Monday, 4 February 2008
Feb 3
This Rig's Not Moving - But Huckabee is!
Still in Denton. Haven't received the call to head east.
We've flooded Texas with 300+ signs and it's time to move the rest of these signs out. I will always miss my time on the road. Rolling down the highway is great (hard to knit with all the bouncing), but it's all the people along the way - the men and woman who serve, bringing us materials that we so often take for granted. These laborers are my new found heroes! They are The American Truckers. Thank You Trucker Randy for a Ride to Remember.
I call a taxi and head toward Dallas International. The driver is a Vietnam Vet kitted out in jeans, vest, skull and cross-bones bandanna, goatee and the long hair/sideburns. Our time together is spent discussing taxes and how Gov. handouts so often keep people from ever discovering their full potential by making and keeping them dependent. This resonates, because he is a Working Man by Golly! He was a Hillary supporter for the first 15 miles, and a Huckabee man when we pulled into departures. He asked for my "Mike for President" pin. I happily gave it to him.
My Mother's Girl.
I come from a Military background (WPAFB). My dad died in an Air Force plane crash when I was 3 yrs leaving my mom with three girls - 5 yrs and under. I can't remember a July 4th when mom didn't belt out the Star Spangle Banner or America the Beautiful as the local fighter jets roared down Main Street during the parade. I watched her tear up every year with patriotism and today, at Dallas Airport, I became my mother's girl.
Flying Back to the Buckeye State.
Dallas to Dayton is about a two hour trip. When I realized the woman next to me didn't speak English, I went to the loo and saw Carlos sitting by himself. Now that I lack the Fear-Gene, approaching people is not a problem. "Hi, who are you voting for?" "Hillary." With my new learned Texas draw, "Now, Why would you want to do that?! Aw, You must like to pay taxes." Carlos works for an American steel Co. We talked Chinese steel vs American steel and tied it into the benefits of having the Fairtax. He likes the sound of it all so I gave him some literature and hoped for his vote.
Dayton Airport.
My luggage is lost. I tell the woman at the service desk that I don't care so much about the two black duffel bags, "just get me my 'Trucks for Hucks' sign boxes." I turn around and starting talking to another couple whose luggage went astray when coming from Phoenix. I ask them about the local buzz on McCain. My poor mom tells me to stop talking to everyone and says she'll now wait outside. The service attendant says my luggage will be delivered tonight around 4am and for me to leave instructions. The couple coming from Arizona give me their business card (they sell crystals) and ask me to come to their shop in Yellow Springs, Ohio - Home of Phil Donahue's first televised news reports on the Vietnam Hippie Sit-In. Stay Tuned.
Best Is Yet to Come.
I'm Dead asleep. At 4:08am my phone rings. "Hello, I have your luggage. I'm sitting in your driveway." I race downstairs to unlock the door. Mike Ruby is a tidy and clean looking man. Even at 4 in the morning, he's extremely pleasant! Still a bit groggy but programed to utter the name Huckabee into every conversation - conscience or unconscious, I announce, "Those heavy boxes are full of 'Mike Huckabee for President' signs." About 15 minutes into the conversation I glance over and see Ivana Trump in the window's reflection. It's me. I went to bed with wet hair and it's now standing 2 feet high! My newly discovered Can't-Be Bothered-Gene kicks into gear and I carry on for the next 45 minutes. Amazing, this man is not churched but knows more Biblical history than many AND...get this, he learned it all on the Discovery Channel! We talk about Constantine, the Nicene Counsel, the incredible evidence supporting Christ, and how funny it is that after Christ died - traveling to hell and back and raised three days later - one of the first things out of his mouth is, "Do You Have Anything Here to Eat?" (Luke 24:41) "Now isn't that just like a man! The guy's hungry." I offer Mike some tea/coffee. He declines but leaves with 2 'Truck' signs and a want to know more about Christ.
I don't think this day could have been more exciting.
Still in Denton. Haven't received the call to head east.
We've flooded Texas with 300+ signs and it's time to move the rest of these signs out. I will always miss my time on the road. Rolling down the highway is great (hard to knit with all the bouncing), but it's all the people along the way - the men and woman who serve, bringing us materials that we so often take for granted. These laborers are my new found heroes! They are The American Truckers. Thank You Trucker Randy for a Ride to Remember.
