August 20, 2010

Popaditch: From fighting in Fallujah to freedom in Iraq ...

Popaditch was medically retired from the Marines in 2005 at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He lost an eye in the battle at Fallujah and told viewers Iraq is better prepared to self govern than many would think. That accomplishment, he says, was no easy feat. "To build a democracy in that part of the world is not an overnight process, a lot of hard work got us to where we are today."

"The Iraqi people are very proud of who they are. So, when it comes time to stand up for this democracy, they're not going to roll over for anybody. They're strong, we've trained them right, they appreciate this democracy, and they're going to fight to maintain it."

Popaditch continued with the reminder that the U.S. Military and its allies will be long remembered for their dedication to freedom. "These are going to be the patriots of the Iraqi history books someday. Our men and women stood beside them for seven-and-a-half years to get us to where we are today. What a great day."

Popaditch was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry for his actions on April 6 and 7, 2004, while commanding a tank in Fallujah, and was also awarded the Purple Heart.

Popaditch is the author of the book "Once A Marine," and is the Republican candidate for congress, challenging Democratic incumbent Bob Filner in the 51st Congressional District of California. Polls say Popaditch has a shot at unseating Filner, who sits at the helm of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.

To watch the video "CLICK HERE"

July 23, 2010

WHAT REAL IMMIGRATION REFORM LOOKS LIKE...

Every election year we hear the call for immigration reform from our politicians. Elected officials loudly exclaim that we need new laws because they are unwilling to enforce our current laws. These politicians are working overtime to secure their jobs when they should be securing our borders.

This year's rhetoric is usually preceded by "we are a nation of immigrants." As if we need to be told this. Since you bring it up, however, let's talk about it. The first thing a naturalized citizen does is take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

New citizens swear to uphold and defend the Constitution and the laws of this land. Perhaps our politicians, including the mayors of sanctuary cities, should take a look at this oath. Every immigrant must swear allegiance to the laws that many politicians arrogantly ignore. That doesn't sound very American to me.

The Obama/Pelosi/Filner team has pulled out all the stops to avoid doing their job of securing our borders. The latest tactic is an attempt to divide us as a Nation. The President and Bob Filner have lied to us about the recent Arizona Immigration Law that closely resembles our own Federal Immigration law by stating that we can be asked for our papers while out for a jog or going out for ice cream with our children. Not true, unless you planned on robbing the ice cream shop and jogging away from the scene of the crime. These ridiculous claims are meant to divide us as a nation and distract us from the fact that many of our elected officials are refusing to secure our borders and prevent illegal immigration. Don't be divided. Stand united and demand our elected officials obey their oaths of office and enforce the law.

To promote legal immigration, we must complete the border fence and expand the Border Patrol. We must be able to keep the criminal element out in order to facilitate legal entry by those visiting, conducting commerce, or seeking the American dream.

On July 2nd, I had the privilege of attending a citizenship ceremony for 300 of our servicemen and women, who had achieved citizenship while serving our great Nation. It was inspiring. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines from 51 Nations recited the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America. Oaths mean something to our heroes in the military. It is shameful when political leaders don't take them as seriously in this "Nation of immigrants."

July 1, 2010

As we celebrate Independence Day this July 4th, let us not forget why we do so...

Our Founding Fathers took a stand for liberty and boldly declared their independence 234 years ago. They stood against tyranny, against taxation without representation, and against subjugation of their individual rights. They risked their lives and their property for a voice. They declared intrepidly that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were God-given rights and not granted from a King. They knew that our rights come from God. No Congressman, Senator, or President can take them away from you.

Our Founding Fathers paid in blood for their freedom. Nobly, they chose to secure this freedom for others who would reside in this great Nation after them. The Constitution was drafted to safeguard the liberty of Americans. It clearly sets forth and defines the role of the Federal government and strictly limits governmental intrusion into your personal liberties. The Constitution is a LIMITING document. It limits Federal power.

The freedoms won during the Revolutionary War allowed Americans to pursue their own dreams, and together we built the most prosperous economy the world has ever seen. Along the way, history's dictators and today's Islamic terrorists have sought to bring this Nation down-but Patriots have always stood to defend her. And they have paid for our freedoms again with their blood and handed down a legacy of liberty and prosperity to our generation. Freedom's chain of custody rests now squarely upon our shoulders. Future generations are counting on us-you and me-to do the right thing to preserve the liberties we enjoy today.

In 2004, General James Mattis of the United States Marine Corps explained, "If you ask a Marine to move a piano, he won't start by picking up the bench." Go where the fight is, do the heavy-lifting. These words inspired me in Iraq, where I was serving with the 1st Marine Division. These same words inspire me to run for Congress now.

I will go to Washington, D.C., and represent YOU, my fellow citizen. I will fight against Nancy Pelosi's liberalism or President Obama's transformation of America. This November is the time for strong leaders who have the courage to stand up and shout "No!"

"No!" to irresponsible spending and tens of trillions in debt passed on dishonorably to our children.

"No!" to 2000-page legislation bills that steal your liberty away from you and expand the role of government into your daily life.

"No!" to politicians treating our liberties as bargaining chips.

I will have the courage to stand up and say "No" so that you can say "Yes!" to opportunities and freedoms here in California's 51st District.

As we celebrate Independence Day this July 4, let us not forget why. So many have given so much for our freedoms. Let's work together, today, to preserve all the liberties and prosperity they sacrificed for. Don't allow the chain of custody of liberty to be broken on our watch.

March 21, 2010

Nick Popaditch, candidate for the 51st Congressional District, opposes health care plan

"It is an affront to all this great nation is founded upon when our elected officials ignore the will of the people. It is indeed historic that such a loud voice has fallen upon deaf ears. When elected representatives feel they know more than those they represent, they are no longer representing them. Our founding fathers referred to this sort of legislation as "taxation without representation." It was wrong then and it is wrong now.

I believe in liberty. Too many fought too hard for it. As your Congressman, I will never compel, through law, an American citizen to purchase a product (such as health insurance) from a private company. I pledge a vote to repeal this unconstitutional and un-American legislation if elected to Congress.

March 21, 2010

Nick Popaditch, candidate for the 51st Congressional District, challenges Rep. Bob Filner's recent statements relating to veterans.

"Rep. Filner recently addressed Congress advocating withdrawal from Afghanistan. He referred to our heroic troops as children, felons, and murderers of their families. He opened his comments with the statement-"Making war is hard, making peace is harder." I would reply to Bob Filner that mischaracterizing our troops for convenient political gain is easy. Supporting our troops while they are defending our freedoms is harder. I've served on foreign shores with our service men and women and bled with them. I've yet to meet the child among them. For Filner to insinuate veterans came home "to kill their spouses or their children" is a further indication of the low regard he has for military personnel and especially for Combat Veterans. I've known thousands of Veterans and not a felon nor a killer of their spouse or children among them. I know the men and women, not the statistics. I challenge Bob Filner to produce the statistics substantiating this stereotype of our dedicated troops. If he cannot, I suggest he stop using veterans as a soapbox and cover for his own opinions why the United States should abandon our allies and innocent civilians, in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Our troops deserve the same courage and commitment that they display from their leadership." To watch the video "CLICK HERE"