Daria DiGiovanni was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in the nearby suburb of Media. The youngest of five children in a close-knit family, she graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. in English. At age 27 she relocated to South Florida, where she actively pursued her goal of becoming a published writer, contributing feature stories and articles for publications including The Happy Herald, On the Inside and Boca Kidz Magazine.
With the advent of the "blogosphere," she channeled her passion for the USA, cultural issues and traditional values into two successful blogs, Muzz Musings and Freedom Bright, infusing keen insight and thoughtful consideration into such topics as radical Islamic terrorism, Military heroism and national security. In 2004, Daria's efforts led to an appearance on FOX News Channel to discuss politics and dating. She was also featured as a weekly columnist for the online magazine, The Martini Lounge, where she eloquently and oftentimes humorously opined on everything from her lifelong love of professional football to her "haunted" vacation in Savannah, Georgia.
DiGiovanni has also worked as a content writer for a Boca Raton-based company specializing in online marketing for the hospitality industry, as well as a copywriter for a textbook publishing firm. An avid reader and gifted wordsmith from a very young age, Water Signs embodies the accomplishment of Daria's childhood dream of becoming a novelist-something she's been promising her supportive, patient parents for many years! She's thrilled to finally bring that desire to fruition and even more excited by the prospect of touching many lives with a heartfelt story of familial bonds, first love, faith, personal growth and forgiveness.
When not reading or writing, she enjoys going to the beach, swimming, biking, walking, ballroom dancing and spending time with family and friends. Oh, and she's still a devoted Eagles fan who never misses a game during football season!
My
Speech to the Martin County Tea Party in Hobe Sound
Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 11:17am
I had the honor and pleasure of being asked to speak at the Martin
County, Florida Tea Party in Hobe Sound on April 15, marking a new
milestone in my political activism. I’d never given a speech of this
type before, designed to energize and inspire a crowd, but the good
folks of the county just to the north of mine were warm, welcoming and
most of all, fired up and ready for “change”.
According to TCPalm News, the event drew a crowd of more than 500, who
came out to show their support for freedom, strong national defense and
individual liberty. Connor Lanser, South Florida’s 14 year-old political
superstar, also gave a rousing speech, along with several others.
I want to gratefully acknowledge my friend and fellow Parcbench writer
Don Smith for his input and assistance, particularly in reference to the
Samuel Adams quote at the end. I am hoping to find video of all the
day’s speeches, but thought I’d post my full remarks in the meantime:
Thank you Shona, Cindy and Gloria for the opportunity to speak today.
It’s great to be surrounded by so many patriots here in Martin County. I
hope you guys don’t mind, but since I am not a professional speaker, I
brought along my teleprompter (in a tribute to Sarah Palin, I held up my
palm, on which I’d scrawled a few topics I’d planned to cover). Oh, and
just in case that fails, I also have my back-up teleprompter (here I
held up a small notebook, in which I’d scribbled the entire speech).
Side Note: thank goodness, the crowd laughed at both jokes!
You know, it has been an incredibly trying 15 months for those of us who
love our freedom, and are actually paying attention to Washington
D.C.’s assault on everything we hold dear. It seems everyday the
radicals in charge find yet another way to attack and weaken the
Judeo-Christian principles on which the greatest nation on Earth – the
United States of America – was founded. For all of us who’ve been
watching and fighting back, it has felt like a never-ending nightmare.
But there’s also an upside to all of this, at least for me. And that is,
having the opportunity to connect with so many like-minded Americans,
not just here in Florida, but all around the country.
Today, I want to single out a few of them, starting with Edward Lynch
and his team. Ed is a man of integrity who would’ve made an excellent
representative for the voters of Florida District 19, had they chosen to
send him to D.C. To Ed, Jessica, Tim, Steve (referring to fellow PB
contributor Steven Rosenblum), Ellen, Lisa and all of the Lynch for
Congress volunteers, thank you so much for all of your hard work and
dedication. We are very proud of you!
Steve Rosenblum is also my co-host on Conservative Republican Forum on
Blog Talk Radio, and it has been my pleasure working with him over the
past year. On both Conservative Republican Forum and my own show, The
Liberty Belle Hour on WAFS-TV, I’ve had the privilege to interview
people who represent the very best of America – from Florida’s
grassroots candidates like Robert Lowry, Corey Poitier, Colonel Allen
West, Bernard Sansaricq and Marco Rubio to Illinois’ David Ratowitz and
Iowa’s Steve Rathje.