I call a taxi and head toward Dallas International. The driver is a Vietnam Vet kitted out in jeans, vest, skull and cross-bones bandanna, goatee and the long hair/sideburns. Our time together is spent discussing taxes and how Gov. handouts so often keep people from ever discovering their full potential by making and keeping them dependent. This resonates, because he is a Working Man by Golly! He was a Hillary supporter for the first 15 miles, and a Huckabee man when we pulled into departures. He asked for my "Mike for President" pin. I happily gave it to him.
My Mother's Girl.
I come from a Military background (WPAFB). My dad died in an Air Force plane crash when I was 3 yrs leaving my mom with three girls - 5 yrs and under. I can't remember a July 4th when mom didn't belt out the Star Spangle Banner or America the Beautiful as the local fighter jets roared down Main Street during the parade. I watched her tear up every year with patriotism and today, at Dallas Airport, I became my mother's girl.
More American Heroes.
Today, all over Dallas International Airport soldiers are returning from and departing to the Middle East. A reception line comprising of war heroes and aging vets is planted right next to my check-in counter. While American Airlines work on my ticket, I join the reception line. Every Marine and Army man/woman who walks down this line shakes the hands of the men and woman who have bravely gone before them. Being the last one in line and knowing that prayer is the only thing that ALWAYS works, I told them that we'd all be praying for them and that God loved each one. It was as though they were flying down Main Street. It was difficult to hold back the tears.
Flying Back to the Buckeye State.
Dallas to Dayton is about a two hour trip. When I realized the woman next to me didn't speak English, I went to the loo and saw Carlos sitting by himself. Now that I lack the Fear-Gene, approaching people is not a problem. "Hi, who are you voting for?" "Hillary." With my new learned Texas draw, "Now, Why would you want to do that?! Aw, You must like to pay taxes." Carlos works for an American steel Co. We talked Chinese steel vs American steel and tied it into the benefits of having the Fairtax. He likes the sound of it all so I gave him some literature and hoped for his vote.
Dayton Airport.
My luggage is lost. I tell the woman at the service desk that I don't care so much about the two black duffel bags, "just get me my 'Trucks for Hucks' sign boxes." I turn around and starting talking to another couple whose luggage went astray when coming from Phoenix. I ask them about the local buzz on McCain. My poor mom tells me to stop talking to everyone and says she'll now wait outside. The service attendant says my luggage will be delivered tonight around 4am and for me to leave instructions. The couple coming from Arizona give me their business card (they sell crystals) and ask me to come to their shop in Yellow Springs, Ohio - Home of Phil Donahue's first televised news reports on the Vietnam Hippie Sit-In. Stay Tuned.
Best Is Yet to Come.
I'm Dead asleep. At 4:08am my phone rings. "Hello, I have your luggage. I'm sitting in your driveway." I race downstairs to unlock the door. Mike Ruby is a tidy and clean looking man. Even at 4 in the morning, he's extremely pleasant! Still a bit groggy but programed to utter the name Huckabee into every conversation - conscience or unconscious, I announce, "Those heavy boxes are full of 'Mike Huckabee for President' signs." About 15 minutes into the conversation I glance over and see Ivana Trump in the window's reflection. It's me. I went to bed with wet hair and it's now standing 2 feet high! My newly discovered Can't-Be Bothered-Gene kicks into gear and I carry on for the next 45 minutes. Amazing, this man is not churched but knows more Biblical history than many AND...get this, he learned it all on the Discovery Channel! We talk about Constantine, the Nicene Counsel, the incredible evidence supporting Christ, and how funny it is that after Christ died - traveling to hell and back and raised three days later - one of the first things out of his mouth is, "Do You Have Anything Here to Eat?" (Luke 24:41) "Now isn't that just like a man! The guy's hungry." I offer Mike some tea/coffee. He declines but leaves with 2 'Truck' signs and a want to know more about Christ.
I don't think this day could have been more exciting.
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Feb 1 - 2
The 5 Star Day.
Today we carried a Haz-Mat (Hazzard Materials) load 44 miles to Denton Texas. The GPS was messing us about so Randy slowed the truck down to a speed that I, being the daredevil that I am thought, "Ummm, I can jump out at this speed, get what I need and then run and catch up with this rig." No sooner and just up ahead did I see a Starbucks - and it was on my side giving me reason to think this whole idea was divinely inspired (at least it would be a good memory). What a friend! Right there on a busy business road, Trucker Randy stops our truck. I leap from the cab, bolt into the shop, ask the man last in line if he'd buy me a Latte while I used the Loo (British for restroom) and quickly handed him a Fiver. When I return, the coffee is not ready, so of course he is going to hear about Mike. That's when I heard HONK HONK. I grab the man's arm and ask him to run with me to the truck. Sadly, he has no family to think about for future reasons so I just tell him as I jump back in the cab, "Mike will Save You Money." I now pray this man finds a family more than anything else I could ask for or from him.
