I am not currently any of those things, but I have been a "precinct captain" in the past and attended a state convention when I lived in Texas. 

It seems like a "semantic" (not quite the right word) distinction. Kind of like the show protest votes McConnell argued for about raising the debt ceiling last time. The GOP knows the Senate will not pass the first bill you mentioned (and even if they did, Obama would probably veto it). What is the difference between your second proposed bill and what Obama wants? Because that is the only one under this scenario that will become law. Any recession that follows will be blamed on the GOP regardless. 

They will blame the collapse on us anyway. I think it would be better to lose while fighting for our principles than as cowards. 

Well

I agree that Boehner will lose any negotiations he has with the President. Rather than that, isn't the constitutional way negotiating with Harry Reid? He should insist Reid publish a plan, and a budget! 

So, are you for any restrictions on immigration whatsoever?

I agree with you. I just had my "proposal" occur to me after a lengthy conversation with a Progressive friend of mine today. He insists on "compromise" as an end in itself with the only acceptable form of compromise being higher tax revenue (through eliminating deductions while keeping tax rates the same) in exchange for amorphous entitlement reform. 

I take your point about the law potentially being unwise, but doesn't ignoring the law because it makes economic sense to you undermine the rule of law and further erode its veneration? Also, how do you propose we deal with the challenges to civil society produced by unregulated mass-immigration (especially unskilled/illiterate)? Even if we eliminate the welfare state entirely, I am not sure the vision you advocate is sustainable. 

I'm with you!

I didn't read any of this conversation, but I just wanted to say GREAT post, Casey. I hope we take your advice. 

I don't know what will do it. 

I would not cite the deficit but the probable effects of continued borrowing from the FED--hyperinflation. Would that not do the trick? I hope someone else can think of something less disastrous.

Wish I'd seen this post before I posted, haha. Turnout seems high in rural Southern Michigan.

Started oddly, but then really finished strong

As BSA rules stand, I do not see a way for an open, vocal, homosexual to fulfill the requirements. 

I am an Eagle Scout and we had to take this oath at every meeting:

On my honor, I will do my best 
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; 
To help other people at all times; 
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

To me, this guy violated the "Scout Law" provision of his oath. Therefore, he does not seem to meet all the requirements of the Eagle Rank. Whether this should be amended for the future is another question. 

Great post! What do you think the chances are that Paul Ryan will take some of your advice and clearly articulate some of these principles in the debate next week?