The Left and their cohorts in the media love a personal story to illustrate the need for a government-centered society. Here’s one they wish they could manipulate.
It’s the story of a single mother who sacrificed a lot to raise her only son in Puerto Rico. Rather than teach him that he’s a victim of his circumstances in life, his mother taught him that with hard work and good character, he could achieve anything. She taught him that the success of others should be emulated, not envied.
Eventually, the woman took her now-teenage son to Las Vegas, where she worked long hours in the hospitality industry. She also enrolled at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. She took one class per semester until she earned her degree in education and became a teacher.
Meanwhile, the boy learned from his mother's work ethic and determination. They were deeply involved in their church, which provided him with a foundation of faith and guidance from adult leaders who helped him reach his full potential. The young man went on to earn a degree from Brigham Young University and then a law degree from University of Washington School of Law.
The media loves a compelling story, but few have heard about the journey of Ana and her son, Representative Raúl Labrador of Idaho. After practicing law for several years, he ran and won a seat in the Idaho state legislature in 2006. Then in 2010, he won his congressional seat. In his first term he has received accolades from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Club for Growth. Even more impressive, he was named one of the “Ten Scariest Republicans Heading to Congress” by the left-wing People for the American Way.
Rep. Labrador has been leading the charge for Attorney General Eric Holder to resign because of Operation Fast and Furious. During a heated hearing exchange, Holder said to him, “That was among the worst things I think I’ve ever seen in Congress. And maybe this is the way you do things in Idaho or wherever you’re from.”
Anyone that raises the ire of Eric Holder and People for the American Way certainly deserves our support.
1. If there were a television channel that showed only one movie over and over, what movie should it be?
Depends on the mood. If I want to laugh, “The Wedding Singer." It has great 80s music and great cultural references from my high school days. On the other hand, if I want a serious movie, I would watch "The Shawshank Redemption."
2. What’s one of your favorite movie quotes?
“There’s a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure they have it.” –William Wallace, “Braveheart”
3. In A Clockwork Orange, Malcolm McDowell is strapped in with his eyes propped open and forced to watch images until he was "cured." If you could give President Obama, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid the "Clockwork Orange treatment," what movie would you make them watch?
I would force them to watch "Waiting for Superman."
4. What pop culture souvenir do you own that people would be surprised to learn that you cherish?
A Roberto Clemente baseball card.
5. What’s your current “guilty pleasure” non-news television show?
Hands down, it’s “Psych” on USA. Great show!
6. What’s the best present you ever received as a child?
When I was 9 years old, I was very excited to receive two “Star Wars” figurines, Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo, from Santa Claus.
7.What was the first rock concert you ever attended, where did you sit and who went with you?
The first concert I ever attended was New Edition featuring Bobby Brown. I was in high school in Las Vegas, and I went with a bunch of my friends. I sat right in the middle about halfway to the stage. My first rock concert was also in high school. The main act was Ratt, and the opening act was this little band from New Jersey, Bon Jovi.
8. What advice do you remember your mother or father giving you? Did you take it?
My mom, who was a single mother, often told me to that I could accomplish anything I wanted to accomplish in life if I “worked hard, played by the rules and obtained an education." I did take it. She also told me to never interrupt the grown-ups when they were speaking. I never quite followed that advice.
9. If Republicans and Democrats had theme songs for 2012, what would they be?
For the Republicans, it would definitely be “Eye of the Tiger.” I love that song! For the Democrats, it would be CeeLo Green’s “Forget You,” especially since they have already embraced the explicit version at a fundraiser for President Obama.
10. What’s the coolest thing you’ve been able to do because of your role in the political arena?
There have been two events that stick out the most to me. First, I had the opportunity to visit our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, I loved taking my wife and daughter to the White House Christmas Party. It’s a memory we will cherish forever.
11. What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
A good steak cooked on the grill with a side of Puerto Rican rice and beans.
12. Tell me about the moment you decided to enter the political arena.
My mother had always been a Democrat while we lived in Puerto Rico. When she and I moved to Las Vegas, in 1981, one of the first things she did was register to vote. To my surprise, she registered as a Republican. This switch struck me as monumental. When I asked her why she switched, she explained to me how Ronald Reagan gave her hope and made her very proud to be an American. That sparked my interest in President Reagan and as I learned more about him and his ideals, it created in interest in politics that would grow in me the rest of my life.
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