard from. Rather he will be a valued partner in critical decision making and part of the larger team of experts we will surround ourselves with in Washington.

Bob is a 20 year veteran of the EMS field, having served in various capacities as paramedic, teacher, and administrator. He is currently the Executive Director of Southern Oklahoma's largest ambulance service. He has extensive experience in managing crises and disasters. He is a creative problem solver who manages emergency decisions with amazing calmness. Bob has been married for over 20 years and has three children, the oldest who has just joined the US Army.

Please join me in welcoming Bob to the new AdamsHargis08 team! Continue to register your support on PresidentAdams.com as it becomes the AdamsHargis08 campaign headquarters. And please renew your efforts to tell others about the exciting change that is offered to Americans in 2008. Bob and I are stronger together, but we cannot succeed without the help of each of you.

Steve

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

Choose Today

According to the latest Reuters/Zogby poll, our US Congress now has an approval rating of 11%, barely double digits. While that is in itself a terrible fact, it is worse when you realize that the majority of our ‘mainstream’ presidential candidates are leaders in that not-so-popular group.

Dear America, why would you want a president chosen from a group you already distrust so greatly? Have you not had enough yet? Do you really believe solutions for our problems can come from those who have created and sustained them?

Now that I am registered as an independent presidential candidate with the Federal Election Commission, I am working to understand and apply for ballot access in every state in our country. Some states’ laws are quite fair and their people very helpful. Other states’ laws are obviously constructed to never allow anyone other than the two parties to appear on the ballot… and contacts to state offices go unanswered.

Being an independent is tough… because you are, well… independent. There are many independent political organizations and thinkers out there, but surprisingly they have little interest in actually helping independent candidates run for office. They all have some other agenda or are waiting for some mysterious leader to emerge from the shadows, with money and support falling behind him, to assure victory over the two headed party monster. Little do they know that time grows short by limitations of the laws that the monster has put into place.

There is a passage in the Bible that says, choose today who you will follow. Whether you regard that book as sacred or not, the call can still be made today. America, we are out of time. Choose today who you will follow. Will you continue to follow the two parties in their downward spiral? Or will you choose to think and vote outside the two party system and choose an independent… yes, hopefully me… to turn this country back to the basics of common sense and back to greatness?

Get involved. Register your support. Help with ballot access in your state. Every voice and every vote counts. And remember that choosing to do nothing is a choice for the status quo.

Steve

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

Steve Adams for President is OFFICIAL!!!

I am happy to announce that I am officially a registered candidate with the Federal Election Commission of the United States Government for President of the United States in 2008. In addition the “Steve Adams for President” committee is now an official entity in the eyes of the FEC. These milestones are important steps on our way to rescue the Presidency from traditional partisan politics.

Our need for registered supporters on PresidentAdams.com is critical to the success of this campaign. Though the official recognition by the FEC is a significant accomplishment, it is again only one of a number of steps along the way. We must keep moving forward together so that our efforts to this point are not rendered in vain. I invite everyone to join this movement by visiting www.PresidentAdams.com and registering your support. To succeed where others have failed, we must spread the word to our friends and families across the nation.

To those already involved, I thank you for the help each of you has given to this point. I am so delighted to share in the enjoyment of this milestone with you and look forward to celebrating more successes along the way. As always you can keep in touch with me directly as well as stay up to date with the most recent interviews, debates, and polls through PresidentAdams.com.

Steve

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

Give Me 17 Days And I'll Give You Your Government Back

The odds of my winning the presidency are long, but not impossible. I explain on my site that if each of my registered supporters told one friend who signed up, we would double our supporters. Repeat that for a mere 18… nope, NOW 17 days and I would have over 61 million supporters, enough to have won the popular vote in 2004. Is having your government back worth 17 days to you?

I recently watched the movie Man of the Year where Robin Williams portrays a comedian who runs as an independent against the traditional two party stereotypes. As my family and I watched the movie, we commented that William's speeches on stage and off could have been mine… although my son was quick to remind me I'm not that funny.

The major candidates of the day are loyal to party first. They are loyal to the people that paid for their $500 million campaigns. They cannot make the right choices because their special interests demand repayment for continued support. They are bought and sold and therefore do not represent you or me.

You need representation. You need solutions. You need right choices. Is that worth 17 days to you?

I'm not Robin Williams and this is real life. But "we the people" CAN reclaim our right to a representative government. To do so, I need your help now.
-Register as a supporter on PresidentAdams.com.
-Tell your friends to do the same. Tell them why. Tell them what is at stake.

Steve

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

How Goes The Campaign?

Friends ask me daily how my campaign for presidency is going. The campaign is going well and in the right direction, but not fast enough. I offer common sense and solutions that people want. Americans are generally disgusted with politics in general and with the two parties, but they feel helplessly trapped to support and vote for them. Many have stopped caring and feel they can never change the system.

Some of my friends and neighbors don’t even know who candidates are. I mention Tom Tancredo or Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich and receive blank stares. Some people can’t tell me one Republican running for office. Clinton, Edwards, and Obama are the only ones in the news.

I offer something radically different and therefore pretty scary. However people love my message and most trust the messenger. We want honest, representative, non-purchased leaders… which I am. But it will take huge amounts of communication and evidently education to get there.

In order to affect the election, to counter the millions spent in advertising and staffing by the others; I have to pose a threat to the status quo to be noticed by enough people. I need people to register their support on PresidentAdams.com in thousands, not hundreds. That means every concerned, American patriot must tell their circle of influence to move and act now… or our nation will surely suffer the consequences.

We CAN make a difference. It is OUR government. It is not the government of the Kennedy's or the Bush's or the Clinton's. It is not the media's government to award to their pick. The bottom line is "We the people" have to act now or we will continue to be ruled by the parties and special interests and we will cease to have a solvent country to call home.

Steve

“Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

An Independent's Independence Day

If web site traffic continues as usual, PresidentAdams.com will cross 100,000 visits to the site on July 4th. I think that is rather fitting. So perhaps it is time for a “State of the Campaign” address.

100,000 hits is significant. Add that to 30,000 video views on YouTube and other sites, contacts coming from social networking sites, blog posts, interviews and articles from everywhere – the end result is the campaign is reaching people. And the people are significant. When these people ask how the campaign is going, I always answer “It’s going in the right direction, but not fast enough.”