I love wholesome food. Junk food addicts find my love for avocados, carrots, fruit and plain full-fat yoghurt rather boring. While on this trip, Cracker Barrel is now - in my book - The 5* gourmet eatery of choice. BONUS: It's a great place to talk about Mike. While waiting for my Grilled Chicken Salad I dashed out to the truck for a phone charger. On the way, I saw a woman sitting in her car - just waiting. Twenty minutes later, she was still there. I approached her. Her story brought Praise for a God who loves us, but also tears for a world gone mad. This woman was waiting for her granddaughter to finish up her shift inside the restaurant. She reveled that her daughter had died 6 months ago and she - the grandmother - now cares for all five grandkids. We thanked God that we have a future meeting place.
Following Day: We're at the Barrel once again eating our *5 food. A tall older gent and his lovely wife come directly up and ask about the laptop on the table. Jeese Cook is a retired Baptist Preacher who has met Mike. Both he and his wife will vote Huckabee. Yeah!!
Now I'm downing my turkey on toasted whole-wheat sandwich when I notice our table has two Cracker Barrel games (take a peg, jump over and take the adjacent one) and hand it over to the two young college age students having a lunch together. Trucker Randy shows them how to win the game and we all start talking politics. Coming into the Barrel they liked Hillary. Going out - Huckabee.
Today we carried a Haz-Mat (Hazzard Materials) load 44 miles to Denton Texas. The GPS was messing us about so Randy slowed the truck down to a speed that I, being the daredevil that I am thought, "Ummm, I can jump out at this speed, get what I need and then run and catch up with this rig." No sooner and just up ahead did I see a Starbucks - and it was on my side giving me reason to think this whole idea was divinely inspired (at least it would be a good memory). What a friend! Right there on a busy business road, Trucker Randy stops our truck. I leap from the cab, bolt into the shop, ask the man last in line if he'd buy me a Latte while I used the Loo (British for restroom) and quickly handed him a Fiver. When I return, the coffee is not ready, so of course he is going to hear about Mike. That's when I heard HONK HONK. I grab the man's arm and ask him to run with me to the truck. Sadly, he has no family to think about for future reasons so I just tell him as I jump back in the cab, "Mike will Save You Money." I now pray this man finds a family more than anything else I could ask for or from him.
I love wholesome food. Junk food addicts find my love for avocados, carrots, fruit and plain full-fat yoghurt rather boring. While on this trip, Cracker Barrel is now - in my book - The 5* gourmet eatery of choice. BONUS: It's a great place to talk about Mike. While waiting for my Grilled Chicken Salad I dashed out to the truck for a phone charger. On the way, I saw a woman sitting in her car - just waiting. Twenty minutes later, she was still there. I approached her. Her story brought Praise for a God who loves us, but also tears for a world gone mad. This woman was waiting for her granddaughter to finish up her shift inside the restaurant. She reveled that her daughter had died 6 months ago and she - the grandmother - now cares for all five grandkids. We thanked God that we have a future meeting place.
Following Day: We're at the Barrel once again eating our *5 food. A tall older gent and his lovely wife come directly up and ask about the laptop on the table. Jeese Cook is a retired Baptist Preacher who has met Mike. Both he and his wife will vote Huckabee. Yeah!!
Now I'm downing my turkey on toasted whole-wheat sandwich when I notice our table has two Cracker Barrel games (take a peg, jump over and take the adjacent one) and hand it over to the two young college age students having a lunch together. Trucker Randy shows them how to win the game and we all start talking politics. Coming into the Barrel they liked Hillary. Going out - Huckabee.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Jan 31 - Waking Up in Sunny Texas
Jan 31.
Waking up to a bright, sunny 43 degree morning just south of Dallas Texas. No sore arm. Went into the forgotten world of Wal-mart and replaced the bits that fell out of my duffel bag when the zipper opened at Dallas International giving all the baggage handlers and other passengers at the luggage carousel an embarrassing peek into my undergarment style.
Drove into Dallas and met up with Bobby (Meet-Up). Bobby took a box of 50 Trucks for Huck signs - Bobby now needs volunteers to help hand out the message and signs no later than this Saturday morning (If you're in Dallas, please give Bobby a call. You will not forget working with the American Trucker). Thank You Bobby for your enthusiasm and faithful team work for the TFH effort.
