An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Meet and Greet
I headed out last night for Jackson, and the first thing I had to do? Pull the owner’s manual out of the glove compartment to figure out how to turn on my headlights! sigh… Vehicles use to be so bloomin’ easy. This new one looks like the cockpit of an F-18! Ok, so maybe not that excessive with buttons and switches, but there sure are a lot of ‘em. One good thing, I did manage to get a few radio stations set….with the help of the manual. 
I arrived early, and couldn’t find the place. Why don’t towns put up signs with arrows? Or at least have the bloomin’ numbers on the buildings! I finally stopped at the fire station and asked a nice young fellow who was sitting outside where the Chamber of Commerce was located. He got this amazing grin on his face….”Right behind you, ma’am.” Yes, I had STOOPID stamped on my forehead! Well, I didn’t see it, and from the map I looked up on the internet, it was suppose to be on the opposite side of the street. sigh… So, I went over there and parked. There was one other vehicle there, a news guy. Evidently, someone leaked this was happening, because it was strictly an invite only thing, for bloggers. Hmmm… Wasn’t me!
A few minutes later, I noticed another car, driving up and down this fairly short street, obviously searching for a building. The driver eventually stopped and asked a lady standing in front of the EMS building a question. A few seconds later, they pulled into the parking lot and parked a short distance from me. Glad to know I’m not the only one who couldn’t find it! Heh. Eventually, more cars showed up, Richard, a fellow evil smoker, from TFA, and Ken, along with his lovely bride, who had the keys to unlock the door put in an appearance. John and Mike also arrived at basically the same time.
So, Ken unlocks the door and the alarm goes off…..LOUD…..and went on for what seemed like forever. Seems someone forgot to give him the code to turn it off. Peachy. Well, not being stupid people, we didn’t stand around inside with that racket. As we were standing outside, more people joined us, along with the candidate, Ron Ramsey.
Naturally, the police eventually showed up, smiling. I guess he thought it was all rather amusing. Actually, it was. But I’m wondering why companies even have alarm systems it if takes the cops more than 10 minutes to show up? Just curious.
Now, on to the actual talk.
The Lt. Governor gaves us a little background history. Now, most of the folks there might have already known things about him, but being fairly new to the state, I was in the dark. It seems this fellow wasn’t handed anything on a silver platter, unlike so many other politicians these days. He actually grew up on a small farm, doing small farm chores as a kid. This tells me he learned work ethics. Not that people who don’t grow up on farms don’t have a work ethic, but I know that people who do either work their hinders off, or the farm doesn’t survive. Dawn to dusk days for farmers. Made though college, earned a degree in some type of industrial thing (can’t read my own writing), minored in surveying? Didn’t know that was a college course. Learn something new every day! Got a certification, worked as a surveyor, got into real estate, and eventually became an auctioneer. Now that is a hoot! Gave us a sample of his talent. Thank goodness I never go to auctions. We might be broke. Heh. Since he also started two of his own businesses, I’d say he knows the value of a dollar, and seems to have a greater understanding of how businesses work, unlike so many who hold office these days, at ALL levels of government.
At one point, he decided he liked the Capital building, and wouldn’t mind working there on a daily basis, so, he decided to run for state representative, and won. Naturally, the next step was state senator. Well, again, he won. I learned that Tennessee is one of the very few states where the Lt. Governor is not elected by the general population. He/she is elected by the state senate. Interesting. Evidently, the old way of doing things in the state took a major hit when for the first time in 140 years, the Republicans took the majority in the senate. And there he was…..Lt. Governor under a Democrat governor. I’ve also learned that not only is he the Lt. Gov, he’s also the Speaker of the Senate. Not sure how that works, but I am learning.
I guess he put a few folks’ nose out of joint when he announced that the Republicans needed to gain the majority. That’s just not the way things are done. Heh heh heh. Welp, reckon that’s the way it’s done now, eh? 
Now, on the issues.
Evidently, this fellow is one of the reasons the Mr and I chose Tennessee as our retirement residence! He is the reason we have Concealed Carry Permits. Whoo hoo! There’s a major point in his favor, he’s REAL strong on 2nd Amendment rights. I also learned that there are no such things as “bars” in Tennessee. I did not know this. They are restaurants that serve alcohol. 51% of their sales must be in food. Again, learn something new every day!