“It’s going in the right direction…” People are waking up to the fact that they need something different. I recently had a large surge of support during the immigration bill fiasco. Because of this “free foolishness” from our elected government officials, more people are looking for an alternative. This is a good thing for the campaign and our country. People are waking up to the fact that they can have a say in government again, and my campaign offers both a protest vote to the status quo and a vote for someone who can truly represent them AS one of them.

“…but not fast enough.” If the number of my current supporters doubled every day, I could reach ONE MILLION supporters in a mere 12 days. I could reach enough supporters to have won the 2004 election in 18 days. Incredible things could happen quickly. In a little over two weeks, we could make history and change this nation forever. But we’re not doubling and there is much work to be done. State ballot access hurdles are huge and costly and will take much organization. I cannot do this on my own. I need Americans like you to come along side of me to support me on the site, make our collective voices heard, and work with me to get on the ballots and get elected.

The critical question of the day and of this election is what is next? People are generally apathetic, even towards important issues such as who runs your country! “9/11 Never Forget!” But many have. The anger and passion over immigration that crashed the phone lines of Congress will soon be forgotten. The calls for impeachment and voting out all incumbents will fade as new and shiny faces are thrust on us from the media. Well dressed and polished and scripted political celebrities offer more “change” …again.

My campaign is not an experiment in American democracy. It is not merely an educational experience to point out the inequities of power and the stranglehold of the two party system over our government. It is a solemn question to you and your circle of influence. Do you want to elect another politician who represents you only on the rare occasion of massive and bitter complaints? Or do you want to make a fundamental change to the government as we know it today and put common sense as well as a common man in office? Change means risk. But looking at our government today, and who the contenders are coming towards us in 2008; can we risk NOT making a change?

I hope you have a wonderful Independence Day. We have a great country and it is a right and a good thing to celebrate it. I ask that you remember those who have worked and fought to make this nation great, and ponder for a moment how best to keep it great. For our sake and our children’s sakes, I urge you to make this independent’s day and renew your efforts to support my campaign for President of the United States in 2008.

Steve

“Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

Universal Healthcare

Obama wants to give it to you. Hillary wants to give it to you. I don’t want it. Universal government healthcare for all. Sure, it sounds good. Take care of everyone. No one should be without health insurance.

Two problems. Who is going to give it to you and who is going to pay for it?

The second is easy. You are going to pay for it. Your tax money taken from your pay check will pay for health care. If you already have health care and a pay check, you’re getting nothing. It’s socialism – simple redistribution of wealth from you to someone else. You lose. If you have neither a paycheck or healthcare, then hey, maybe this is a deal for you. Maybe.

Who’s going to give it to you? The government. That is if the legislation passes and I’m not in office to veto it. I don’t trust the government to handle healthcare. There are countless examples of socialized medicine in other countries that result in people coming to the United States for medical care – long waits for simple procedures; no specialists... We have a system of excellence (but not perfection.) We have competition that reacts to supply and demand. Sure there are some flaws in the system and it’s expensive, but it’s the best and no one will ever turn you away when you are injured or seriously ill.

So we’re talking about dealing with the government when you’re sick. Think about the compassion that the IRS shows you around tax time… audit time… these are the people you want telling you what is best for you and your family’s health? “Look… your kid can live with one kidney…”

I just got off the phone with the United States Post Office. Great people I’m sure. But I didn’t talk to anyone there. I called to find out how to obtain a post office box. I got an automated voice telling me all about passports. (I was never asked to press 1 for English or 2 for passports or 3 for anything…) I now know about passport photos and the costs for passports (some payable to the Postmaster and some payable to the Department of State) and the requirements for taking my children out of the country (two parents required if they are under 14… one parent and a notarized document otherwise… plus a photo and a Social Security number…) I listened to the details on passports for several minutes. I figured surely at the end of all this, someone will talk to me.

Sure enough, after the passport education, the blessed words, “Now transferring you to an agent.” Ah, a human. Then the next recorded voice came on. “No extension for an agent has been listed...
...Goodbye.”

That was it. I was disconnected.

Is that what you want America? My chest feels a little funny. I’ll call 1-900-USA-SICK. (It’s not going to be a toll free call!) “Press 1 for passports.” (You may now need a passport to find better medical care in another country!) “Press 2 for AIDS information. Press 3 for chest pain…” Yes! 3. “I’m sorry, the House and Senate have not yet reached consensus on the definition of ‘pain’ at this point. Please check back later...
...Goodbye.”

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States in 2008. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

Adams writes President Bush

I have never written to the president before, because I never thought I would receive an answer. I do not expect an answer to this e-mail either, but there are times one must try...

Sent 6/6/2007

President Bush & Vice President Cheney,

You have probably never heard of me before, but I am running to succeed you in 2008. See www.PresidentAdams.com for all the details.

President Bush, I voted for you twice, and for your father before you. I respect you for your years of service to this country. Until this year I have been a loyal Republican. But the Republican party I was proud to be a part of is no more. How can a proud party or a proud American abandon the laws of the land and reward people who have entered our country, breaking the law? How can we abandon our national security and sovereign borders for which blood was shed over the decades?

For the sake of our nation, I ask you to quickly act and put a stop to any amnesty plan, no matter how long it is delayed. Do not think about political ramifications or bad press. You know you will get those no matter what you do. Think about our current taxpayers who will bear the burden of financially supporting all these criminals. Think about those who are trying to enter this country legally who are now being slapped in the face. Think about our children and our children's children who will have to compete with the children and grandchildren of 20 million new immigrants willing to do jobs Americans are "unwilling to do" - which I never believed - growing up and wanting a better life for their children. Increased unemployment, staggering consequences.

Please, I know you get many e-mails a day and cannot possibly absorb or answer each. But listen to common sense and stand up for our nation and our people first. Protect those who follow the law. Do what is right.