We then prayed. Bobby lead us in prayer for direction, guidance and above all whatever is pleasing to you Lord.
Waiting....for that dispatch call. Please Pray for a Long Haul - Heading East.
Waking up to a bright, sunny 43 degree morning just south of Dallas Texas. No sore arm. Went into the forgotten world of Wal-mart and replaced the bits that fell out of my duffel bag when the zipper opened at Dallas International giving all the baggage handlers and other passengers at the luggage carousel an embarrassing peek into my undergarment style.
Drove into Dallas and met up with Bobby (Meet-Up). Bobby took a box of 50 Trucks for Huck signs - Bobby now needs volunteers to help hand out the message and signs no later than this Saturday morning (If you're in Dallas, please give Bobby a call. You will not forget working with the American Trucker). Thank You Bobby for your enthusiasm and faithful team work for the TFH effort.
We then prayed. Bobby lead us in prayer for direction, guidance and above all whatever is pleasing to you Lord.
Waiting....for that dispatch call. Please Pray for a Long Haul - Heading East.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Jan 30
Still in Laredo and waiting for a load.
Captain Vern, Trucker Randy and I eat breakfast. Next to us is Tammy (not real name). She sits by herself so I go over for a chat. She supports Hillary. We talk about abortion, her ex-husband, kids that don't keep in touch and promises not kept. I believe 1 -3/4 hours have passed when she says, "I can't vote. I'm German." I didn't mind one bit. I liked her too much to think about the election.
In the world of trucking one day you meet someone new, wake up the next and they're gone. In the wee hours of the morning, many truckers spring into action when their dispatchers call with a job. In the quiet of the night, you'll hear engines turning over and wheels start to roll. Friends come and go but hopefully paths will cross again at the next truckstop
After a grande day of talking about Huckabee and hanging up signs - Randy's dispatcher calls - it's around 4:30 pm.
We're off and rolling toward Dallas where we'll stop in San Antonio to meet up with Adam Z's lovely family. Adam's wife and three kids take a box of Huck Signs home to distribute. We grab a quick bite and then we're back on the road.
We pulled into a rest stop about 1 am. I'm tired and already decked out in my favorite gnome decorated, thick flannel, jammies. That's when I forgot an important factor of riding in a Semi - you're sitting up high. I then stepped out of the truck like it's was a car - BAMM. I dropped 5 feet down and laid there on the concrete laughing. Randy jumped out frantically saying over and over "ARE YOU OK?" All I could do was laugh.
There was not a scratch - God is So Good! I do hope the other truckers who had the privilege of seeing the lady in her gnome printed jammies enjoyed the show.
Captain Vern, Trucker Randy and I eat breakfast. Next to us is Tammy (not real name). She sits by herself so I go over for a chat. She supports Hillary. We talk about abortion, her ex-husband, kids that don't keep in touch and promises not kept. I believe 1 -3/4 hours have passed when she says, "I can't vote. I'm German." I didn't mind one bit. I liked her too much to think about the election.
In the world of trucking one day you meet someone new, wake up the next and they're gone. In the wee hours of the morning, many truckers spring into action when their dispatchers call with a job. In the quiet of the night, you'll hear engines turning over and wheels start to roll. Friends come and go but hopefully paths will cross again at the next truckstop
After a grande day of talking about Huckabee and hanging up signs - Randy's dispatcher calls - it's around 4:30 pm.
We're off and rolling toward Dallas where we'll stop in San Antonio to meet up with Adam Z's lovely family. Adam's wife and three kids take a box of Huck Signs home to distribute. We grab a quick bite and then we're back on the road.
We pulled into a rest stop about 1 am. I'm tired and already decked out in my favorite gnome decorated, thick flannel, jammies. That's when I forgot an important factor of riding in a Semi - you're sitting up high. I then stepped out of the truck like it's was a car - BAMM. I dropped 5 feet down and laid there on the concrete laughing. Randy jumped out frantically saying over and over "ARE YOU OK?" All I could do was laugh.
There was not a scratch - God is So Good! I do hope the other truckers who had the privilege of seeing the lady in her gnome printed jammies enjoyed the show.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Jan 29
Hello from the Flying J Truckstop in Laredo TX.
In just 2 days we've managed to hand out over 1000 flyers. We only have 400 left. The flyer is specifically geared to the heart of a trucker - I cannot tell you how important these are to this campaign.
