Andrew Breitbart: Fearless Man with a Heart of Gold

America has lost a profound, conservative voice today. Andrew Breitbart was a man unafraid to speak out in the name of conservatism, unafraid to take a stand when the liberal, mainstream media misstepped (a daily occurrence), and unafraid to defend those who needed defending the most. Yes, the conservative movement has lost a little piece of themselves today. I'll never forget the first time I had heard of Andrew Breitbart. It was four years ago. I had just started to become politically active and "Conservative Girl with a Voice" was just taking off when I started to see this guy everywhere on the news and on the Internet. It was then that a spark ignited inside of me. Here was a guy who was not afraid to call out the media when everyone else seemed to be sitting idly by on sidelines, quietly. I quickly came to realize this was who Andrew Breitbart really was. I remained amazed at how he managed to keep his cool when nasty progressives attacked him and attempted to destroy him. I don't think they got the memo that this was The Andrew Breitbart, a man who no one could take down.

I will never forget how amazingly cool it felt to learn that he knew about me and my blog shortly after I started writing. I almost fainted when he started following me on Twitter. For a guy of that caliber to take the time to read a new blog and follow the work of a new blogger just learning the ropes meant the world to me and other young, conservative writers like me, but that is who Andrew Breitbart was. I will never forget him or the lessons I learned from him. As someone tweeted this morning, "It is up to us. We are ALL Andrew Breitbart's now." How poignant and how so very true. The tears, shock and sadness will eventually fade away, little by little, but Andrew Breitbart, the activist and man will not. He will ALWAYS be right beside us, guiding us down the path to a better, freer, stronger America. Perhaps Sean Hannity put it best in a tweet he tweeted me this morning: "We can all learn from his fearlessness." Sean, yes we can. Rest in peace, Andrew. I will never forget you, your message and the way in which you ignited a spark inside of me to carry on and fight the good fight. Well done, Andrew, well done!!!

To Andrew's family and friends: My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

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Putting the Swagger Back into the Step of American Politics: My Choice for 2012

The election of 2008 forever changed the way I view politics. When Sarah Palin was introduced to the world, I immediately identified with her in so many ways. When she walked across that stage that early, fall morning in Ohio, in those chic red high heels, she immediately became a role model to me and so many other young women across the country. I remember thinking that it finally felt "cool" to be a Republican. Shortly thereafter, I started this blog at the urging of my friend, Lisa Grass, whom I am honored to know and call a friend. I will never forget Lisa telling me that through this blog, I could use my support for Sarah as a platform to spread her conservative message in combination with my joy for journalism and writing. Now, three years later, I cannot believe the people I have met and the many opportunities God has blessed me with. I will forever be grateful to Sarah Palin for everything she has done and will continue to do for our great country. She will forever have my full support.

Upon hearing the news that Sarah Palin would not be running for president, I was saddened, but respected her decision, for I knew that she had prayed about it and given it a lot of thought and made the decision that was best for her and her family. I have been so blessed to have met Sarah both in person and to have gotten a personal phone call from her earlier this year, thanking me for my support and for all I do for the conservative movement. This is the real Sarah Palin. I have gotten to know many people close to Sarah since 2008, including her parents Chuck and Sally who, upon learning my sister, friends and I were in Wasilla, Alaska, a couple summers ago, invited us to their home on a couple of occasions. I also had the opportunity to interview Bristol Palin twice, and what a sweetheart she is. It is so true what they say about Alaskans. They are the most generous, amazing people, and I am blessed to have become friends with so many of them. I cannot wait to return to Alaska this summer.


With Sarah's decision clear, I joined many other individuals who were on the journey to find a candidate to support in 2012. It did not take me long at all to find a candidate whom I am extremely honored to support. I am backing a candidate who, like Sarah Palin, is unafraid to step on a few toes in the name of standing up and speaking out the truth. This candidate has served our country well. As the son of World War II veteran and Air Force veteran himself, Governor Rick Perry knows first hand what our military men and women go through on a daily basis to keep us free. Of all of the candidates in the running, Governor Perry is the only candidate I have full faith in knowing he will be able to take that 3a.m. phone call and know how to appropriately respond. I have always been a fan of reformers, and I admire the way in which Governor Perry has governed. As his most recent advertisement states, he is a "doer," and that is exactly the kind if no-nonsense leadership we need. As a young woman, I look to the future, knowing that I want a president who will protect America and keep my family and me safe. Governor Perry IS this individual. As a social and fiscal conservative, Perry has illustrated that he is a true leader whom I am proud to support and formally throw my endorsement behind today on eve of Thanksgiving, a day in which I am thankful for a man of his caliber and steadfast leadership. Thank you, Governor Perry. This California girl is proud to support you; now, go get 'em!!!