Thank you for your time.
Steve
--
Steve Adams
PresidentAdams.com

Rite of Passage

My son Daniel and I joined the Bluegrass Sportsmen's League this weekend. I have several pistols and Daniel has a new rifle given to him by his grandfather/my father-in-law as a 13th birthday gift. It is a rite of passage in the Rabb family clan. While visiting the pistol/rifle range, a US Marine preparing to return to Afghanistan in two days allowed Daniel to fire his civilian version of the M4 rifle - with proper instruction and under CLOSE supervision. Relax mom. :)

The Marine was professional and respectful. He gave instructions. He encouraged Daniel. He was simply being nice to let a young man try a fascinating weapon in the proper way.

Daniel loved it of course. (So did Dad!) But while Daniel and I joined the sportsmen’s club to learn firearm safety and have some manly time together, I pondered the skills and information that he might be learning. On the trip to the club that morning, we had already talked about gun control, gun safety, concealed weapons, the recent shootings at Virginia Tech, and the possibility of copycat attempts at his own school.

But shouldn’t a 13 year old have less burdens and other interests as well? You know, typical teenage things? Like perhaps hanging out with friends like this 12 year old in Thailand.

Or perhaps Daniel should be out dancing in the streets, having fun, celebrating life, like these youngsters in Fallujah, Iraq. They seem pretty happy.

It is a sad, strange world we live in at times. And while I teach my son to respect the power and danger of firearms, and to use them properly; I pray to God that he and his friends will never have to take up arms to defend this nation from those that hate us. I pray that we have had our last school shooting. But our free will makes both seem unlikely.

So while peace here or there, is seemingly nowhere on the horizon, I also thank God for those Marines and other members of our military today. Especially those like the one that shared some moments of his last two days at home, to show a father and son some of the character he had. Semper Fi and stay safe.

Steve Adams
PresidentAdams.com – 2008 campaign site

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked as a software engineer at an international technology company since 1989. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

Announcing - IndependentsTogether.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

04/16/2007. Presidential candidates Steve Adams (I-KY) and Bob Hargis (I-OK) announce strategic alliance to boost independent campaigns. Political opponents are not known to work together, but as Hargis and Adams explain on www.independentstogether.us, “their desire for serving America outweighs their desire to compete with each other.” Both candidates are self proclaimed long shots for the 2008 election, but are choosing to share campaign strategies and contacts to improve their chances.

We are inundated with news of Democrats and Republicans entering or exiting the presidential race. We see the primary battles, the power struggles within the respective parties now. Soon we will see the fight move to the general election where the opponents will be Democrat vs. Republican. News of aspiring politicians showing cooperation instead of hostility is welcome and exceptional.

For more information, contact Mr. Adams or Mr. Hargis via www.independentstogether.us.

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The Other F word

I’ve never read any of Ann Coulter’s books or heard her speak other than a few minutes here and there on various TV and radio shows. Her “quote heard round the world” using the “other” F word has sent shock waves through the media. I understand the offense, but I do not understand why this is unexpected. Perhaps it is not a surprise, but just another incident blown out of proportion for political gain.

For those of you who have not heard the actual quote, truth is always a good thing. Coulter said, "I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards, but it turns out that you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot,' so I'm - so, kind of at an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards, so I think I'll just conclude here and take your questions"

The rehab reference was pointed toward ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy TV star Isaiah Washington who used – or didn’t use – or did use - the “faggot” term to describe his openly gay costar T.R. Knight. Washington checked himself into some sort of rehab to “examine his own actions.“

Whether Ann Coulter was joking, being inappropriate, or insensitive is for you to decide. But realize this, she is an author and entertainer. She is not a politician. Much like a Howard Stern, she will say or do what it takes to make a living. That includes making comments that are over the edge.

What I find more interesting than the statement itself are the politicians and special interest groups calling for apologies and more. What I find most interesting John Edwards’ own response. He wants to turn this into money for his campaign. His campaign sent out a letter saying, “Help us raise $100,000 in "Coulter Cash" this week to show every would-be Republican mouthpiece that their bigoted attacks will not intimidate this campaign.” For a man with a multi-million dollar mansion, it would seem that “Coulter Cash” would be chump change. But it’s good press.

However I’m running a very low budget campaign. I believe it is unethical to buy the White House, but surely some money would be helpful. So I am wondering, how can I get Ann Coulter to call me a name?

Steve Adams
PresidentAdams.com – 2008 campaign site

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

Can an Independent Win?

I am running for president as an independent with no political experience. Can a candidate without major party support, coming out of “nowhere”, be an effective president? Why would we even consider such an idea?

President Kennedy once said, “Mothers still want their sons to grow up to be president. They just don’t want them to become politicians on the way.” It rings true, doesn’t it? And then we tell our children, “You can grow up to be anything you want to be in this country, even president.” Have you heard it?

Many of you may be thinking, this guy has no political experience at all. And you would be correct. I have no experience in bribery, back stabbing, lying to the press, breaking the law, or corruption…; but I see these as pluses!

Like many of you, over the years, I have voted for many candidates, and I have also voted against many candidates for various offices. We are often reduced to voting for the “lesser of two evils” and that’s the way it is. There is a Democrat and a Republican; choose one. I dislike labels but realize they are useful at times.

Because for me, and for each of you, and for anyone who is not content with today’s politics as usual – here’s a Democrat and a Republican; choose one… for those people, I want to offer something different. Someone outside the realm of politics, to stay outside it, and do the job I would be elected to do.

One day Benjamin Franklin entertained a few of his friends - Dr. Benjamin Rush and Thomas Jefferson. The conversation turned to what was the oldest profession. Dr. Rush, a physician, said the oldest profession was his. “After all, it was a surgical operation that made Eve out of Adam’s rib.” But Jefferson, who built Monticello, said, “No, it was the architect. Surely it was an architect who brought the world out of chaos.” Then Franklin replied, “You’re both wrong. It’s the politician. After all, who do you think created the chaos?”

Washington is full of problems, but not problem solvers. At least not those who can still be impartial. That is the freshness I hope to offer to the country. The words of Abraham Lincoln from his Gettysburg Address echo to us today, “That this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom – and that Government of the people by the people for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

Can you imagine a sitting president OF the people – one of us? Someone who knows and acts on the needs and concerns of the average American citizen…because they are one. Not insulated or distorted by years or decades of political deal making.

Can you imagine a president BY the people – a person chosen by popular vote as a response to common sense, and not someone bought by political action committee’s and political parties’ money?