Great story:
Yesterday I'm having breakfast with two cowboy truckers and pitching Mike. The one cowboy wants to talk about Area 51 conspiracy theories - the other, his past failures. I love these conversations but really want to hit the 10 all-important Mike Huckabee points that are on the flyer. God is patient with me, and by golly, I was going to patient with them (plus, when you look into these eyes - there is always an interesting, bitter-sweet story underneath it all.
The conspiracy cowboy left, I said my good-byes and thought the man would probably vote McCain. I spent another 30 minutes taking to this other lovely cowboy. What character! After we spoke about his 3 marriages, the laziness of kids today, the sins we'd committed, the price of fuel and the price of an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord - he took a sign. I thanked God for my patience.
Two hours later, I'm walking through the truck lot when I hear this HONK-HONK. Glancing over I see through the window of a moving truck a man pointing to me and adamantly motioning ME to come over. That's when my pace opened right up - in the opposite direction! I thought this man thinks I'm a Lot Lizard (2 days at this and I know the lingo for a hooker). THEN...he abruptly stops his truck - door opens and he's walk/running toward me like a man who just came out of the saddle. OK, OK my body takes a don't-mess-with-me shape. I can barely hear him over my heart-beat say, "Hey, I had breakfast with you this morning. Come back." Sure enough, without his cowboy hat on, he looked mighty different. It was the conspiracy cowboy and he had just gotten off the phone with his lady. He said, "My wife thinks Huckabee is the right man. What can I do to help?"
My patience paid off (It wasn't difficult because I do love these life-conversations). My conspiracy cowboy took 50 signs to hand out on the road plus a wad of flyers....and all I did was have a nice breakfast.
In just 2 days we've managed to hand out over 1000 flyers. We only have 400 left. The flyer is specifically geared to the heart of a trucker - I cannot tell you how important these are to this campaign.
Great story:
Yesterday I'm having breakfast with two cowboy truckers and pitching Mike. The one cowboy wants to talk about Area 51 conspiracy theories - the other, his past failures. I love these conversations but really want to hit the 10 all-important Mike Huckabee points that are on the flyer. God is patient with me, and by golly, I was going to patient with them (plus, when you look into these eyes - there is always an interesting, bitter-sweet story underneath it all.
The conspiracy cowboy left, I said my good-byes and thought the man would probably vote McCain. I spent another 30 minutes taking to this other lovely cowboy. What character! After we spoke about his 3 marriages, the laziness of kids today, the sins we'd committed, the price of fuel and the price of an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord - he took a sign. I thanked God for my patience.
Two hours later, I'm walking through the truck lot when I hear this HONK-HONK. Glancing over I see through the window of a moving truck a man pointing to me and adamantly motioning ME to come over. That's when my pace opened right up - in the opposite direction! I thought this man thinks I'm a Lot Lizard (2 days at this and I know the lingo for a hooker). THEN...he abruptly stops his truck - door opens and he's walk/running toward me like a man who just came out of the saddle. OK, OK my body takes a don't-mess-with-me shape. I can barely hear him over my heart-beat say, "Hey, I had breakfast with you this morning. Come back." Sure enough, without his cowboy hat on, he looked mighty different. It was the conspiracy cowboy and he had just gotten off the phone with his lady. He said, "My wife thinks Huckabee is the right man. What can I do to help?"
My patience paid off (It wasn't difficult because I do love these life-conversations). My conspiracy cowboy took 50 signs to hand out on the road plus a wad of flyers....and all I did was have a nice breakfast.
Please Take A Look at Everything Around You: Lights, Chairs, Clothing, Soap. If God Didn't Bring It, The American Trucker Did!
Monday, 28 January 2008
Sunday, 27 January 2008
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
LET'S HUCK UP THE HIGHWAYS!
First, A Big Thank You To Everyone who Supported This Effort -
Financially, Physically But Most Powerfully, With Prayer.
STARTING THIS SATURDAY THERE WILL BE 500 "TRUCKS FOR HUCK"
HUCKIN UP THE HIGHWAYS OF AMERICA.
HUCKIN UP THE HIGHWAYS OF AMERICA.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THIS EFFORT, PLEASE
WRITE THE ADDRESS BELOW.
(We Are Getting the signs out before Super Tuesday)
WRITE THE ADDRESS BELOW.
(We Are Getting the signs out before Super Tuesday)
For Every $10 Given -
You'll Support One More Huck Truck.
You'll Support One More Huck Truck.
