Categories
ARTICLES

American Principles Is Proud To Recognize Patriot Day …

American Principles is proud to recognize Patriot Day – the annual commemoration of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

It is hard to believe that 11 years have already passed since America’s encounter with evil and infamy. Yet surely, none of us will ever forget where they were and what they were doing when they heard or watched the news of that day.

Although we deeply mourn family, friends, and fellow Americans who were lost, we must continue to celebrate their legacies in honor of their sacrifice and the suffering of their loved ones.

Our faith in the American Spirit was re-energized on that day, as we witnessed American Exceptionalism at its very best. We heard stories of not only professional rescuers, but also ordinary people, performing exceptional feats of selfless bravery and heroism.

On that day, America showed the world the character of a free nation. Our strength and resilience will be noted in the history books long after our physical beings are gone from this earth.

Patriot Day also reminds us that we should always appreciate our loved ones every day, every moment … at all times. Take a moment to kiss your spouse and children when you are rushing out of the house. Be sure to tell them you love them during a brief phone call between meetings.

We are proud to be Americans on this day, grounded by the ideals of our founding fathers, and inspired by the legacies of dedicated first responders and unexpected heroes to live each day to the fullest so as to honor those who lost their lives forever.

Categories
ELECTIONS

Congressional Primaries in FLORIDA, WISCONSIN

Notable results and highlights from yesterday’s Congressional Primaries.

Florida:

—   As expected, Rep. Connie Mack won the GOP Senate Primary handily, but former 7-term Space Coast Congressman Dave Weldon made an impressive showing considering that he entered the race only two months ago.

—     In the Orlando area, 10-term Member John Mica defeated popular Freshman Sandy Adams in one of the country’s most watched incumbent-vs.-incumbent races resulting from the re-apportionment of districts. Using his substantial campaign war chest (raised in large part as a result of his being the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee), Congressman Mica was masterful in re-positioning his image from the “entrenched insider” and “big spender” to that of a fiscal conservative, thereby neutralizing Rep. Adams strong suit. Surprisingly, none of the SuperPACs that had made their mark in this type of race against long-serving incumbents entered the race, which essentially sealed Rep. Adams’ political fate.

See http://atr.rollcall.com/florida-john-mica-beats-sandy-adams/

—     In an absolute shocker to all those who know him, the well-liked and conservative-credentialed 12-term Congressman Cliff Stearns – Ocala area –  was narrowly defeated (with a 1.2% margin) by political novice and Tea Party-backed veterinarian Ted Yoho. Stearns was well-funded and endorsed by fellow House members including VP nominee Paul Ryan, Rep. Michelle Bachmann, and Rep. Allen West. Among several lessons learned in this race, having a huge campaign war chest does not assure victory.

See story at http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2012-08-14/story/shocker-us-house-3-ted-yoho-upsets-12-term-incumbent-cliff-stearns

—  In the SW Miami-Florida Keys area (new District 26), “J-Street Joe” Garcia won a four-way Democratic primary and will once again face off against our good friend, Rep. David Rivera. The latter defeated Garcia by 9 points in 2010, while Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (now representing a different district) beat Garcia by six points in the challenging 2008 elections. We coined Garcia’s nickname because he was the ONLY Florida Congressional candidate who was endorsed by the nefarious, anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian JStreet Organization and PAC in 2010. Sources report that the Democratic Party is not overly enthused about this race, and will not plow any resources into unseating Congressman Rivera.