Can you imagine a president FOR the people – not working for a party, not working to maintain a majority, owing no one for putting him in office except the voters… who the president should serve anyway? Someone who will work while in office, not touring the country promoting his party’s candidates. A president that watches out first for the concerns that you and I have and fixes the problems of our country that must be fixed now.

That is the dream. That is the plan.

But why not start with something smaller and work my way up? First, our country is running out of time. Changes need to be made now. Second, I want to make the biggest difference I can with the time I have. And third, remember it is my desire to be outside the realm of politics to be most effective. Working my way up through the ranks would have me looking for handouts and party power just like those who I am running against. Even if I fell 100% into a Republican or Democratic label, I don’t have the name recognition or the ability to raise enough money to compete. Each party is expected to spend $500 million dollars for the 2008 elections. That is a contest I cannot and will not compete in. When our presidency can be bought by the biggest spender, we all need to be ashamed and afraid.

You can grow up to be anything you want to be in this country, even president. Do you believe it? Do you dare to dream big enough?

Steve

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

Who is Running Washington?

I keep reading the news and see where every day or so, a presidential candidate at a press conference will “open mouth and insert foot.” A day later, they have an apology speech. Who needs reality TV when we have these people?

Some are overt blunders and some are subtle mistakes. Obama talked about “wasted lives” of our American soldiers. Not a great thing to say to those soldiers’ families no matter your view on the war. McCain jumped on the “I hate Rumsfeld” train after lauding him at his retirement since he “deserves Americans' respect and gratitude.“ Hillary demanded a beginning to troop pullout in 90 days… but with no end date. A bill sure to be struck down, but a lovely political maneuver for the sake of the publicity.

Putting all their blunders, misstatements, posturing and spin aside for the moment; who’s running Washington? We’ve got Senators and Representatives traveling the country - especially in primary states – trying to earn votes for primaries, grab money from anyone they can, and gain endorsements along the way. Don’t they have something to vote on or legislation to pass, i.e. THEIR JOB they were elected to do?

Did you know Congress only spent 72 days at work in 2006? 125 days if you count Mondays and Fridays, the “non-voting days.” The average over the last 20 years was 152 days. You and I work about 100 days more than that and they earn $165,200 per year.

On their “off” days, aren’t they still supposed to be representing their constituents rather than looking for a “better job” by campaigning? Think about it. Would you hire someone for a job you had, who did not show up to their current job? Of course not. Why then would you vote for someone for president when they did not do their job they were already in? Someone who, knowing they could not fulfill the duties of their current job, did not step down to allow someone else to do it?

This is nothing new and indeed incumbent officials have fought election battles while in office to stay in office. But even then, they were not doing the job they were elected to do and what they were getting paid for. This is the very reason that I have said, when elected in 2008, I will not run for reelection in 2012. I’m going to stay at work for you. If I’m doing a good job, you will vote for me again. If I am not, you should not vote for me anyway. Makes sense, doesn’t it? There’s more where that came from. www.PresidentAdams.com. Common Sense for Uncommon Times.

Steve

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

We Need Change - The Right Kind

I like to keep my messages and commentaries positive. But sometimes that is difficult. We live in a world of many worries. We are faced with post 9-11 fears of foreign terrorists and constant anxiety with our overseas wars. We also have things to fear in our own country, some of which are better known than others.

In the latest internet poll on Politics One that I am involved in, I came across a new evil that I didn’t think we would have to worry about in the land of the free and the home of the brave. My closest challenger today (Bowles) is in the National Socialist Movement, better known as the American Nazi Party. You can visit his site but hold on to your lunch as you see the swastika painted on our beautiful nation and read more about the “White People’s Candidate”, his denial of the holocaust, education for white children, bringing home only the white troops and more.

I realize he has the right to free speech and the right to run for president. And I’m sure I’ll get hate mail from his cronies for saying this. But this type of bigotry and hate has no place in our country.

Why do I bring this up? Because left unopposed, left undefeated, these are the people that are offering to run your country. If the closeness of the last few elections hasn’t convinced you yet, please listen now. It matters who you support. It matters who you vote for. And it matters now. Who do you want to lead this country? YOUR country?

Republicans and Democrats who will continue to argue against each other and accomplish nothing? Fractionalized third parties who are suing each other for their party names? Fringe guys who appeal to radical hate?

If your answer is none of the above, then I ask you not to withhold your vote. Don’t stay home on election day. Work and vote for a real and good change. Yes, change means risk. But can we afford not to change? I’m not talking about “change” offered by people who are already in office offering a new flavor of the same thing. I’m not talking about hate filled “change” to bring more division to our nation. I’m talking about change that brings hope, action, progress, growth, and pride back to our country.

I ask for your support now. Register on www.PresidentAdams.com so the country can see that change is demanded. Register today so the fringe elements will fade into noise after our voices come together to be loud enough to drown them out. Together we can make a difference and a change for the better.

Steve

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered INDEPENDENT, running for President of the United States. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

What Happens if I Win?

As we reach the 5th anniversary of the horrible occurrences of 9-11-2001, it causes me to pause. I am running for the Presidency of the United States of America. Many say I have no chance of winning. Many applaud my unorthodox approach as a refreshing change from politics as we know it today.

It begs the question, what happens if I win? If all the odds are beaten, if all the critics are silenced, what happens when I take that oath of office?

When another terrorist attack occurs - and it will - do I want to be the one in charge? When a member of the military is killed in battle that I sent him into, do I want that responsibility? Do I want to immerse myself in a hateful or at best contentious political scene? Do I want to expose myself to the media where any two second sound byte may be used against me for the rest of history?

After serious thought, all of these questions have the same answer. Yes. And the reason for the “yes” is this. A friend of mine once told me, when we together faced a struggling organization, we have a choice to make. We can run away and leave it all behind, or stay and fight to make things better.

Running away in this situation may be easier for the short term, but if things continue as they are in our country, there will be no escape for any of us. Finances, ethics, security, and our very existence hang in the balance, for us and our children.

Staying and fighting is never easy, but it is what must be done. So yes, I do want to be the one that puts our nation on the right track. I want to be the one that protects our nation and helps it to heal. I will not be alone. I will have many to help me, but as President Truman was fond of saying, “The buck stops here.”