While I cannot possibly single them all out by name, I can report that
with so many great patriots running, we will have much to celebrate come
November, 2010. And speaking of the best of America, let’s have a round
of applause for the honorable men and women of the United States
Military, both veterans and those actively serving. We love you and
support you!
The other silver lining in an otherwise devastating year and a half is
being reminded of exactly why my grandparents immigrated LEGALLY to this
great republic so many years ago. They came in search of freedom, not
government handouts. They embraced the language and culture of their new
homeland. They instilled a love of America in their children. They
worked hard. And when a neighbor or family member fell on hard times,
they believed it was their duty to help them back up on their feet – not
Washington D.C.!
I am blessed to have so many shining examples of the American Dream in
my family. My mom is very proud of the fact that her father, my
grandfather, Raffaele Cauterucci, who came here at the age of eight with
his widowed mother and two brothers not knowing the language,
eventually graduated from Temple University School of Pharmacy in
Philadelphia in 1919 – a time when such accomplishments were nearly
unheard of for immigrants. She’s also very proud of the fact that her
dad was always a staunch conservative Republican who rejected FDR’s
big-government statism and ran his own corner drugstore for many years
in Germantown, Philadelphia.
My dad – affectionately known as “Dr. Al” around the blogosphere – grew
up the son of a humble tailor. But he had a big dream of becoming a
surgeon. And in spite of his economic circumstances, he pursued that
dream with passion, working several jobs to get through high school,
college and medical school – always with an attitude of gratitude for
the country that made it possible for an immigrant’s son. He didn’t
whine about how unfair it all was; he was thankful for the opportunities
afforded him as a citizen of the USA.
My parents passed along the same love of country to my four siblings and
me. My mom has always been an activist, which explains why I am
standing here before you today. Growing up, she’d take me along to the
polls where she’d be handing out literature and persuading her fellow
citizens to vote for the right candidates. For years, she served as a
committeewoman in our township, and hosted countless gatherings at our
home in support of freedom-loving candidates.
And everyone assembled here now is here because we love our freedom and
are willing to fight for it. We will never submit to tyranny. We are NOT
racists; we are people from all walks of life who believe in the
promise of America.
With that, I have a message for a popular Fox News host – someone I am
sure you are all familiar with – who recently stated and I quote:
“Most Americans are not ideologues. They are just folks who want a fair
system and a noble country.”
Well Mr. O’Reilly, I’ve got a message for you: We ARE most Americans.
And yes, we ARE ideologues. Our ideology is the United States
Constitution, and our heroes are those noble men who conceived of a
country that would recognize every individual’s God-given right to life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness! And just like our Founders, we
will do everything in our power to preserve the greatest nation on Earth
– the United States of America.
I’d like to end with a quote from one of my favorite ideologues, Samuel
Adams:
“Let us awaken then, and evince a different spirit – a spirit that shall
encourage them to persevere in this glorious struggle, until their
rights and liberties shall be established on a rock. We have proclaimed
to the world our determination to die free men, rather than to live as
slaves. We have appealed to heaven for the justice of our cause, and in
heaven we have God’s providence in sustaining us. In the gloomy period
of adversity, we have had our cloud by day and our pillar by night. We
have been reduced to distress and the arm of Omnipotence has raised us
up. Let us still rely in humble confidence in Him who is mighty to save.
Good tidings will soon arrive. We shall never be abandoned by Heaven
while we act worthy of its aid and protection.”
In the spirit of Samuel Adams, I say, let’s not be despondent, but look
to our Founding Fathers for inspiration while we continue to emulate
their example. God bless all of you, and God bless the United States of
America.
Written by Daria
DiGiovanni on January 22, 2010closeAuthor:
dariaanneName: Daria DiGiovanni Email: daria_anne67@yahoo.com Site:http://www.watersignsnovel.com About: Daria DiGiovanni is the author of the
book Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, and co-host of
Conservative Republican Forum with Steve Rosenblum.See
Authors Posts (20)
Just when you thought he
couldn’t possibly test the limits of rational Americans any further, Ron
Paul comes out with yet another absurd and treacherous statement — this
time advising his followers at a Campaign for Liberty
event in Atlanta that “the CIA must be taken out”. The Congressman’s
latest in a series of harmful diatribes that aids our enemies condemns
the Central Intelligence Agency as somehow “harmful” to the United
States and informs his enthusiastic audience that the US Military’s
“morale is down” even as (presumably) the US government is “looking for a
few more wars to fight”.
Earth to Ron Paul: What exactly has the CIA done that is “harmful”?