See http://atr.rollcall.com/florida-david-rivera-to-face-joe-garcia-again/

—    Also as expected, Karen Harrington decisively won a heated Primary, and will return to take on DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz in District 23. In 2010, Ms. Harrington – a local business owner – garnered an impressive 39% of the vote against the powerful and well-funded Wasserman Schultz.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin’s highly-publicized and closely-watched GOP Senate Primary, former Governor Tommy Thompson narrowly defeated two tea-party-backed opponents with 34% of the vote. Conservative businessman Eric Hovde and former Congressman Mark Neumann. Hovde received 31 and 23 percent, respectively. A fourth opponent, state Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, came in fourth with 12 percent. Hovde contributed $4.85 million of his own money to his campaign, according to the Federal Election Commission. Neumann had the support of the conservative Club for Growth and tea party kingmaker Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). The establishment favorite in the race, Thompson is widely considered the GOP’s best chance to beat uber-Progressive JStreet-backed Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin in November’s general election for the seat being vacated by Sen. Herb Kohl (D). Thompson served as governor of the Badger State from 1987 to 2001 and then as secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. (See http://atr.rollcall.com/wisconsin-tommy-thompson-wins-gop-senate-primary/)

Please note that some of the results may not yet be official.

Categories
ELECTIONS FEATURED

Congressional Primaries in FL and WI.

Notable results and highlights from yesterday’s Congressional Primaries.

Florida:

—   As expected, Rep. Connie Mack won the GOP Senate Primary handily, but former 7-term Space Coast Congressman Dave Weldon made an impressive showing considering that he entered the race only two months ago.

—     In the Orlando area, 10-term Member John Mica defeated popular Freshman Sandy Adams in one of the country’s most watched incumbent-vs.-incumbent races resulting from the re-apportionment of districts. Using his substantial campaign war chest (raised in large part as a result of his being the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee), Congressman Mica was masterful in re-positioning his image from the “entrenched insider” and “big spender” to that of a fiscal conservative, thereby neutralizing Rep. Adams strong suit. Surprisingly, none of the SuperPACs that had made their mark in this type of race against long-serving incumbents entered the race, which essentially sealed Rep. Adams’ political fate.

See http://atr.rollcall.com/florida-john-mica-beats-sandy-adams/

—     In an absolute shocker to all those who know him, the well-liked and conservative-credentialed 12-term Congressman Cliff Stearns – Ocala area –  was narrowly defeated (with a 1.2% margin) by political novice and Tea Party-backed veterinarian Ted Yoho. Stearns was well-funded and endorsed by fellow House members including VP nominee Paul Ryan, Rep. Michelle Bachmann, and Rep. Allen West. Among several lessons learned in this race, having a huge campaign war chest does not assure victory.

See story at http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2012-08-14/story/shocker-us-house-3-ted-yoho-upsets-12-term-incumbent-cliff-stearns

—  In the SW Miami-Florida Keys area (new District 26), “J-Street Joe” Garcia won a four-way Democratic primary and will once again face off against our good friend, Rep. David Rivera. The latter defeated Garcia by 9 points in 2010, while Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (now representing a different district) beat Garcia by six points in the challenging 2008 elections. We coined Garcia’s nickname because he was the ONLY Florida Congressional candidate who was endorsed by the nefarious, anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian JStreet Organization and PAC in 2010. Sources report that the Democratic Party is not overly enthused about this race, and will not plow any resources into unseating Congressman Rivera.

See http://atr.rollcall.com/florida-david-rivera-to-face-joe-garcia-again/

—    Also as expected, Karen Harrington decisively won a heated Primary, and will return to take on DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz in District 23. In 2010, Ms. Harrington – a local business owner – garnered an impressive 39% of the vote against the powerful and well-funded Wasserman Schultz.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin’s highly-publicized and closely-watched GOP Senate Primary, former Governor Tommy Thompson narrowly defeated two tea-party-backed opponents with 34% of the vote. Conservative businessman Eric Hovde and former Congressman Mark Neumann. Hovde received 31 and 23 percent, respectively. A fourth opponent, state Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, came in fourth with 12 percent. Hovde contributed $4.85 million of his own money to his campaign, according to the Federal Election Commission. Neumann had the support of the conservative Club for Growth and tea party kingmaker Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). The establishment favorite in the race, Thompson is widely considered the GOP’s best chance to beat uber-Progressive JStreet-backed Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin in November’s general election for the seat being vacated by Sen. Herb Kohl (D). Thompson served as governor of the Badger State from 1987 to 2001 and then as secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. (See http://atr.rollcall.com/wisconsin-tommy-thompson-wins-gop-senate-primary/)

Please note that some of the results may not yet be official.