When a soldier dies and their parents or family are presented with a flag, “on behalf of a grateful nation and the President of the United States”, I want to have that responsibility and be sure that battle justified the risk of such a terrible loss. When the politics get ugly and the media is unfriendly, I will be comforted that I have sworn and will be performing to the best of my abilities to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

PresidentAdams

Fan Art

When I first started my campaign for the Presidency, I expected upon winning to become the target of many political cartoons, many probably not so supportive. That’s the way things go. However I didn’t expect fan art to start arriving so soon.

This hand crafted coloring page comes from one of my registered supporters from Oregon. No, I’m not asking six years olds to sign up on my web site to bump my numbers. She is of legal voting age, but simply got bored during a family dinner outing and had the materials to do the job. She also feels my current flyer on www.PresidentAdams.com isn’t as exciting as... well, bunnies I guess.

I like this “fan art” for several reasons. One is that is shows that my message of hope for this country has reached from Kentucky to Oregon through the power of the internet. It also shows the creativity and enthusiasm a supporter can have. My campaign will expand based on these two things – excitement about the possibilities and the ability to communicate that excitement to others.

I’m not asking for more fan art, but I’ll take it. If you want to be part of the excitement, register today at PresidentAdams.com and nudge this campaign one step closer to it’s objective; common sense for uncommon times; an end to politics as usual; a “regular guy” in the White House to solve the problems we face.


Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

PresidentAdams

Video - 2008

2008 - Republican, Democrat, Isn't there another choice?

Video - Priceless

Priceless - Do you want a President who buys his way in?

Video - Numbers

PresidentAdams.com campaign site commercial - truth mixed with a bit of humor.



Numbers - polls can say anything



President Candidate Election 2008



Steve Adams for President

www.PresidentAdams.com

Perpetual War

Some say that World War III is already upon us. Others call it “perpetual war” - a war that basically will never end and has no clear definition of victory. The news certainly seems to be pointing that way.

The battle in Afghanistan rages on. The generals now tell us that war in Iraq might lead to a full fledged civil war. Israel vs. Lebanon fighting continues while people look for a UN resolution to fix the problem, ignoring the fact that it was passed years ago. Senator Joe Lieberman, Vice Presidential candidate in 2000 is betrayed by his own party – mostly for an anti Bush, anti war statement. As we draw near to the 5th anniversary of 9/11/2001, terrorists have been caught plotting to blow up ten planes from the UK to the US.

What are we to do as a nation? What are we to do as individuals?

First we must remember that whatever you call this war, we are at war. And there is nothing civil, nice, or pleasant about it. You can not vote, protest, or debate it away. You can not ignore it and hope it goes away. You can not fight a war with political correctness. Until you inflict enough damage on your enemy, he will not be willing to negotiate for peace. And some may never want to negotiate because they have no interest in peace.

We need to leave Iraq as soon as possible. We have a lot of skill to attack nations. We don’t do so well rebuilding them. Talk to the generals; speed up the timetable; but don’t set an arbitrary date just to make people happy. Stop the “cut and run” or “surrender” talk. We fought and won our war. If we stay and sit, we fight their war, on their turf. And if we are now the catalyst for violence, leaving takes out one more excuse to fight. If a civil war happens when we leave, it will be up to the Iraqi people to deal with. They must be reminded that if any such civil war happens, they will be vulnerable to (another) attack by Iran.

We need to realize that Israel and the United States are linked whether we like it or not. Israel is currently taking the blows and doing the dirty work for us. If there was no Israel, the mid-East would not suddenly become a happy, cheerful place. They would just be able to focus all their energy on ridding the world of the “Great Satan” of the United States of America. Give up land for peace – tried that. Send in UN peacekeepers – they are already there in Lebanon. Tell Lebanon to enforce the border and disarm Hezbollah – that’s what UN resolution 1559 said two years ago. UN resolutions mean nothing when they are consistently ignored in Iraq or Lebanon. Let the French go in as they wish, but be sure to disarm Hezbollah or the French will be in their Vietnam, part II. (Lest anyone forget, they were in Vietnam before the U.S.)

Terrorism is probably the hardest war to fight because the enemy is unseen and potentially among us. We must do what we can and realize that we will never be 100% safe. Secure the borders and ports. Realize that shoe bombs and liquid bombs are yesterday’s news and try to think one step ahead. Give the government agencies and military all needed authority inside our country and out to deal with the problem. It’s very simple, if you attack the tools that the good guys have, the bad guys win. Stay on the offensive to pursue terrorists wherever they are and anyone who supports them. If we put them on the defensive, they will not have time to attack us.

Thomas Jefferson said, “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” The bottom line in “perpetual war” is we must never lose that vigilance, never lose the will to win, and never hamper those who are able to attack the enemy and defend us. When you vote, when you discuss these matters with your friends, when you listen to the spin of the media, ask yourself if this is a war you are willing to win… and think of the cost if we do not.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

PresidentAdams

Disproportionate Use of Force

Do you ever get tired of hearing a phrase? The current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has brought up a new one. Israel is accused of using a “disproportionate use of force” with Hezbollah.

The argument goes, “Hey, they only kidnapped a few of your soldiers and shot a few missiles. You can’t bomb the airport and take out half their military.” That is just disproportionate. I don’t get it. Since when is war supposed to be proportionate?

You fight a war to kill people and break things. It’s not pretty. It’s just a fact. It is not a nice agreement where gentlemen shake hands and say, “may the best man win.” For whatever reason a war is started, they all end with the same goal - you try to kill the other guys before they kill you – in whatever proportion is necessary.

The United States and its allies have lost around 2800 soldiers in the Iraq war. Does this mean that we should only have killed 2800 or so Iraqis? The actual number is closer to 30,000 troops and many more civilians (not necessarily killed by the coalition forces.) Is that not disproportionate? What about Afghanistan? The United States and allies have lost less than 500 soldiers and the Afghans have lost closer to 9000. That’s not fair.

When has it ever been fair? Did we make agreements with Japan or Germany in World War II? Did we chat with Vietnam before fighting them? North Korea?

The Eisenhower administration came up with the idea of “massive retaliation” in 1954. It said, in so many words, “If you attack us, we will attack you 10 times as hard.” It was mostly focused on nuclear weapons, but it would still have been disproportionate… as it was designed to be, for a deterrent to the first strike ever taking place.

