Madeleine McAulay :: Faith Hope & Politics

Author Archive for Madeleine McAulay

Apr
21

Farewell to politics, for now

Life is crazy.

Three years ago, I would have told you that I was going to grow up to be a politician or a Fox News anchor, but after running a political blog, going on Fox News, and experiencing what some would call “success,” I am burned out.

Three years ago, I would have also told you that I was going to go to college right after I graduated high school. Instead, my top school waitlisted me, and I have decided to postpone traditional college for a semester.

Three years ago, I had my life all planned out.

God laughed.

At present, I am completing my final weeks of high school and preparing to go on a three-month adventure through Ecuador and Peru. I leave in September. While I am traveling I will be taking college classes, learning Spanish, volunteering, and exploring. This was not what I had planned. It is so much better!

I still love to write and will continue to do so, but since this blog was created for politics, I will not post here. If you’re interested in keeping up with my life’s happenings you can follow my new, personal blog MaddyLouWho.com. There, I will post updates while I am in Ecuador and Peru. You can also follow me on social media using the links below.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Over the past few years I have been given countless opportunities to share the message of liberty with America, and for that I am most grateful. I have loved hearing that my blog served as a catalyst for young conservatives around the country and I am excited to pass my baton to them (visit my Young Conservatives page for a list of young freedom fighters).

Perhaps one day I will come back to politics, but for now I am just going to keep learning and walking down this path called “Life,” entering the doors God opens for me. I wish you all well and thank you for your support over these past few years. I’m still fighting the good fight with you, just in a different role.

With love,

Madeleine McAulay

PS: I can’t wait to cast my first vote in the upcoming North Carolina Primary. Election Day is May 6, 2014, click here for more information and sample ballots.

4 Categories : Faith, Hope, Politics

Oct
23

Mecklenburg County Local Elections

by Madeleine McAulay

Mecklenburg County’s local elections will be held on November 5^th. Early voting is currently in progress. This year, I am only recommending candidates for Huntersville, North Carolina. For a full Mecklenburg County Voter Guide, click here.

My Recommendations

I recommend Jim Puckett for Huntersville Mayor.

For Huntersville’s Board of Commissioners, I support Danny Phillips, Melinda Bales, and Rob Kidwell. While I am only recommending three candidates, you can vote for six.

Note: At this time, I am not recommending any candidates for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District One.

Helpful Links

Dates, Times, and Polling Locations

Sample Ballot

Republican Voter Guide

This list is subject to change. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at madeleine.mcaulay@hotmail.com with the subject line, “Local Elections.”

2 Categories : Endorsements

Jul
1

Thanks, Red Alert Politics!

by Madeleine McAulay

Today I had the distinct honor of being featured on Red Alert Politics’ second annual 30 Under 30 list. I was among 29 amazing individuals who have had, and will continue to have, a major impact on US politics.

If you don’t know, Red Alert Politics is an incredibly, unique website written by, and for, young Conservatives. I am honored to be featured. You can see the full list here and my feature here.

PS: I know I haven’t been very involved lately, but have no fear. I will be back!

5 Categories : Articles, Politics

Mar
17

CPAC 2013: Failing the Next Generation

by Madeleine McAulay

UPDATED.

2013’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) claimed to be focused on the next generation, but the speaker lineup said otherwise.

I had an absolute blast networking at CPAC 2013. I met awesome young conservatives who were fired up and ready to fight in the name of freedom. We talked, exchanged information, shared new ideas, and debated the differences of opinion within the tent of conservatism. It was constructive, productive, and exactly what needed to be said after November’s big loss. Unfortunately though, barely anyone heard these new ideas, because young conservatives were not given the podium to let their voices be heard.

CPAC’s focus this year was, “America’s Future: The Next Generation of Conservatives.” I was initially thrilled when I heard this news. I couldn’t wait to get to the conference and hear some of my favorite young conservatives, along with major conservative icons, talk about solutions for the problems that face this country. But when the final CPAC schedule was released, I was sorely disappointed. Instead of focusing on the next generation’s prominent leaders, CPAC invited the same speakers we’ve all heard too many times. There was no new blood.

Popular and talented young conservatives like Katie Pavlich, Steven Crowder, Charlie Kirk, Francesca Chambers, Bethany Bowra, Katie Thompson, Brittney Morret, and Amy Lutz were used only as emcees for the event. They introduced speakers who should have been introducing them. They are bold leaders in the conservative movement, and it was shameful that CPAC did not give them prime speaking slots. And other movers and shakers of the future, like Brandon Morse of Misfit Politics, weren’t even invited to participate. Instead, CPAC invited stale Jeb Bush and Newt Gingrich. Bethany Bowra, creator of Next Generation Voters, weighed in, saying, “While a lot was said at CPAC about the youth, very seldom were we actually given the opportunity to represent ourselves on the stage… Engage the young people and your principles will be carried on for generations to come.” Benji Backer, a 15 year old conservative, also said, “Young conservatives are going to be the leaders of the movement someday. It is time to recognize the young conservatives of America.”