Make sure to watch this inspiring video that Governor Perry posted on YouTube earlier today. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!




(Follow me on Twitter @RachelleFriberg.)

Thank You, Dad!!!

On this very special Fathers Day, I just wanted to write a brief post about how important fathers are to our lives. Like many of my readers out there, I have been blessed with a very special father. Not only did dad teach me the little things like fishing when I could barely walk, tying my shoes, riding my bike and atv, but he also taught me many of the most important lessons in life. One of the most important of these being nothing ever comes without hard work and determination. My father is one of the hardest working men I know. Not only is he a teacher at La Jolla High School here in San Diego, but he also helps my brother with his bounce house business on weekends. Through all of this, he always finds the time to be there for my sister, brother and I whenever we need him and for that, I am truly blessed.

My father is like many other fathers out there who balance work and family life. Being a father can be hard at times, especially in this day in age. By just by being an active father, children are taught valuable life long lessons that will guide them as they learn and grow. Being a father is all about quality time. Some of the best fathers I know are busy, busy guys, but they always find a way to spend quality time with their kids. Time is perhaps the most important gift a child will ever receive. Yes, tangible gifts can be great, but when looking back, it is the time spent with my dad that I remember most.

The memories dad has made with me and my siblings, as crazy as they may be, I wouldn't trade for any amount of money in the world; they are truly priceless! The time spent going over those pesky spelling words in grade school, fishing at the cabin, camping, hiking, riding quads and dirt bikes, attending sporting events, throwing the ball around in the backyard, as well as countless other events have shaped me into the woman I am today. So from the bottom of my heart, I wish all my readers a happy Fathers Day!!! Let us remember to not just thank and show our fathers how much they mean to us today, but everyday!!! You fathers rock!!!

(Follow me on Twitter @RachelleFriberg.)

Adrienne Ross' Exclusive Interview with a Former Palin Staffer who Calls Out Frank Bailey's Lies

My friend, and Motivation Truth blog founder, Adrienne Ross just posted an exclusive interview with former Sarah Palin staffer Tara Jollie. This interview is a must read as Ms. Jollie calls out Frank Bailey and the many lies he tells throughout his tabloid-filled book. Just a note to Frank Bailey: If you're looking for a job, try the National Enquirer. I'm sure you would finally be among your own.

Please click here to read the facts from the mouth of Ms. Jollie- a brave woman and a true patriot.

(Follow me on Twitter @RachelleFriberg.)

Gifts My Mother Gave to Me

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I love my mom. If that old notion is true that a girl's mom is her best friend, then my mom is definitely mine. For my entire life, my mom has always put us kids first, making sure that we were always loved and provided for. While my dad is awesome, and I love him to death, there is just something special about a girl's relationship with her mother. There are so many "girl moments" I can recall having with my mom while growing up. I can recall a ton of funny moments when we could not stop laughing and the difficult moments too when all I wanted to do was be held and cry on her shoulder. I know I am lucky when I can truly say that my mom has ALWAYS been there for this Conservative Girl with a Voice.

I definitely know there were times when my mom probably wanted to pull all of her hair out over the antics of my sister, brother and me, but she never quit believing in us. She has always taught me to dream big and set high goals for myself. I can still remember the little things she did like her helping to run the PTA, always being there to take me and pick me up from school and being the team mom for my softball teams. I will always remember the countless times my friends would comment on how "cool" my mom was and how much fun they had whenever they came over to my house. My mom has always been the perfect hostess, and she has taught me the importance of family, charity and putting others first. She has been there through think and thin- from consoling me in middle school over my "boy troubles" to taking me in her arms and telling me how proud she was of me even after I screwed up that pesky puzzle during my appearance on Wheel of Fortune last year. I am so blessed and thankful God gave me a mom who has never given up on me even during the times when I wanted to give up on myself.