There is a lot of history between Israel and the nations surrounding her. There are UN resolutions already telling Lebanon how to deal with Hezbollah. There are already 2000 UN “peacekeepers” on the border today. You never hear about them, because they’re not keeping any peace.

I hope and pray for peace. But when a time comes for war, and inevitably it comes, proportion is not priority.

--

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

PresidentAdams

Flying Free?

I held off crying at a friend’s funeral, until the military honors. An American flag was lifted from the casket, folded by two soldiers as taps was played, and handed to my friend’s son.

I have held an American flag with the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of civilians that honor fallen heroes of our military. When preparing the flag to be transported, I explained to my 12 year old son how the flag should never touch the ground out of respect. My son then asked to stand with me, holding a flag of his own. I was a proud American and a proud dad that day.

People have told me they can always find my house. “It’s the one with the American flag on it.”, they say. Sadly, sometimes it is the only house on the street with one.

I have a friend who was born in Iraq. She told me that during the tyrannical reign of Saddam Hussein, each family was forced to have two pictures of Saddam in their household, no exceptions. She described how her father would spit on the picture when no one was watching. They did not have the freedom to take down the picture without facing dire consequences. Today they are free to take down their pictures and hang an Iraqi flag wherever they want. And that is wonderful for them.

But I cannot raise an American flag in my front yard. You heard it right. Here in America; in Lexington, Kentucky; in my neighborhood, I am forbidden from flying the American flag if it resides… on a flagpole – an obvious home for a flag, wouldn’t you say?

I turn the big 4-0 this summer. I asked for two things for my birthday. One was that everyone that came to the party visited my PresidentAdams.com web site and told 40 friends. And two, a flagpole from which to hang the stars and stripes in my front yard. As I prepared to order the flagpole, my wife thought it would be a good idea to call the homebuilders to make sure a 20 ft. pole wasn’t too high. She was informed that I can fly a small flag attached to the house, but no flagpoles are allowed according to the neighborhood association. My lawyer friend tells me, “I’m stuck.”

No majestic flagpole with our country’s beautiful flag flowing in the breeze to look at in the morning. No reminder at the end of the day of the freedom and greatness and potential that this country has. No honor in lowering the flag to half staff when the time is called for. No expression or statement to the degree of patriotism that burns in my heart.

Why am I so upset about a flag? Because it’s not just a pretty piece of cloth on a piece of metal. Because in today’s twisted society I can legally BURN the flag in my front yard, but not run it up a pole.

The American flag is the emblem of a great nation. It is a banner that has been used to rally troops, lead charges and mark victories. It is a symbol that is saluted by men and women in uniform who pay a price to defend us. It is the icon that stirs respect in the form of taking off your hat, or placing your hand over your heart. It is a symbol of defiance rising out of the rubble of the World Trade towers. It is a representation of national pride and courage, about which slogans, nicknames, and songs are written: Old Glory, Stars and Stripes Forever, These colors don’t run! It’s a grand old flag; it’s a high flying flag! Don’t tread on me!

It is a flag we pledge our allegiance to. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The flag represents the best of us and the best in us.

It is a flag about which our national anthem is written. Oh say, does that star spangled banner yet wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Evidently not at my house. Perhaps we are not as free as we think we are.

If anyone, then, asks me the meaning of our flag, I say to him - it means just what Concord and Lexington meant; what Bunker Hill meant; which was, in short, the rising up of a valiant young people against an old tyranny to establish the most momentous doctrine that the world had ever known - the right of men to their own selves and to their liberties.

~Henry Ward Beecher

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

PresidentAdams

A “No Win” Presidency

We are approaching an election this year, so it is time for things to get ugly. Certainly there are ugly things to report. The war in Iraq is not popular with many. Scandals are rampant at and around Washington. Immigration and NSA/CIA spying are hot topics. Put these together and President Bush is in a “no win” situation.

If President Bush pulls our troops out of Iraq, he will be called a coward and his political foes will lay “another Vietnam-style loss” on his plate. We told you so! We should never have gone in… even though we voted for it. If we stay, they complain about a quagmire. It’s a no win situation.

Scandals need to be taken care of, but they sure do seem to get more attention around election time. Each side points to the others’ shortcomings. And we’ve got plenty to choose from: CIA’s Dusty Foggo for bribery, Rep. Tom DeLay for campaign finances, Rep. Patrick Kennedy for substance abuse, Rep. Cynthia McKinney for Capitol Police abuse, lobbyist Jack Abramoff for all sorts of abuse… the list goes on. The view of Washington by the average American continues to dim and the President’s approval rating slides.

If President Bush does nothing on illegal immigration, Congress and the media lampoon him for his inaction. If he calls out the National Guard as we are told, we get cheers or jeers from politicians seeking re-election, and the media goes into a feeding frenzy. Even those of the President’s own party aren’t helping. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Nebraska, said, “I think we have to be very careful here… That's not the role of our National Guard." Huh? GUARDing the NATIONs borders isn’t part of the charter of the NATIONal GUARD? Who came up with that one? You can’t win an argument against stupidity.

The NSA/CIA/Patriot Act/Domestic spying – call it what you want. But what do we want here folks? Do we want terrorists in our own country, planning and plotting a 9/11 repeat? Or do we want our government to take whatever action it feels is necessary to do the job? “Don’t violate my rights!” Give me a break. Those that perished on 9/11 had their right to LIFE taken from them! The news publishes that the NSA is tracking phone calls. I am sure that the terrorists read the news and just changed their communication patterns. Thanks media friends. Way to help out the good guys. President Bush could of course stop all anti-terrorist work. We’ll be attacked again and he’ll be blamed. Or he can continue to fight terror and dodge political bullets himself.

I will be frank. I doubt the sincerity of the complaints and the desire of some politicians to actually solve any of these problems. Democrats complain because they want to hurt the Republican President, get elected or re-elected, and obtain the majority to play the game their way. Some Republicans are staying with the President and some are jumping ship because of his low polls. The media makes money by reporting the mess. You know – the media that endorses political candidates and then claims to be impartial. Sigh…

So what does President Bush do? I’ll suggest a few things. You can read along.