As someone who has started two businesses, he is VERY pro-business. He knows that you don’t attract new business to the state by putting ridiculous restrictions on them and excessive taxation. That’ll kill any opportunity for the hope of new jobs. Shame no one else has the common sense to figure this out. Also, the right to work is a big deal. I’m sorry, but unions have killed businesses. Just look at the auto industry! It’s not just bad management, it’s the ever increasing demands of the unions cradle to grave mentality.
One good thing….the state election commission was increased from 3-2, Dem, to 4-3, Rep, with the first ever female to be elected to the commission. Yes, I know, sometimes, Tennessee is a little slow, but hey….it’s been run by Dems for so long, I guess it never occurred to them to have a woman on the commission? Hmm…. Her name is Judy Blackburn.
Education is another strong reason to look closely at Ron Ramsey. I’ve always felt that mandatory pre-K was a really stupid idea, and waste of taxpayer money. Seems he agrees with me. The money that is spent on indoctrinating 4 year olds would be better spent on text books for seniors and pray they can actually READ them! Charter schools, basically giving parents a better choice for their kids education, is also one of his pet dreams. Works for me!
He also believes that the federal government has been seriously overstepping it’s bounds when it comes to states rights. Yep. That’s a fact! He’d also like to allow the free market dictate the energy needs. Private companies are creating new sources of energy without any intervention from the gubmint and doing a much better job of it! Go figure! Innovation doesn’t come from the government, but from individuals, who wouldn’t mind making a few bucks off their discoveries. Profits run businesses, not stupid gubmint rules, regulations, and interference.
Did you know that Tennessee is still paying for 10 nuclear power plants? One that was shut down one week before it was due to start producing energy? Tennessee would, more than likely, be totally independent from foreign sources of electricity right now if it weren’t for a few VERY ignorant people.
Well, that’s my take on the event last night. There was more, but I actually stopped to listen instead of taking a lot of notes. As I told the Lt. Governor, he’s got me closer in his corner than I was previously. I still haven’t made a decision, but from what I know of the other candidates, odds are, I’ll be on his team.
While on the way out, while folks were milling around chatting, I met a couple of young fellows who are running for Tennessee’s 8th U.S. Congressional District, Craig R. Steinfels and Donn Janes. Now, what’s interesting about Craig is not the fact he looks like he’s about 12, but that the very informed listeners of The Mike Slater show chose him to run. Go figure. Actual registered voters pick who they want to run for office to represent them, instead of the party telling them who they WILL vote for. Hmmm…. what a novel concept! Well, since I can’t vote for either one of them, I’m in the 7th Congressional district, I can’t help them. But if you do live in that district, I’d suggest you check out both of these young men.
Hurrah for Tennessee and those willing to claim state’s rights for their state. Seriously, I commend you for taking the time to do this, especially when you have to take a road trip to do so.
When you have to search long and hard for CONSERVATIVE candidates in the Republican Party, it’s worth the hour and 20 minute drive. Not to mention, there’s a mall over there. Heh.
Lt Gov Ramsey is blessed to have supporters like you. I hope that you will consider my candidacy as well. I would love to come and see you sometime.
The link to my blog, fb page, etc are all on the home page.
Thanks!
Well, sir, I will definitely look into ya!
I enjoyed the evening as well and although I may look 12 years old, my 35 year old body is showing some wear and tear from the 16 hour work days.
Our Campaign Staff and I attended 3 meet and greets in Gibson and Madison Co. Like always we had a great time with the supportive folks from the Gibson Co. GOP.
We happened to see several of Lt. Gov Ramsey’s presentations. I was impressed by his candor.
I invite all to visit our campaign website and learn more about the movement. http://www.craig4congress.com
Thank you!
Craig R. Steinfels
Craig, at my age, anyone under 40 looks pretty young! LOL No offense intended, I assure you!
35? Not even possible. I think someone gave you a phony BC. Ya can’t be more than 22! LOL