Categories
ARTICLES

In Honor of Frank P. Laffler, Dec 5, 1918 – August 4, 2012

Dec 5, 1918 – August 4, 2012

In Honor of Frank P. Laffler; for his service to our country and the legacy he leaves behind.

Frank Paul Laffler, 93, passed away on August 4, 2012 in Longwood, Florida.
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Frank was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 65 years, Arlene, his brother Robert, his sister Ruth, and granddaughter, Nicole McCormick.

He is survived by one brother, Ralph Laffler of Tequesta, Florida, three children: Larry Laffler, Lauren McCormick, and Suzanne Hudson.

He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Mark and Brett Laffler, Brandon, Daryl, and Kristine McCormick, Bryan and Keith Hudson; six great-grandchildren: Collin, Allison, Gabriella, Anthony, and Emma Laffler, and Connor McCormick
Frank, who was commonly known as Bud by his family, was born on December 5, 1918 in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Tappan, NY in 3rd grade. He graduated from High School in 1938 and became a skilled welder. Frank then relocated to Honolulu where he became employed as a welder working on U.S. Naval ships in Pearl Harbor. Having a desire to fly airplanes, he attended flight school in Honolulu and took his first flight in December 1940 and on April 20 1941 made 3 solo landings and received his private pilot’s license. Two weeks before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, he returned to the mainland where he became employed at Weston Welding in Rochelle Park, NJ. In May of 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and was honorably discharged in April 1947. Frank then went into the printing business with his brother Ralph in Hackensack, NJ. However, soon the Korean War began and Frank was called back to active duty in May 1951.

Major Frank Laffler served his country honorably and left a distinguished legacy. He was a decorated veteran of World War II where he served in the 15th Air Force 5th Bombardment Wing (H), The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his service he earned several medals including the WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Philippine Independence Ribbon, a total of 4 Air Medal Oak Leaf Cluster decorations, and several other Commendation Awards. Frank served in the Army Air Force flying a B-17 for 50 combat missions in WWII primarily over Italy. He flew various aircraft commanding crews aboard B-29’s, KC-97’s to the giant B-52 Bomber. At the height of his career he commanded a crew of 8 in the B-52 flying in the 306th Bomb Wing (SAC) for 10 years before retiring in 1967 with over 10,000 flying hours in the USAF. For Frank’s last tour of duty, he was sent to McCoy AFB, Orlando, in 1961. A few years later he purchased a home on Lake Conway, in Belle Isle, where he and his family lived a wonderful life.

After 26 years of service, Frank retired from the Air Force in 1967. He then purchased Curry’s Printing Company in downtown Orlando and continued to work for almost 20 years. During this time, Frank took pleasure in fishing, scuba diving, and cruising the Bahamas and the Caribbean with family and friends which continued throughout his retirement. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2012 from 1:00-2:00 pm with a funeral service to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Gotha, FL (407) 293-1361. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.

CLICK HERE TO SEND FLOWERS

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ARTICLES

“YOU DIDN’T BUILD THAT”

American Principles hammers Obama on “YOU DIDN’T BUILD THAT” with billboard on busy I-95 in South Florida.

After our successful billboard program highlighting the perils of an unsustainable level of national debt, which is approaching $16 trillion for the U.S., AMERICANprinciples is “ready to roll” with our message on free enterprise and the role – or lack thereof – of government in individual achievement and success.

Our latest I-95 South Florida billboard, shown above, highlights the fallacy of President’s Obama’s message that success is the result of the efforts of others, not of the individual. Our Declaration of Independence was written, and our nation was founded, in part to empower the individual to maximize his or her potential and achievement.  Government and communal intervention is not only counter to our basic founding principles, but an obstacle to American Exceptionalism and success.

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