Dear President Bush,
Thank you for you leadership up to this point. I doubt anyone else in your position could have done much better given the circumstances, and the lack of hindsight we all now enjoy.

I have a few suggestions for you. You seem to have few (or very quiet) friends in Washington, even in your own party. You’re not running for re-election, so just do what is right and don’t worry about the fallout. You can’t control that anyway.

Pull out of Iraq with a W. That’s a “Win”, not a W… for your name… anyway… we accomplished what was needed. You deposed a nasty dictator and his posse, and ensured no weapons of mass destruction were there. Now let us leave as soon as we can and allow the people of Iraq to choose their own destiny and be accountable for their own future. The UN can surely help them if they get into trouble in the near term.

I think you’re pretty tough on scandals. Just be sure to make sure that elected officials or political cronies are punished the same as we ordinary citizens are. If I punch a police officer, I’m going to jail. I’m not sure why Ms. McKinney isn’t there yet. Perhaps you could check on that for me.

On immigration, stop trying to ride the fence, pun intended. They’re either illegal or they’re not. (They are violating the law, so they are.) Defend our borders or don’t. (I suggest you do.) But don’t let whiners and name callers slow you down.

As for domestic spying, if my facts are correct, the 9/11 conspirators were actually in this country when they attacked and killed thousands. Mr. President please do all in your power to protect us. Tell the American people that you have the daily intelligence reports we do not, the list of successes to date that you cannot tell us about to continue being successful, the knowledge of what the terrorists are capable of well in hand, and ask us to trust you and your people. Perhaps if you do this and some of these other things, we will be able to do just that. And all of us will win.

Your friend and hopeful successor,
Steve Adams

PS. Call any time. I’m here to help.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

PresidentAdams

Angry Conservatives

Sometimes I hear conservatives or the “religious right” described as angry. We’re not peace loving hippies, so perhaps that is part of the issue. Flip on the TV and I see plenty of angry liberals or “left wingers” who seem just as angry, but for some reason, the label sticks to conservatives.

I debate many political issues with others using cold, hard logic which is backed up with facts. I ask those that respond to remove their emotion and name calling - which often leads them astray - and to look solely at the facts. As a result, though my arguments are sound, I have been then accused about not having passion about anything.

Point taken. So perhaps it is acceptable to be angry now and then. The good book even says, “Be angry but do not sin.” And aren’t there reasons to be angry? Aren’t there reasons to be passionate about what you believe in?

Yes, I know we’re on immigration overload with all the media coverage of late, but when illegal aliens ask not to be criminalized, I get angry. Illegal = criminal. Hello? I get angry when people can’t see how ludicrous such a comment is. The solution is not simple, but stop insulting my intelligence and claiming that blatantly ignoring the law makes anyone a good citizen. Legal immigrants? Love them. Illegal aliens demanding “rights”? No.

I get angry when the Governor of Kentucky finally passes a bill to prevent treasonous, blasphemous protests at military funerals; and the ACLU has the audacity to start another useless, time consuming, God and country hating court case. It’s enough to make this pastor want to take up cursing.

I get angry when global bullies of Korea or Iran blackmail the world with nuclear weapons and the “United” Nations can’t agree enough to shut them down. Even when they react, it’s a joke. Today the UN “predicted” they would “pass a resolution calling for Iran to suspend its nuclear program.” If they fail to, there will be “a serious attempt to pass another resolution calling for sanctions.” Wow, I’m sure Iran is quaking in its boots now.

I get angry when the world blames the United States for all of its ills. We are blamed for being too aggressive in Iraq, but criticized for inaction in Darfur. Oh, there’s another one. When did movie stars become international experts, able to call press conferences, flanked by politicians who want to suck up some movie star power through association? And didn’t all those movie stars promise to leave the country when their candidates didn’t win years ago?

Anger. Yes, there are many things that make this candidate angry. And there is disgust, and disbelief, and disappointment at times in the people of this world and some of my fellow Americans.

But as a wise man once told me, if you don’t like the situation you’re in, you either get out and run away; or stay and fight to make it better. I’m staying. I’m fighting in my own way. I hope you will too.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

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War Games

‘Tis the season once again for paintball. It is a sport where teenagers and men who still think they are teenagers run around the woods firing safe, but painful projectiles of paint at each other, achieving victory over their opposing team in a variety of ways. I’m not just a Presidential candidate; I am the keeper of the gear for our church youth group.

Chaos reigns during the battles; and in the haste to exit the battlefield and go home to other fun, I am left with the gear. Over the few years we have engaged in mock battles, our gear has inevitably taken some damage. Some markers (we can’t call them guns) simply don’t work. The “gun-like” part and the CO2 cartridges are the usual casualties while the hoppers (ammo holders), masks, and barrels usually survive.

The problem occurs when the gear is down and the youth pastor says to me, “We’re playing Saturday.” I have to refill the tanks, fix some broken pieces, put together this surviving piece with that surviving piece, and get as many working sets of gear as possible.

By now, perhaps you have asked, “Why is he talking about paintball on a political blog site?” Fear not, I’m getting there.

Our armed forces sometimes have little or no warning of an impending battle. While we do plan and execute wars and armed conflicts at various times, we must be prepared for the unexpected. We must prepare for fights we do not begin, but must end. We must constantly have optimal leadership, manpower, training, technology, and readiness. We don’t have the luxury of letting our gear be down.

I hear complaints of high spending in peace time. And even now, while our troops are in battle, spilling blood – their own and their enemies’ – complaints abound. But who is in charge of military spending? The military, right? Or the President, the Commander-in-Chief? Well, not really. The President and Department of Defense ask for a budget. Then the request runs the gauntlet of the House and Senate appropriation committees, armed services committees, budget committees, congressional budget resolutions, and annual appropriation bills. Congress then passes bill after bill appropriating funds for this or that. Committees, sub-committees, resolutions, mark ups, more appropriations… In the end, Congress is in charge of allocating the money.

Look at some of the press releases made by Senators or Representatives boasting how a specific bill will help their local economy. Planes made in his state …when we need tanks, or submarines made in her state …when we need body armor. Military bases are closed and Congress yells… not because it is a bad strategic choice, or because it might weaken national defense, but because they look bad in the eyes of their constituents.