Hit the Highways With a Huck Truck.
and don't forget to HONK!
and don't forget to HONK!
This New Grassroots Movement is Asking for ALL Truck Drivers to Help Light Up the Highways with a "Trucks for Huck" Sign Proudly Displayed on Their Rigs!
DESCRIPTION:
- 500 Magnetic Door Signs (15"x20" ) Will be Ready for Distribution on Jan 28th (Thanks to Randy Bishop for picking them up)
- Let Us Know If You Can Help Distribute Signs To Other Truckers by Contacting Us (Details Below)
- Until then, Make Your Own Sign (I Personally Love the Homemade Ones). Get Your Kids Involved.... Wash Off Spray Paint, Big Signs on the Back - Get Creative!!!
- Send Us Pictures of Your Decorated Rig.
- Check Back Here Daily For More News and Stay Tuned to Your CB....and That's a big 10-4.
The Huck's Hitting the Highways!
TO DONATE CONTACT: TrucksForHuck@gmail.com
GOD BLESS ALL YOUR
FAITHFUL EFFORTS!
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Randy Bishop
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=1176
JANUARY 15, 2008 - 08:59 PM
RANDY BISHOP REPORTING
by Michigan HQ
Randy Bishop is a truck driver by trade and a dedicated Mike Huckabee supporter. He sent in this report about his travels and events over the last few days getting the word out about Mike Huckabee.
Hey Everyone,
I don't know how Gov. and Mrs. Huckabee keep up with their busy schedule! After driving down from Traverse City to the Birch Run event on Friday, getting signs, a banner, and other supplies, I drove back home and went to bed about 1:00 am.
I started out Saturday morning at 6:30 am, and got out to my pickup truck which was covered in a fresh lake effect snow. I headed up to the Northern Michigan Voter's Fair & Straw Poll and setup a table right up front between the Romney and McCain tables. Great turnout and we answered alot of really good questions about Mike and his positions. The organizer gave us access to a laptop that had a high-speed connection to the web, that displayed it's screen on a overhead projector which showed up on the stage's huge big screen. So we ran YouTube videos of Mike all day long.
I left the Fair about 4:00 pm, and headed over to the Ronald Reagan Dinner/Charlevoix GOP fundraiser. I put out some yard signs out on the shoulder of the road, in the driveway and was able to park in the very first spot, which was a straight shot viewable from the small entrance driveway. So I put a yard sign on my rear bumper, which was right between my FairTax bumper stickers. The Huckabee sign greeted everyone as they arrived at the event (over 150 people including Duncan Hunter and all the other speakers)!
I was the first person there, besides the host, Charlevoix GOP Chairman - Wes Dillworth (Romney supporter) and his family. I chose to sit at the very first table on the right, next to the bar (even though I don't drink).
People started trickling in about 5:15, and then walked in U.S. Congressman-Peter Hoekstra R-MI. Wes Dillworth was setting up behind the bar and Peter walked over to Wes to say hello. They shook hands, and Wes asked Peter, "so how are we doing in the tracking"? Congressman Hoekstra said..."McCain is drawing smaller crowds than us, but Huckabee is kicking our {backsides}". Right then, Wes happened to look over and see me sitting behind my laptop, and leaned back and whispered something to Peter. Peter immediately looked over at me and nodded...I simply smiled at him and nodded back. This exchange really boosted my confidence to speak in front of the group on behalf of Gov. Huckabee.
The event finally started late at 7:00 pm... We started by having the local sheriff leading us through the Pledge of Allegiance, then a local pastor lead us through a prayer, and then we had a buffet style dinner.
Presidential Candidate/U.S. Congressman-California Duncan Hunter started it off, by giving a great speech. He brought his wife and his son, Duncan Jr. who just got back from Iraq and is running for office in California.
Next, Ex-Presidential Candidate/U.S. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, spoke and asked us to support John McCain for President.
Next, U.S. Congressman-Peter Hoekstra R-MI, spoke about Mitt Romney .
Oh, I forgot to mention...prior to the speeches starting, I had given the emcee my name to put on his lineup sheet. When I told him my name, he asked me what office I held? I said, "I don't hold an office, I'm a Truck Driver and I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for President, and I'm sorry I don't own a suit so I'm a little under dressed (Black & Silver pullover sweater and black dress slacks), so if you could please tell the audience that when you introduce me, I'd appreciate it." He said OK.