Using harsh interrogation techniques richly deserved by enemy combatants
to prevent further attacks against the United States, including the
plot to blow up the Library
Tower in Los Angeles? If that’s the “harm” to which you are
referring, I say waterboard away!
Assuming there is some truth to Paul’s declaration that the US
Military is demoralized, could that have something to do with the
politically correct way our out-of-touch bureaucrats are forcing them to
fight a war against extremists who don’t play by any rules? When US Navy Seals
are punished instead of lauded for capturing a high-value terrorist
target for the “crime” of giving the guy a fat lip, I’d agree that is
demoralizing. So is the story of Army Ranger 1st Lieutenant Michael
Behenna, serving a 25-year prison sentence for shooting an Al-Qaeda
operative. Isn’t killing the bad guys before they can harm more
innocent people an objective of going to war?
Regardless, I suspect that’s not the type of demoralization to which
Ron Paul refers. After all, one day after a suicide bomber attempted to
blow up an airliner on approach to Detroit on Christmas Day, he
represented the “Republican” side of the aisle on CNN by falsely blaming
the event on “US occupation of Yemen and Nigeria.” No wonder CNN enjoys
hosting him on their unfair and unbalanced network!
As for the claim from his avid supporters that Paul’s economic
policies and staunch exhortations to audit the Federal Reserve justify
his perilous foreign policy, according to Open
Secrets.org, the Texas Congressman sponsored 23 earmarks totaling
over $80 million, ranking 33rd out of 435 representatives. Doesn’t
sound very fiscally responsible to me.
Still, even if the Texas congressman actually practiced what he
preached economically, the fact remains that there is a Global Jihad
raging, replete with ideological zealots with no regard for human life
and an insatiable desire to kill all infidels — Jew, Christian,
Buddhist, Hindu, Wiccan, Atheist, Agnostic, Deist and every other belief
system that refuses to submit to Allah. And no amount of denial is
going to change that.
So instead of playing the role of “useful idiot” for Al-Qaeda,
perhaps Congressman Paul could do something truly revolutionary by
supporting the West’s efforts to stop Islamofascism, tepid as they may
be. He could start by apologizing to the brave men and women of the CIA
and the United States Military, before thanking them for giving him the
freedom to promulgate his kooky theories to his own brand of Kool-Aid
drinkers.
A Paul supporter comments on my post, Truther(er) and Consequences
Daria DiGiovanni is a published Astrology-influenced Romance Author ("Water Signs" available on Amazon)with a shallow conservative bent who can't defend her ideas, but is good at promoting them if she can silence dissenting voices.
I am a leader in the Washington State Conservative movement of more than a quarter century duration, elected President of The Reagan Wing and web editor of www.TheREaganWing.com, where we have consistently defended Sarah Palin. I became Daria's "facebook friend" when I learned that she was recapitulating the GOP/Left Pragmatist Elite's "Star of David Strategy" to slander Ron Paul and Ron Paul supporters with several of their standard lies and distortions. I challenged her to defend her ideas in open debate.
She can't.
As soon as I had made my first substantive post she deleted me as a friend which prevented me from responding, distorted my postions on her page and personally attacked me.
It's not just rude. It's stupid.
Ron Paul's opposition to "nation building," a position George Bush professed in his Presidential Campaign of 2000, is obviously too sophisticated for Daria to follow. Paul's policy to hunt down Jihadists, world-wide, and kill them, more quickly and efficiently than Bush or McCain (Daria's [bailout,Global Warming,Cap'n'Trade,McAmnesty] candidate) is obviously too time-consuming for her to research. And the indisputable fact that Paul blamed the attacks of 9/11 on Islamic Jihadists is aparently too "inconvenient" for her to mention.
Common lies about Ron Paul include, but are not limeted to: 1. That he "blames America" for terrorism. 2. That he is a 9/11 "truther". 3. The he opposes national defense. 4. That he opposes Israel. 5. That he is not pro-life. 6. That he denies the danger or existence of Islamic Jihadists. 7. That he is a neo-Nazi. 8. That he supports gay marriage. 9. That he wants to legalize heroin.
I've lost track of how many of these slanders DiGiovanni has repeated. But if she wants to defend any of them in open debate where she doesn't get to be the moderator and silence her opponent, I'd be willing to put some money on the outcome.
About: Daria DiGiovanni is the author of the book Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, and co-host of Conservative Republican Forum with Steve Rosenblum. January 22, 2010.