Here’s an idea. Put the military in charge of the military budget. Cut through the committees and give the armed forces their own money and let them prioritize from there. They buy what they want, when they need it, and they are better prepared. I have the highest respect for military. Do you? Does Congress? They already handle complicated numbers now – troop strength, artillery trajectories, air/land/sea navigation, range to target vs. kill radius, high tech devices that would boggle the mind, etc. - they can handle a balance sheet!

I’m betting the military would love to decide for themselves whether to invest in Strykers, new fighter aircraft, or non-lethal alternatives without a horde of civilians directing their every move. I’m betting our defense dollars would go farther without redirection for pet projects of politicians. Do you want the best defense possible? Give our military the control of their own destinies, and watch the world’s best military stay the best. Otherwise, we’re back to a political war game… one we can’t afford to lose.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

PresidentAdams

Balanced Budget – Part One

The national debt, deficit spending, foreign aid, out of control government spending on “pork”, unemployment, income tax, social security and Medicare… all these together sound complicated and scary. How can one possibly talk about a balanced budget in this day and age?

Same as the age old joke. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

I have a suggestion for a few bites on heading towards a balanced budget – something that would be a main pillar of my Presidency. You and I have to balance our checkbooks every month. Why shouldn’t the government that represents us be held to the same standard?

Let’s start with foreign aid. The United States gives money or financial aid (loans, grants, and debt forgiveness) to over 150 countries to the tune of at least $20 billion. The numbers I’m using come from the Library of Congress for years covering 2002-2004, so they’re probably bigger now.

I’m all for helping people that need help and appreciate it, but we as a nation do need to remain financially solvent if we are expected to continue to bail out the world for every catastrophe. Remember how people were indignant that our initial gift to the victims of the Indonesian tsunami was “low”? What happens when the bank is broke? Let’s not find out.

OK, bite #1 – Palestine. Directly and indirectly (through the UN) we have planned to give them up to $411 million this year. Palestine is run by Hamas which we consider a terrorist organization, mostly due to their stated goal of wiping Israel off the map. A few days ago, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniveh said the US was the leader of an “unholy alliance” that threatened his country. OK, we’ll just keep that check. We wouldn’t want to offend them with our unholy money. $411 million won’t fix the deficit, but I think we can safely keep that bite. And perhaps a review of the rest of the $20 billion might help as well.

By the way, remember Israel, who Palestine says shouldn’t exist? They pay Palestine $50 million each month for “tax revenue.” Without foreign aid, including that from Israel, Palestine has nothing. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Oh, and a newsflash just in… Iran has pledged $50 million to their Palestinian brothers. See, we don’t have to carry the world’s burden after all.

Bite #2 – unemployment. We have approximately 7 million unemployed Americans. That is a drain on the economy in a few ways. The government pays unemployment to those that are unemployed; they are not earning an income and paying taxes; and they are not buying as many goods as they could to generate a stronger, healthier economy. We’ve been overwhelmed lately with articles and news about immigration, so I’ll keep this part short. Unless those 12 million illegal aliens (yes, I know I didn’t call them undocumented workers) are sleeping all day, they are taking 12 million jobs which should be available to our 7 million Americans. Remember the furor caused about foreign companies watching our ports? Seems like we’ve got plenty of Americans to fill those jobs too. Yes, I know that 12 million plus any number of port jobs is greater than the 7 million unemployed. But we can open those jobs up to LEGAL immigrants and allow them to come from all nations as appropriate. Let’s reward those who follow the law and not those that break it.

Stop the flow of money given to people that hate us and fight against us. Help Americans – our families and friends - work. These are just a few bites, but take them and the balanced budget buffet has begun.

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.


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Patriotism - United In One Cause

In 1776, early American patriot Samuel Adams opened a talk to the Massachusetts state assembly with these words, “We are on this continent - to the astonishment of the world – three million souls united in one cause.”

I am sure the founding fathers had their differences, but they had a common goal. And as a result, the world saw this brave new nation united; the United States of America.

I am sad to say that our “united” meter in America is bottoming out today. Ironically it is the yearly State of the Union event that clearly demonstrates our lack of unity. It doesn’t matter if the President is a Democrat or Republican. The President makes a point and more often than not, half the Congress stands while the other half sits with arms crossed, pouting, or even heckling. Three million souls united? We can’t even unite 540 Senators and Representatives.

Do you remember the last time we as Americans were united? I’m guessing it was 9/11. I remember the entire Congress standing together shortly after 9/11 in response to a speech by President Bush. It seemed that most of the nation was right behind them. It was an awful time, but we were indeed united.

It is no longer so. I still see the bumper stickers that say, “9/11 We Will Not Forget”, but some memories certainly seem to have vanished. Hindsight turns into blame; conspiracy theories run rampant; it’s all Bush’s fault; it’s the fault of the CIA …or the FBI; let’s point fingers at the war in Afghanistan or Iraq; no, lets be divisive over the Patriot Act. Politics fueled by the press has returned in the worst way with a vengeance.

What will it take for us to be united again? A President like Reagan who can make people proud to be Americans again? Another 9/11 disaster, God forbid? Or maybe - just maybe - it’s up to you and me.

That’s right. Do your part to foster unity and patriotism in your circle of influence. Vote for people who will bring back national pride and a common purpose. Be leaders and choose leaders who believe that America’s best days are ahead of us and not behind us. Each act you and I make can be a brush stroke towards the masterpiece of a renewed and united American patriotism.

One more brush stroke: work hard to get the right people elected; but before you call yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent; before you call yourself a Conservative, Liberal, or Moderate; be proud to say that you are an American. A citizen of the United States of America. And remember, as in Samuel Adams’ day, the world is watching.

Steve

Steve Adams was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Computer Science degree in 1988, and subsequently moved to Lexington KY. He has worked at Lexmark International since 1989 and has been a Part Time Local Pastor at St. Luke UMC since 2004. He is married with two children. He is not politically correct, but is politically active. He is a registered Republican, married to a registered Democrat, and running for President of the United States as a write-in candidate on the independent ticket. No joke. You can read all about it on www.PresidentAdams.com or e-mail Steve directly at Steve@PresidentAdams.com.

PresidentAdams