"Next, we have Randy Bishop speaking on why he's supporting Mike Huckabee for President. Randy is a Truck Driver, and he wanted to apologize for being "undressed" for this evening's event because he doesn't own a suit, so here's Randy". (I got more applause than Sam or Peter, they were very nice to me). I told Duncan Hunter, that Gov. Huckabee told me to say Hello....Duncan said, "Tell Mike I said Hi Back"...the audience applauded.
I started off by telling them a little about my trucking business. I told them that I drive an average of four (4) times around the world per year (100,000 miles), using 16,662 gallons of diesel fuel, which cost $53,357 in 2007. After corporate taxes, truck payments, repair bills, insurances, and a semi's license plate ($1,850 per year) I end up with less than 30% to claim as my personal income, which I then have to pay personal taxes on... and end up with less than 22% of my gross income to actually live on and pay for my personal expenses. Needless to say, the entire room was shaking their heads in disgust and amazement.
I told them about Jim Gilchrist, the founder of the Minutemen Project, and how he interviewed all of the candidates for President. Jim told me personally in Traverse City this week, that the Democratic candidates, "don't even think we have a problem with illegal immigration", and out of all of the Republican candidates, that Mike Huckabee has a real solution to this problem and that's why Jim Gilchrist endorsed Mike Huckabee for President. I told them to go to MikeHuckabee.com under Issues, and read his 9 point strategy listed as his Secure America Plan.
Also, I told them that Mike wants to close the IRS, shut it down and replace it with the "FairTax". I explained that it's a consumption tax and does not tax us on our productivity. I told them to go to MikeHuckabee.com and read more about it there. But more importantly, all these illegal workers would start paying into our tax system when they bought their necessities to live. Other people who get paid in cash, and even visitors to this country (like all of the Canadians who cross over from Windsor into Detroit, or Sarnia into Port Huron) and many others would start paying into our Federal Treasury. Many applauded right then.
I finished by saying simply, Mike Huckabee wants to seal the border, have all of us not be penalized for our labor and profits, and get the U.S. economy booming like we have never seen before in our lifetime!!! That's just some of the reasons I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for President"! The room broke out in a huge, loud applause.
I stayed for the other politicians and listened to their speeches. When it was over, I had no less than 20-25 people come over and tell me that they were switching their vote, and would be voting for Mike Huckabee. A former judge, (I promised not to tell you his name) came up to me and said, "you were the most credible guy on that stage tonight, the rest of them were just politicians"! That made me feel good for Mike.
Gov. Huckabee, I tried to do my best for you. I hope I didn't say anything to hurt your campaign or anything that you didn't want me to bring up...but like I told you at the Birch Run Rally, "I'm just a Truck Driver, who wants you to be our next President".
God Bless you and Janet! I think God has a hand in everything we all are doing in this campaign and hopefully we will deliver a win in Michigan for you this Tuesday.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you,
Randy
JANUARY 15, 2008 - 08:59 PM
RANDY BISHOP REPORTING
by Michigan HQ
Randy Bishop is a truck driver by trade and a dedicated Mike Huckabee supporter. He sent in this report about his travels and events over the last few days getting the word out about Mike Huckabee.
Hey Everyone,
I don't know how Gov. and Mrs. Huckabee keep up with their busy schedule! After driving down from Traverse City to the Birch Run event on Friday, getting signs, a banner, and other supplies, I drove back home and went to bed about 1:00 am.
I started out Saturday morning at 6:30 am, and got out to my pickup truck which was covered in a fresh lake effect snow. I headed up to the Northern Michigan Voter's Fair & Straw Poll and setup a table right up front between the Romney and McCain tables. Great turnout and we answered alot of really good questions about Mike and his positions. The organizer gave us access to a laptop that had a high-speed connection to the web, that displayed it's screen on a overhead projector which showed up on the stage's huge big screen. So we ran YouTube videos of Mike all day long.
I left the Fair about 4:00 pm, and headed over to the Ronald Reagan Dinner/Charlevoix GOP fundraiser. I put out some yard signs out on the shoulder of the road, in the driveway and was able to park in the very first spot, which was a straight shot viewable from the small entrance driveway. So I put a yard sign on my rear bumper, which was right between my FairTax bumper stickers. The Huckabee sign greeted everyone as they arrived at the event (over 150 people including Duncan Hunter and all the other speakers)!
I was the first person there, besides the host, Charlevoix GOP Chairman - Wes Dillworth (Romney supporter) and his family. I chose to sit at the very first table on the right, next to the bar (even though I don't drink).