Just when you thought he couldn't possibly test the limits of rational Americans any further, Ron Paul comes out with yet another absurd and treacherous statement ! This time advising his followers at a Campaign for Liberty event in Atlanta that "the CIA must be taken out". The Congressman's latest in a series of harmful diatribes that aids our enemies condemns the Central Intelligence Agency as somehow "harmful" to the United States and informs his enthusiastic audience that the US Military's "morale is down" even as (presumably) the US government is "looking for a few more wars to fight".
Earth to Ron Paul: What exactly has the CIA done that is "harmful"? Using harsh interrogation techniques richly deserved by enemy combatants to prevent further attacks against the United States, including the plot to blow up the Library Tower in Los Angeles? If that's the "harm" to which you are referring, I say waterboard away!
Assuming there is some truth to Paul's declaration that the US Military is demoralized, could that have something to do with the politically correct way our out-of-touch bureaucrats are forcing them to fight a war against extremists who don't play by any rules? When US Navy Seals are punished instead of lauded for capturing a high-value terrorist target for the "crime" of giving the guy a fat lip, I'd agree that is demoralizing. So is the story of Army Ranger 1st Lieutenant Michael Behenna, serving a 25-year prison sentence for shooting an Al-Qaeda operative. Isn't killing the bad guys before they can harm more innocent people an objective of going to war?
Regardless, I suspect that's not the type of demoralization to which Ron Paul refers. After all, one day after a suicide bomber attempted to blow up an airliner on approach to Detroit on Christmas Day, he represented the ?Republican? side of the aisle on CNN by falsely blaming the event on "US occupation of Yemen and Nigeria." No wonder CNN enjoys hosting him on their unfair and unbalanced network!
As for the claim from his avid supporters that Paul's economic policies and staunch exhortations to audit the Federal Reserve justify his perilous foreign policy, according to Open Secrets.org, the Texas Congressman sponsored 23 earmarks totaling over $80 million, ranking 33rd out of 435 representatives. Doesn't sound very fiscally responsible to me.
Still, even if the Texas congressman actually practiced what he preached economically, the fact remains that there is a Global Jihad raging, replete with ideological zealots with no regard for human life and an insatiable desire to kill all infidels ? Jew, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Wiccan, Atheist, Agnostic, Deist and every other belief system that refuses to submit to Allah. And no amount of denial is going to change that.
So instead of playing the role of "useful idiot" for Al-Qaeda, perhaps Congressman Paul could do something truly revolutionary by supporting the West's efforts to stop Islamofascism, tepid as they may be. He could start by apologizing to the brave men and women of the CIA and the United States Military, before thanking them for giving him the freedom to promulgate his kooky theories to his own brand of Kool-Aid drinkers.
Written by Daria DiGiovannicloseAuthor: dariaanneName: Daria DiGiovanni Email: daria_anne67@yahoo.com Site: http://www.watersignsnovel.com About: Daria DiGiovanni is the author of the book Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, and co-host of Conservative Republican Forum with Steve Rosenblum. December 23, 2009.
Building on the success of their Female Force collection featuring biographies of influential women like Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton; and their Political Power series chronicling the lives of such well-known figures as Colin Powell and Barack Obama, Blue Water Comics will release the 32-page Ronald Reagan comic book biography at the end of December. Here’s how Blue Water describes their latest issue:
“Was the Soviet Union an ‘Evil Empire?’ Was President Ronald Reagan at the right place and right time when it collapsed? Or was he one of the shrewdest occupants of the White House? Find out how this Mid-Western-turned-actor-turned-President went from B-movies to orchestrating the total collapse of the Soviet Union.”
Such were the questions comic book writer Don Smith sought to answer in his brief re-telling of the story of the man countless Americans remember with utmost pride, respect and admiration.
I recently had the privilege of interviewing Don about his latest effort, his foray into comic-book writing from newspaper journalism, and any future Blue Water projects he’s collaborating on.
In the interest of Full Disclosure, I also had the opportunity to read and review the Reagan comic back in October, per Smith’s request:
“In his own inimitable mixture of wit, creativity and humor, Don Smith pens a striking comic book biography of the man I consider to be America’s greatest modern President,” said author Daria DiGiovanni.
“Both those old enough to remember Ronald Reagan and those for whom he’s simply a chapter in a history textbook will delight in Smith’s vivid recollection of out 40th President’s remarkable life and impressive eight-year tenure. Thank you Don, for introducing him in such a brilliant way to a new generation of Americans, and for reminding the rest of us about Reagan’s patriotism, courage and integrity,” she noted.
Love him or hate him, Ronald Reagan is an American icon. What are your thoughts on him as president and human being?
My first thoughts regarding him being a President was that he really loved this country. I mean he constantly was saying, “The United States is a city set on a hill…” He constantly would say, “The United States’ best days are still ahead.” I mean that is amazing!
