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The first presidential election to which I was witness, albeit too young to know what was going on, was the first election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt who took office in January 1933. There was no television with which to brainwash the public, and the internet was unborn at the time. Mostly their campaigns were conducted via newspapers and local speeches by their district offices. Very few even had radios. Mud slinging and name calling were virtually unheard of. The candidates declared their stand on issues, named the projects they would try to implement and the bad things they would try to eliminate. Anyone who could afford a couple of dollars poll tax could vote based on what they wanted a man to do.
So, this is the 19th campaign to which I have been privy and, although much has changed, hatred has deepened, irrational diatribes are mounted against the opposition, and so on, I've never witnessed one such as this. In all others I have had one of the candidates whom I hoped would win the office. And some times I would have been happy with either. This time, I actually hope all three lose. Neither of them are philosophically conservative. And although all three profess a degree of Christianity, they still deny Christian principles. Becoming religious at campaign time just doesn't cut it. I've seen men of character and integrity who were trashed at the beginning with both parties. There were a couple of good men who tossed their hat into the ring but were downplayed by the media, failed to raise enough funds, or some other factor which left them with no chance of winning. The current nominees or prospective nominees are all from one mold. They have reached their present level based on factors other than real qualifications. One of those who were ignored by the media and their party is Alan Keyes, a man with strong qualifications, strong convictions, principles and capabilities.
Just who is Alan Keyes anyway? Alan Keyes was born August 7, 1950 in a naval hospital on Long Island, New York. He is the son of Allison and Gerthina Keyes. His father was a U.S. Army sergeant and as is normal with an army family, Alan lived in several states and a tour in Italy, as the family followed the father. He attended Cornell University where he studied political philosophy. While attending Cornell, he opposed student protesters who seized a campus building, and he received a death threat from a black faculty member for that opposition. He shortly left the university and spent a year in Paris on a Cornell study abroad program. He then went to Harvard where he completed his B.A. degree in governmental affairs. He returned to Harvard later and received his PhD. in government affairs.
He announced last evening (April 15) at a Hazleton, Pennsylvania news conference, that he was a candidate for the presidency and that he was dropping out of the Republican Party. His plans are to attempt to get the nomination of the Constitution Party, but if he doesn't, he still plans to run.
Calling himself a "life-long Republican," he said he's abandoned the party because it no longer believes in what he saw as its founding principles...(Hazleton, PA Standard-Speaker)
Keyes, besides his educational background in governmental affairs, has considerable experience in responsible government positions. He held several positions under president Ronald Reagan including Ambassador to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, Consul in Mumbai, India, Ambassador to the United Nations, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations. He also served as a staff member of the National Security Council. President Reagan once said: "He did such an extraordinary job...defending our country against the forces of anti-Americanism. I've never known a more stout-hearted defender of a strong America than Alan Keyes."
The prime factor concerning this candidate, in this author's view, is that you do not have to wonder where he stands. He does not stammer when he answers a question on any of the issues. This straight forward approach is very difficult to find in a candidate today. Examine those candidates who are in the forefront at present, visit their websites. Choose a controversial issue and see where they stand. If it is mentioned at all, you will still come away confused. Then go to Alan Keyes' website and you'll get a straight answer. I encourage all to go to his site and read all the issues.
There is much discontent in the nation's voters at this time and I truly feel that Alan Keyes will gain a substantial following if he can only raise adequate funds to bring his candidacy and his platform into the public eye. In the early part of the Republican primaries campaign, I would say that a majority of the voters did not even know he was in the race. He is an American, he stands by his convictions, he is God-fearing, and I believe…honest. Is it any wonder he normally never gets recognition?
Visit his website by clicking Here. A grassroots website for Alan Keyes Here
Author Biography:
Joel Hendon was born September 20, 1930 near Gadsden Alabama. He attended public schools in Cherokee County, Alabama and after serving a tour of duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attended Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama majoring in Business Administration. He became a Christian in 1948, and although he followed secular work as a career and retired from Allied Signal Aerospace in 1997, he is an avid student of the Holy Bible and related works as well as biblical history. He produces a bi-weekly publication, The Household of Faith Ezine which is free for the asking. Archives are accessible at: http://www.piedmontcoc.org/archives.html He is also the author of Final Stronghold, published in 2003, available from Amazon.
This author of this Article has choosen to make this article available with free reprint rights. Click here to copy this article.
» left by Dane Tyner from Tulsa, OK (218 days 9 hours ago.)
Joel, Thank you for a very well written piece on Alan Keyes. I doubt there is anyone in politics with whom I agree more than with him. I voted for him in the primary several years ago in his first run for the presidency. I even financially supported his run for Senator in IL - the one he lost to Obama. Thus, my opinion is: If he couldn't beat Barak in IL, why should we think he could do so on the national scene. I can't imagine what he is thinking to try to run in another party. It seems a terrible waste of somebody's money. But, there is a lot of wasted money in these elections. It just won't be mine. Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(4,895) Joel Hendon (217 days 22 hours ago.)
Thank you Dane for your comments. I realize that his efforts in the past have been largely overlooked. It's a shame. Before this year, I feel there were too many who just didn't want to see a black run for president. I hope that was not the case, but I fear that it was. And his last minute effort in Illinois was doomed from the start. But what I am hoping for this time is the vast dissatisfaction for all the other three candidates. Also, and I give Obama credit for one thing, he has broken the ice that a black for president is no longer out of the question. But certainly not HIM. If Keyes can only get some financial backing. Respond to this comment
» left by Susan Thom(8,705) Susan Thom (218 days 9 hours ago.)
hi joel,
i will do as you say, as i am really disappointed in the candidates we have. now i have 2 i am going to research.
thank you for a well written, interesting article,
best regards,
sue Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(4,895) Joel Hendon (217 days 22 hours ago.)