Another facet to CPAC’s next generation fail was the fact that majority of the parties at CPAC were designed for conservatives 21 and over, even the supposed “Young Conservative” events. Attendees who did not fall into this age group, were left out in the cold to do their own thing. Emily Baxter, writer for College Patriot, said, “The next generation is 30 and under, not in their 40s and 50s. CPAC sure got this idea backwards. After all, what’s the use of having a party for under 40 folks when you have to be 21 to go?”

No one is denying that the next generation has much to learn. But adults also have much to learn from the next generation. When there is a panel put on to discuss youth outreach, there needs to be youth on the panel. A healthy dialogue between the ages of conservatives is vital. If the conservative movement wants to reach the youth, they need to ask the youth how to do it. Because without igniting the passion of young conservatives, there will be no future for the conservative movement. Michelle Godbold, a college student who attended CPAC, said, “The conference would have been a lot more vibrant and entertaining had speakers such as Steven Crowder, Katie Pavlich and Francesca Chambers been allowed to have prime speaking slots. CPAC is dominated by the 18-25 age group, so in the future, the younger generation should be highlighted.”

Embracing the next generation is vital to the future. Instead of talking about standing up for the future, it’s time that the conservatives stand with the future. Or else, CPAC, and the rest of the movement, will sink fast into irrelevancy.

PS: Playing One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” when speakers walk out is not “youthful.” It’s weird.

9 Categories : Articles, Politics

Feb
28

Breitbart’s Legacy resides in the Future

by Madeleine McAulay

This blog was originally posted one year ago today, the day of Andrew Breitbart’s death. The Happy Warrior is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on. #IAmBreitbart

As we take time to remember Andrew Breitbart, and all of the courageous work he accomplished, let us especially highlight the inspiration he is to future generations.

Breitbart was subject to much hate, but even through the heat he remained faithful to his cause of defeating media bias. He stayed strong, and continued to fight day after day, when most people would have had nothing left but a white flag to surrender. Breitbart’s passion ignited thousands of men and women in the Conservative movement to stand up and fight for the future, but even more than that, he ignited the hearts of the youth- which is something most will only dream to achieve.

Getting the youth engaged in politics is not an easy task. Many of America’s youth are more worried about their prom attire than the welfare of our Nation- but when Breitbart came to the stage the narrative changed. Young people loved Breitbart’s passion and “don’t mess with me” attitude. His independent spirit resonated with them.

Breitbart, in opposition to the majority of people in politics, was always willing to give the youth a shot; I am a product of his willingness. All it took was a Twitter conversation, and suddenly he was asking my Dad’s permission to allow me to write for one of his “Big” sites. He was willing to take a chance, and that is something I will forever be grateful for.

Breitbart’s days here on earth are no more, but his legacy will live on and continue to thrive. It will take thousands of Conservative Americans to accomplish what the one and only Andrew Breitbart accomplished, but with his spirit residing in the future, we will successfully continue his fight; we won’t let him down.

7 Categories : Articles, Current Events, Hope

Jan
20

Sanctity of Human Life

by Madeleine McAulay

“There are no unwanted children, just unfound families.” –The National Adoption Center

In honor of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday my pastor gave an amazing sermon about the millions of innocent children, made in the image of God, who have been aborted in America. During this sermon my pastor made a point that I had never heard in relation to abortion that I wanted to share.

Artists take great pride in their work. They call their finished pieces a masterpiece! But what if someone decided, while the artist was working, to ruin the artwork? It would be an outrage! People would ask, “How dare someone disrupt the making of a masterpiece?”

We should feel this outrage… 3,500 times a day.

God knit each of us together in our mother’s womb. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Human life is God’s masterpiece. Why are we not asking, “How dare someone try to disrupt His beautiful work?” There is nothing more precious or more perfect or more beautiful than an innocent child, whether in the womb or not.

Following the sermon today my pastor had all of the children (from nursery and children’s church) join the congregation in singing, “Jesus Loves Me.” It was so beautiful and so perfect and so appropriate.

“I ask you to stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves. If not us, then who?” – Sarah Palin

Baby Bottle Boomerang is a great way to start fighting for life, find out more information here. Also, here are some abortion statistics that will break your heart and compel you to take action.

How Many Abortions in America?

Per Year: 1.37 Million Abortions

Per Day: 3,700 Abortions

Who?

52% of Women, who get abortions, are under the age of 25.

64% of Women, who get abortions, are unmarried.

Why?

1% of all abortions are due to Rape and Incest.

6% of all abortions are due to Health Problems.

93% of all abortions are due to Social Issues.

When?

52% of all abortions occur around 9 weeks into a woman’s pregnancy. (At 9 weeks a baby has the following: Heart Beat, developing Brain, Fingers, Eyelids, Ear Lobes, and growing Muscles)

How Common?