As for him being a human being, I think he was very much typical of being what is called an adult child of an alcoholic. I think on a public level he connected really well with the common man. On a private level, I know Nancy Reagan probably saw the “true Ronnie.” And I think his two kids from his first marriage had completely different reactions to him then his two children from his second marriage. Both Michael and Maureen are (were in Maureen’s case) conservative and Christian, whereas Patty Davis and Ron Reagan Jr. on different levels at different times took contradictory paths. Was this because Reagan was distant to them as a father? I don’t know and I dare not speculate here.
But the facts, as I said in the comic, speak for themselves. I mean I really wish I could’ve included them in this comic, but I did not have the space. And I really, really wanted to just keep some things private. But all in all, Reagan loved America and he could relate to the common man and he seemed like he genuinely liked the common man, and to be able to do that, takes a man wonderfully rooted to his faith, family and country.
Did you have any difficulty remaining objective during the writing of the comic book?
I’d say about as much as any of the other authors of the Bluewater’s “Female Force” and “Political Power” series. I mean, I obviously have some conservative leanings of my own, and they did come out. But I did not quite want this to be the “Worship-fest” that sometimes can be seen on a Rush Limbaugh show or a Sean Hannity show. But also, I did not want to turn him into the “clueless old fool” that he was portrayed as for years while he was in the White House and afterwards. I did not think that was fair.
How did you come across the opportunity to pen the Reagan Comic for Blue Water? Have you always had an interest in comic books?
Let me start with the second part first, “Sweet mother yes!” My first memory was of being a child throwing a Batman toy up in the air and that just stuck with me. I always loved comic books and I can spend hours talking about my favorites and so forth and so on. But I ended up meeting Darren Davis, the publisher of Bluewater Productions, through my friend Neal Bailey and I wrote a four-issue series for them and then I was on the phone with Darren and he said, “Would you like to write the Reagan comic?”
I said, “Well…” And, “BOOM”! several months later, “Reagan”.
What was the most difficult aspect of the writing process? Was there anything you learned about Reagan that took you by surprise?
The most difficult was hands down the research. I mean I got my hands on DVDs, books and videos and just trying to learn everything I can at such a quick pace. Then I had to cram his entire life: growing up in Illinois, then Hollywood, then first marriage to Jane Wyman, his days as president of the Screen Actors Guild, second marriage to Nancy Davis, his days with General Electric, him running for Governor of California, him getting a second term, him running for the GOP nomination in 1976, him running for President in 1980, his first term, him running for reelection in 1984, his second term, him leaving office in 1988, his post Presidential career, him announcing he has Alzheimers, finally his death in 2004. Try cramming that into a 24 page script!
But what surprised me was how much he cared about kids. He actually had a pen pal in Washinton, D.C. and he would encourage the kid to read. You can see this in one of the books that collected his letters, it was cool.
I also had heard a story about how during one of the peace summits with Gen. Sec. Gorbachev, Reagan was staying in a family’s home in Iceland. One of the fish ended up dying and Reagan panicked. He called in Secret Service, Nancy and everyone to help him out with it. But remember Reagan was in the process of walking away from the table during this trip, so this was pretty funny. Not to mention, when he returned to speak to Congress after he was shot, he read a letter from a second grader that said, “Get well or you will have to smake a speech in your pajamas…”
That was cool.
When will the Reagan Comic be available and how can people get it?
“Political Power: Ronald Reagan” will be available at the end of December and if they wish to purchase it, they can go to my website, where they will find a link to where they can buy it.
Have you written about any other iconic American figures either in politics or culture?
Let me say, yes I have. But I am no hurry to announce it just yet. I though I have to admit, we worked hard to get out fast. We were rushing to finish this comic. Ahem.
Who is the subject of your next comic book and what other projects are you involved in?
Right now, I am working on three different comics. One is a personal super hero story I am hoping to have six issues scripted by the New Year, the second one is an idea I have and I am working with a friend, and the third series is about more American history, and I think that is all I can say.
However, it was announced, and I can talk about this, I worked on a project turning one of S.E. Hinton’s book into a graphic novel. Hinton is famous for “The Outsiders” which was made into a movie with Patrick Swayze and Ralph Maachio, but she wrote a book called “The Puppy Sister” and it was a book about a dog who becomes human. It was a cute story and a lot of fun.
Any thoughts on what Reagan would have to say about our current deficit, radical Islamic terrorism, pop culture and the Tea Party movement?