People started trickling in about 5:15, and then walked in U.S. Congressman-Peter Hoekstra R-MI. Wes Dillworth was setting up behind the bar and Peter walked over to Wes to say hello. They shook hands, and Wes asked Peter, "so how are we doing in the tracking"? Congressman Hoekstra said..."McCain is drawing smaller crowds than us, but Huckabee is kicking our {backsides}". Right then, Wes happened to look over and see me sitting behind my laptop, and leaned back and whispered something to Peter. Peter immediately looked over at me and nodded...I simply smiled at him and nodded back. This exchange really boosted my confidence to speak in front of the group on behalf of Gov. Huckabee.
The event finally started late at 7:00 pm... We started by having the local sheriff leading us through the Pledge of Allegiance, then a local pastor lead us through a prayer, and then we had a buffet style dinner.
Presidential Candidate/U.S. Congressman-California Duncan Hunter started it off, by giving a great speech. He brought his wife and his son, Duncan Jr. who just got back from Iraq and is running for office in California.
Next, Ex-Presidential Candidate/U.S. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, spoke and asked us to support John McCain for President.
Next, U.S. Congressman-Peter Hoekstra R-MI, spoke about Mitt Romney .
Oh, I forgot to mention...prior to the speeches starting, I had given the emcee my name to put on his lineup sheet. When I told him my name, he asked me what office I held? I said, "I don't hold an office, I'm a Truck Driver and I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for President, and I'm sorry I don't own a suit so I'm a little under dressed (Black & Silver pullover sweater and black dress slacks), so if you could please tell the audience that when you introduce me, I'd appreciate it." He said OK.
"Next, we have Randy Bishop speaking on why he's supporting Mike Huckabee for President. Randy is a Truck Driver, and he wanted to apologize for being "undressed" for this evening's event because he doesn't own a suit, so here's Randy". (I got more applause than Sam or Peter, they were very nice to me). I told Duncan Hunter, that Gov. Huckabee told me to say Hello....Duncan said, "Tell Mike I said Hi Back"...the audience applauded.
I started off by telling them a little about my trucking business. I told them that I drive an average of four (4) times around the world per year (100,000 miles), using 16,662 gallons of diesel fuel, which cost $53,357 in 2007. After corporate taxes, truck payments, repair bills, insurances, and a semi's license plate ($1,850 per year) I end up with less than 30% to claim as my personal income, which I then have to pay personal taxes on... and end up with less than 22% of my gross income to actually live on and pay for my personal expenses. Needless to say, the entire room was shaking their heads in disgust and amazement.
I told them about Jim Gilchrist, the founder of the Minutemen Project, and how he interviewed all of the candidates for President. Jim told me personally in Traverse City this week, that the Democratic candidates, "don't even think we have a problem with illegal immigration", and out of all of the Republican candidates, that Mike Huckabee has a real solution to this problem and that's why Jim Gilchrist endorsed Mike Huckabee for President. I told them to go to MikeHuckabee.com under Issues, and read his 9 point strategy listed as his Secure America Plan.
Also, I told them that Mike wants to close the IRS, shut it down and replace it with the "FairTax". I explained that it's a consumption tax and does not tax us on our productivity. I told them to go to MikeHuckabee.com and read more about it there. But more importantly, all these illegal workers would start paying into our tax system when they bought their necessities to live. Other people who get paid in cash, and even visitors to this country (like all of the Canadians who cross over from Windsor into Detroit, or Sarnia into Port Huron) and many others would start paying into our Federal Treasury. Many applauded right then.
I finished by saying simply, Mike Huckabee wants to seal the border, have all of us not be penalized for our labor and profits, and get the U.S. economy booming like we have never seen before in our lifetime!!! That's just some of the reasons I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for President"! The room broke out in a huge, loud applause.
I stayed for the other politicians and listened to their speeches. When it was over, I had no less than 20-25 people come over and tell me that they were switching their vote, and would be voting for Mike Huckabee. A former judge, (I promised not to tell you his name) came up to me and said, "you were the most credible guy on that stage tonight, the rest of them were just politicians"! That made me feel good for Mike.
Gov. Huckabee, I tried to do my best for you. I hope I didn't say anything to hurt your campaign or anything that you didn't want me to bring up...but like I told you at the Birch Run Rally, "I'm just a Truck Driver, who wants you to be our next President".
God Bless you and Janet! I think God has a hand in everything we all are doing in this campaign and hopefully we will deliver a win in Michigan for you this Tuesday.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you,
Randy
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