I had a great childhood, full of so many ups, and mom made that possible. My mom is the individual who is responsible for the personal relationship I have with Jesus Christ. I will never forget sitting on the swing set- mom was on the swing beside me- when I was about five years old and accepting Jesus into my heart. I will forever be thankful to her and dad for bringing my brother, sister and I up in a loving, Christian home. My mom has taught me so much, and I cannot wait to have kids, so I can teach them the same valuable, life-long lessons she has taught me. One of the best lessons my mom has taught me is to always believe in myself and know that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to- no matter how big the goal. This whole "world is my oyster" philosophy sticks with me to this day. And with that, I will forever be grateful that I have a mom who has sacrificed so much for me. And for that I say, "Thanks mom! I LOVE YOU!!!"

(Follow me on Twitter @RachelleFriberg.)

Trig Palin: God's Precious Gift

Since when did it become funny to call someone "retarded"? By now, I am sure most of you are aware of the vicious actions made my a certain liberal, scum-filled website. Recently, this website had the audacity to refer to Sarah Palin's youngest son, Trig, as "retarded." When I first read this article and the comments that followed it, I was both appalled and saddened. My sadness soon turned to anger when I thought about the many people I am blessed to know with down syndrome and special needs. As someone who works with special needs students on a daily basis, I can tell you that individuals with special needs are the most kind-hearted, compassionate individuals you will ever have the chance to meet, and I learn valuable lessons from them daily. Not only are people with special needs kind and compassionate, but they are individuals too, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

One of the reasons I admire Sarah Palin so much is because she chose life for her sweet baby boy. In giving sweet Trig life, Sarah demonstrated her belief in life and her belief that every life has a purpose. I will never forget when my family sent little Trig an embroidered jacket shortly after the 2008 campaign. A couple weeks after sending Trig the gift, I got a note from Sarah thanking my family and I for the gift, telling us how much it meant to them and Trig. This is the kind of woman Sarah Palin is. She is the kind of woman who puts her family and God above all else. Trig is the pride and joy of both her and Todd's lives. This little boy deserves the same respect that any other child receives. It is time that people realize that individuals with special needs are humans too! To those who enjoy making fun of a child with special needs I say "Shame on you!" And to precious Trig and his family, I say "Thank you for showing me and the rest of the world just how amazing unconditional love can be."

I was forwarded an article (via Alaskans for Palin) written by my friend, Tracey Porreca, that I have decided to share with you below. I hope you find it as heartwarming and touching as I did. As we approach Easter this coming Sunday, let us remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the everlasting gift he bestowed upon us:

Alaska's Republican National Committeewoman Addresses Attacks Against Trig Palin

I was approached today by Debbie Joslin, Republican National Committeewoman for the State of Alaska, and friend of mine. She is also a friend of Sarah Palin and has known her for a long time. We started discussing the recent "Wonkette" article (see here)and Debbie mentioned she was writing an article to address it. I offered to share it with our readers and she accepted. Debbie has a lot of personal experience with this subject, as you will read. I'm so pleased to share this with all our readers. Thank you, Debbie, for this heartfelt article.

Please click here to read Debbie's inspiring words of wisdom.

(Follow me on Twitter @RachelleFriberg.)

UPDATE: Geraldine Ferraro: A Tribute

As many of you have heard, Geraldine Ferraro passed away this morning at the age of 75 from blood cancer. As a young woman, I have always admired Mrs. Ferraro because she did so much for women and helped to shatter a glass ceiling that at one time seemed unbreakable. Unlike many other Democrats, Mrs. Ferraro was unafraid to stand up and speak out against her own party, which made me respect her even more. I will never forget watching her on Fox News shortly after Sarah Palin was announced as John McCain's running mate. As a woman, she was so proud at the possibility of a woman holding the second-highest office in the land. Although she and Sarah disagreed on many, many issues, and Ferraro supported President Obama during the 2008 election, she looked past these differences, which speaks to her integrity, wisdom and strength of character.

As a young woman, I always will be grateful for Mrs. Ferraro's service and the sacrifice she made for her country. She forever will be a role model to me for everything she represented. Although she is no longer physically with us, her fight for women and her love of country will live on! Thank you, Geraldine, for everything you did for women like me! Thank you for defending women, regardless of party, and for never foundering in your mission for the advancement of women in politics and beyond! Thank you for your sacrifice and your steadfast, unwavering love for America!!! You will forever be missed!!!

I leave you with one of my favorite television clips of Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin together for the first time on Fox News. Click here to watch.

UPDATE: Make sure to click here to visit The Other McCain and read more about Sarah Palin's tribute to Geraldine Ferraro.

(Follow me on Twitter @RachelleFriberg.)