Let me take them one at a time…Reagan would’ve cut taxes and regulations to help the economic cycle get to an even keel which is what he did in the early 1980s, hence the “greedy 80s.” Reagan’s motto was “The Government is not the solution, it is the problem” would be his battle cry once again with this.
Regarding radical Islam terrorism, I think his philosophy would be “We win, they lose,” just as it was regarding the Soviet Union back in the 80s. And frankly, that kind of moral clarity is desperately needed right now!
I think with pop culture, he barely had time for it when he was President, he would have even less time for the paparazzi-fueld-reality-television obessessed world we live in today. I think he would keep his distance.
As for the Tea Party movement, personally, I think Reagan would’ve loved it. He would’ve been very proud of his fellow Americans. Frankly, the tea parties have been the only thing that the average American has had to retake the power from the socialists and cowards running this country.
Have you received any feedback from Nancy, Michael, Patty or Ron Reagan about the comic book?
No, I have not. And to some extent I don’t know if I would want it. I think they had such a vastly different view of Ronald Reagan than the rest of the world had, I would hate to dredge up anything again for them. But, if say, Mrs. Reagan, saw it and liked it, that would be sweet.
However, I believe in letting the Reagan family enjoy their privacy, and I hope that if they did see it, they would see I treated him respectfully. After all, he respected the country, I wanted to do right by him, as he did by us.
About: Daria DiGiovanni is the author of the book Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, and co-host of Conservative Republican Forum with Steve Rosenblum.See Authors Posts (3) on December 16, 2009
In yet another example of a liberal journalist bemoaning the concept of American pride and exceptionalism, Nick Fierro of the Chicago Tribune offers this response to the question, “What sports tradition would you like to see eliminated?”:
The national anthem should be eliminated from all but the most important sporting events in this country, such as Super Bowls, World Series and Ultimate Fighting title bouts.
Just kidding on the last one, but you should get the idea by now that having to stand for this song at every event and every level of sport from T-ball to the pros has become just a little ridiculous.
At one time, such as when this tradition began during World War II, it might have been a good idea to promote patriotism. Now, all it promotes is … nothing. It has become a mindless exercise.
Mindless exercise? Perhaps for people with no understanding of history and no concept of the miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of a country founded by ordinary, courageous men who took on the world’s greatest power and risked certain death because of an unwavering commitment to freedom.
At great personal peril, our Founding Fathers forged ahead, spurred on by their deep conviction for Judeo-Christian principles and the right of individuals to control their own destiny. Pardon my patriotism, but I am proud to celebrate and acknowledge the fact that — well over 200 years later — I am a benefactor of their passion, determination and willingness to die for the cause of liberty. Singing the national anthem at a sporting event is a privilege, not some meaningless act “promoting nothing”.
Not surprisingly, Fierro caused quite a bit of controversy, particularly among US veterans and active-duty military, who know a thing or two about commitment to a cause greater than self. One of them, a friend and US Navy vet, penned the following to Mr. Fierro:
Nick Fierro,
I am not sure how you could write such a disheartening column/debate today especially while our country is at war. How can you say singing the National Anthem is a waste of time? You obviously have never served in the military, have no pride or appreciation for our veterans, or are simply looking for attention.
Honestly, everyone I attend games and events with are proud of the moment when we are offered the opportunity to demonstrate how proud we are to be Americans. Singing the National Anthem is an opportunity to bring a diverse nation together. Have you ever been to a game when there may be four or five different conversations going on sometimes in Spanish, French, Japanese, English or the many other languages locals and visitors alike share in our community? Yet when the Anthem is played all rise and speak one language or at least respectfully remain quiet. Maybe you are too busy or to weak to stand in the press box?
You wrote, ” having to stand for this song…… at every event has become ridiculous.” Then you go on to say, “all it promotes is…. nothing.”
This song promotes nothing??? This song is our National Anthem! I am disgusted by your words…I think about the meaning of The National Anthem everyday, as do millions of thankful Americans.
Finally, there are 14 houses on my block. At least half have the American flag waving but only three of my neighbors have your newspaper delivered. It is my promise that by tomorrow, there will be 14 American flags flying, but ZERO tribune subscriptions delivered, thanks to your column.
I can understand your ignorance to a certain degree I guess, but your editors must and will be held accountable. I believe an apology to your readers and all the men and women sacrificing their lives for your freedom is in order.
Should you not, I promise to contact every news source possible regarding this matter. To think of the lives lost for YOUR freedom of speech and this is how you choose to show your gratitude. I am quite disgusted to say the least. I am not in the journalism business and my grammar may not be spot on but I have read youth blogs more profound than your garbage today.