Thanks Susan for your comment. I hope millions will do the same thing. Although it is a long shot, strange things have happened before. I'm praying for it. I think our nation is in deep jeopardy if something doesn't happen. Respond to this comment
» left by Joe from Maryland (218 days ago.)
Joel keep the glimmer alive and it will shine to a successful victory for Dr. Keyes.
As for Dane, your time and money will be truly wasted if you vote for BO, HC, JM etc...
ALAN KEYES IS THE ONLY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR NATION.
The best is yours to have. Your well spent time promoting Dr. Keyes will increas your treasures. Hope is the KEY.
» left by Joel Hendon(4,895) Joel Hendon (217 days 22 hours ago.)
Thanks Joe, I agree. I find nothing to dislike about the fellow. We all like others who agree with us, that is natural. But he just has his head on straight. Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(4,895) Joel Hendon (217 days 22 hours ago.)
Geronimo from Texas, I apologize that I accidentally deleted your comment. Feel free to rewrite it if you wish. You are correct. His experience in Illinois was a no win situation. He went into the race after Obama had just about clinched it. Illinois is not a conservative state. Also, your last sentence is the key to the matter. He has to have exposure to the public and it takes money. I think we still have enough people in the U.S. who are good and decent who will back a man who has integrity and principles...if they can only hear of him. Our problem is that there are far too many who will just say, "I've never heard of him!"
» left by Geronimo from Texas (217 days 13 hours ago.)
Joel, Good article. I've STRONGLY supported Dr. Keyes for eight years. Sorry to say, but Illinois is NOT politically representitive of the U.S.A. IF Keyes can get exposure, and if those who 'support' him will ACTUALLY SUPPORT HIM, he CAN win! Particulary in this 'no other choice' election season. Respond to this comment
» left by David Schantz from Saint Joseph, Missouri (217 days 10 hours ago.)
Alan Keyes in 08!
» left by Joe Man from Maryland (217 days 8 hours ago.)
Thanks David Schantz from Saint Joseph, Missouri
PROMOTE THE VOTE, OPEN THE DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY WITH KEYES.
STAY ENTHUSED, STAY INFORMED, STAY FOCUSED - KEYES 2008 Respond to this comment
» left by Janice from Lebanon, TN (215 days 7 hours ago.)
Excellent article, Brother Joel! I'm very excited that you are supporting Dr. Keyes. We can elect him if we just keep spreading the news that he is running. I've been encouraging my fellow worshipers in our church to vote for him and found that nobobdy knew his campaign was alive ... not even those who are diligently following the news reports on CNN, etc. Of course, we know the news media only tells us what the liberals want us to know. Congratulations on having your article recognized and linked to by the Keyes web site! Keep up the good work and keep praying. Blessings. Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(4,895) Joel Hendon (215 days ago.)
Thanks Janice, for the kind remarks. I, too am excited about this because I was about heartsick over the pathetic choices I though we were doomed to select from. I have little to no influence, but I intend to write letters to the editors of as many newspapers as I can scrounge up their mailing addresses. I think every one who supports him schould do that along with messages on every blog we can gain access to.
Whatever we do, it needs to be done hurriedly and as widespread as we can. And you are exactly right, anywhere you mention him, 90% pf the people are not even aware of his being in the race. The wider spread we can make him known, the higher likelihood of his being able to raise the necessary funds to compete with those who are backed by the wealthy. Again, thanks for the comments. Respond to this comment
» left by robert melaccio sr (214 days 20 hours ago.)
Yes Joel but he is attacked for being a man of integrity and says it openly. You at least know exactly where he stands. Can your really say that about the rest? Yes even his own race. he is a Catholic you know. Good man, honest and for this nation. perhaps a draft movenment will take root? best Wishes. RTM Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon(4,895) Joel Hendon (214 days 19 hours ago.)
Thanks for commenting Robert. I don't know whether we can get the ball rolling or not, but I am willing to try. I don't see much we can lose, even if we don't succeed. Respond to this comment
» left by Chas Jones from Columbus, OH (214 days ago.)
My Dear Joel,
I am sadened and very disappointed to see Dr. Alan Keyes following the example of H. Ross Perot. As tepid as is my support for John McCain, our next President will come from one of our TWO national political parties, NOT from a "third party" and not from an "independent" candidacy. The GOP needs folks like Dr. Keyes to fight for control of a national party (as millions of others are doing). Dr. Keyes is sadly moving toward the sidelines of the battle, and political obscurity. I cannot follow him there.
» left by Joel Hendon(4,895) Joel Hendon (212 days 10 hours ago.)
Thanks Charles, I understand perfectly what you are saying, yet I feel as if I could just as easily vote for Hillary as McCain. The Republican Party has been sliding off to the left now for sometime and not only that, they made absolutely no effort to assist Alan Keyes in any way. Eventhough he was the best prospect they had. They no longer want or deserve a man of character to be their candidate. Keyes was about as deep into political obscurity as one can go when the primaries were held.
It is very sad. I just prefer to vote my conscience, not my absolute last choice.
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