P.S. I have served our country and have also witnessed my brothers die for your freedom, so yes, I am biased.
Ted Burke Boca Raton
God bless our United States Military during this Holiday Season and always! And may journalists like Nick Fierro take the time to seriously ponder and absorb the significance of The Star Spangled Banner.
Written by Kellen Giudaclose Email: kellen@parcbench.com Site: http://www.parcbench.com About: Kellen is founder and CEO of Parcbench Media. He is also on the Board of Directors for Tea Party Patriots and is also Co-Founder of TeaParty365 Inc.See Authors Posts (17) on October 30, 2009
Follow me on Twitter @StevenRosenblum. If you don’t, Nancy Pelosi will nationalize your Facebook account!
And that’s what you can expect from Steven Rosenblum’s and Daria DiGiovanni’s political radio show on Blog Talk Radio, Conservative Republican Forum; a relaxing, informative and fun time discussing politics in today’s world. There’s always a slight twist of humor and a sense of ease that is rare in this climate of intense, aggressive and populist radio shows.
As a disclaimer, I’ve appeared on the show a handful of times so color me biased. But what can I say, I just like talking about politics in a more laid back environment. But you don’t have to take my word for it, just look at the guest list:
Michelle Malkin will be on the show on November 21st, Congressman Thaddeus McCotter has appeared along with Fox News contributors S.E. Cupp and Ellen Karis and Congressional candidates Lieutenant Colonel Allen West and Robert Lowry.
The guest list pretty much speaks for itself: a hot up and coming show every Saturday night from 6-7pm.
CRF is different than appearing on Fox News, Fox News’ Strategy Room or other radio programs where you have to fight for every word, elbow your talking points in and compete with hosts who are trying to win the “most words” battle.
Steve usually wraps up the week’s political happenings for the first 10 minutes then Daria with all her energy will hop on and they will both dive into the guest for the rest of the show.
What I’ve found is that the hour goes extremely quickly simply because it’s just relaxing. It’s my type of speed and style.
So every Sunday night, get at it. And call in, they love it.
During my month-long visit to Pennsylvania, I've joined my parents at several Town Halls and Tea Parties, including Dom Giordano's healthcare panel at The Philadelphia Inquirer, where I witnessed Joe Sestak give John Edwards a run for his money for the title of sleaziest politician in America. I documented the entire experience on Facebook, along with photos.
And this past Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting more Keystone State patriots in front of the courthouse in West Chester, site of their weekly gathering. Among the crowd of 30+, I spoke with many dedicated activists from all walks of life, ranging from retired CEOs to small business owners to veterans. People like event organizer Mark Driver, a grass-roots activist since 1990. Among other things, Mark is a member of American Sheepdogs, Pennsylvania Conservative Council, six different Tea Party groups, and an organization named ACTION (American Christian Traditions In Our Nation).
When I asked about his biggest concern with Obamacare, Driver stated emphatically, "The very last page, where it is written, 'if you do not accept government healthcare plans, states' rights will be limited.' That is the most disturbing line in the entire 1,000-page bill for me, as it is another power-grab by an ever-expanding centralized government."
Fellow protester/organizer Craig Cody agreed. Though politically aware for the last 12 years, he'd never gotten active -- that is until he realized the necessity of getting involved. "Our Founding Fathers were smart," Cody told me, "They were great students of history, and that's what we have to get back to. I am thankful for the millions of regular citizens who are fighting for our freedom."
On such citizen is Cody's remarkable son, Quentin, just eleven years-old, and one of the Tea Party movement's most passionate orators. Quentin first spoke at the West Chester Tea Party on April 4, 2009, and is scheduled to address an Americans for Prosperity event this coming week. Along with his sister Shannon, Quentin offers hope that all is definitely not lost when it comes to future generations.
Finally, there was US Navy vet and event organizer Rich Davis, who gathered us together on the courthouse steps before we adjourned, to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing God Bless America and pray the Our Father. Rich also announced two other events taking place that day in nearby Exton and King of Prussia. Undaunted by the small group of counter-protesters across the street, bearing signs with drawings of aliens and slogans of "They're back" on them, he told me that they'd long ago come to an arrangement to stand on opposite corners to avoid any potential conflicts.
Once again, I was incredibly impressed by the vast knowledge, intelligence and passion expressed by my fellow patriotic Americans who -- despite every attempt by the mainstream media and the White House to marginalize and intimidate them -- refuse to back down.
"I am a passionate patriot who has always been proud and thankful to be an American. I'm also eternally grateful to God for my upbringing in a loving, supportive family; my genuine friendships; my continued good health; and my ability to express my thoughts eloquently through the written word. It is my goal to inspire and remind fellow Americans of the miraculous nature of our country, the United States of America -- a gift from God that must be preserved and defended."
A story of love and renewal... by Daria DiGiovanni
South Jersey Shore, 1992
Madeline Rose is a sweet, sheltered and eternally youthful young woman of 25-the youngest child of a prominent Philadelphia neurosurgeon. Despite the unending support of a loving, close family, she battles formidable insecurities, thanks to a recent, bitter break-up with her first real boyfriend and a turbulent adolescence characterized by a few extra pounds. Unsure of her future, she struggles to live up to her potential as well as her highly educated pedigree, given her fortunate placement in an impressive ancestral heritage.
Still adjusting to civilian life after four years in the United States Navy, handsome, affable and ambitious Ken Lockheart has two goals in life: to rise above his blue-collar Shore town roots and to marry his true love. Though the epitome of the classic, all-American male with his boyish good looks, six-foot frame and broad, muscular body, he retains a basic humility borne of a relentless work ethic and an inner drive to succeed.
When a chance encounter in a Somers Point nightclub initiates an unexpected relationship, neither one of them is prepared for the ensuing odyssey of heartbreak, personal growth and spiritual development that fuels their individual life lessons and leads them full-circle to a Divinely guided conclusion.
Daria DiGiovanni was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in the nearby suburb of Media. The youngest of five children in a close-knit family, she graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. in English. At age 27 she relocated to South Florida, where she actively pursued her goal of becoming a published writer, contributing feature stories and articles for publications including The Happy Herald, On the Inside and Boca Kidz Magazine.
July 11, 2009.
Water Signs Earns Book of the Week Award!
I had the wonderful opportunity to create a three-minute blurb for Water Signs, as part of a fiction competition for an exciting Blog Talk Radio show called Blurb! Hosted by Sally and Dr. Kent, this creative, entertaining program airs select blurbs submitted by aspiring authors, alternating genres (fiction, nonfiction, etc) every week. The hosts then comment live after playing each blurb for their listening audience, before ultimately selecting a winner for “Book of the Week.” I am thrilled to announce that Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal is their choice for this week’s honor!
Thank you so much Sally and Dr. Kent. And for those of you who love to read, I highly recommend listening their innovative BTR show, which airs every Wednesday evening at 9:00 P.M.
Thank you to my talented friend and journalist Joan Swirsky for sending these along to me!
Jude over at Hugh Hewitt uses the marathon metaphor, alluding to a statement Governor Palin made in her Runner's World interview;
Tom Suhadolnik offers a sobering look into the Cloward-Piven strategy so effectively wielded against Sarah Palin and her family over at American Thinker;
Merv at Prairie Pundit outlines the Palin Strategy and its possible outcomes;
and of course, The Great One states with conviction that Palin is running for president in 2012, so "get used to it."
I am still mulling it over, but am feeling much better about Friday's announcement; unlike some righty bloggers and pundits, I never once regarded Sarah as a quitter. On the contrary, I've been blown away by her incredible resiliency and strength over the past eight months, during which she and her children were savaged in a manner that would make Satan proud. And I think the arguments put forth by everyone I've linked to here make a lot of sense.
Private citizen Sarah Palin can say and do things (e.g. take on her enemies full-throttle, energize the conservative movement that is currently gaining momentum) that Governor Sarah Palin cannot, at least not without more trips to the woodshed. Many bloggers on the right who excoriate her for her decision seem to forget that Palin is also a human being, one who has been put through a political crucifixion the likes of which I have never before witnessed.
Yes, it was bad with W. Yes it was bad with Reagan. But with Sarah Palin, the radical left has set a new standard of depravity -- one that will never abate as long as she's in office. As a fellow human being and woman, I applaud her decision. As the Anchoress notes, Sarah Palin has declared her own Independence Day. I can't wait to see what she does next
THE CONTENT OF THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OPINION OF THE OWNER ... At least that's what my lawyer told me, but he was drinking pretty heavily at the time so...
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Building on the success of their 
In yet another example of a liberal journalist bemoaning the concept of American pride and exceptionalism, Nick Fierro of the 
And that’s what you can expect from Steven Rosenblum’s and Daria DiGiovanni’s political radio show on Blog Talk Radio, Conservative Republican Forum; a relaxing, informative and fun time discussing politics in today’s world. There’s always a slight twist of humor and a sense of ease that is rare in this climate of intense, aggressive and populist radio shows.