43% of ALL women will have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old.

Regret?

78% of all women, who have had an abortion, regret it.

SOURCES: Abortion Statistics and Fast Facts: U.S. Abortion Statistics.

51 Categories : Articles, Faith, Hope

Jan
8

Rerouting My Focus

by Madeleine McAulay

To state the obvious, I have been taking a breather from politics. And through this much needed break, I have quickly learned that I really missed my family and my friends, relaxing, and just being a teenager. For the past two years I have been so engulfed in politics that I rarely came up for air.

It seems like it has been forever since Election Day because so much has changed. I have spent a great deal of my time about my future and where I want to be in 10 years, or even in 2 years. My high school days are quickly coming to an end, as I just began the second semester of my junior year, and college is quickly approaching. I have many vital, exciting decisions to make between now and then. And one decision that has been looming over my head is what my place in politics is going to be. Do I want to pursue a career based around politics? Or, do I want to reroute my plans and keep politics as a hobby? I’m still undecided.

Last night I mistakenly visited my YouTube channel for the first time in several months. I figured since I hadn’t made a video in quite some time that all of the insanity would have subsided. I was wrong. Arguments were still going on, and hateful names and remarks were still being spewed (it even pushed me to list all but one of my videos as private).

I enjoy politics, most of the time, but being surrounded by so much hate can so easily break someone’s soul. I want to be in politics, but at the same time I need to be true to myself and my God. I want to love, not hate. I may be a Conservative, but first and foremost, I am a child of God saved by Grace through Faith. I am loved, which is why I must love. Without love, hope is nonexistent.

You love every lost cause; You reach for the outcast

For the leper and the lame; they’re the reason that You came

Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast

But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

–Casting Crowns

Unfortunately, love and politics (or anything in this world) have never meshed.

Why do we think that hate’s gonna change their heart?

We’re up in arms over wars that don’t need to be fought

But pride won’t let us lay our weapons on the ground

We build our bridges up but just to burn them down

We think pain is owed apologies and then it’ll stop

But truth be told it doesn’t matter if they’re sorry or not

Freedom comes when we surrender to the sound

Of mercy and Your grace, Father, send Your angels down

– Tenth Avenue North

Hate will never solve anything, and with that thought, I will be adjusting my style. When I initially named this blog Faith Hope & Politics my intention was to write about politics from a hopeful, Christian perspective, and I will continue to do so. But all of my readers should, from now on, expect blogs that are much more faith based, focusing on the only real hope for the world – Jesus Christ and His amazing love. This new premise is not only for my politics, but my life in general. It is with God’s guidance and love, and that of my family, that I will make all of the tough decisions facing me in the months to come and for the rest of my life.

Until next time,

Madeleine

13 Categories : Faith, Hope, Politics

Nov
7

God Still Reigns

by Madeleine McAulay

Now that the 2012 Election is finally over, I’m sure you have all seen emotions running high. For some, it was a great night, and for others, not so much.

Election night here in North Carolina was an amazing victory for Conservatives! We finally reclaimed our status as a red state. We now have a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor to match our Conservative legislature. We reelected a Supreme Court Justice that we desperately needed. And we unseated an entrenched, Liberal congressman despite the odds. To say the least, North Carolina had a fantastic night, and we most definitely redeemed ourselves from our momentary lapse of judgment in 2008! Unfortunately though, I can’t share the same great news for the rest of America.

Instead of electing a new President with new ideas, Americans chose to have four more years of the same failed policies. Instead of taking back the Senate, Americans chose to keep the people in who are incapable of even producing a budget. Instead of preserving for the future, Americans chose to continue down the path of more debt, fewer jobs, and bigger government. Without a doubt, we suffered a devastating loss last night. But even with that said, all hope is not lost!

As much as I hate the outcome of the Presidential race, and many other races around the country, this is not the time to lose faith, and it’s not the time to go around being a Debbie Downer and a Negative Nancy! Sure, four more years of Obama is a very scary thing and it’s going to takes its toll on our country. But as history as proved time and time again, America is stronger than one, failed President with two terms. This great country has been through much greater tales of adversity than what we’re experiencing today. Just look back to our Founding Fathers and what they went through to create the United States of America. They beat the odds, and with God’s grace, we will too!

Despite this loss we Christians and Conservatives must keep in mind this truth: No matter who our President is, no matter which states are red or blue, no matter what these next four years will bring, our God still reigns!

We don’t know what the future will hold, but the one thing that brings me comfort, and that I know for sure, is that God has a perfect plan that is far greater than anything we can imagine and at the end of it, Jesus wins!

We shouldn’t waste our time wallowing. Instead, we must learn from our mistakes and continue to fight for what we know is right.

12 Categories : Articles, Politics

Oct
30

5 Reasons to Vote Romney, Not Obama

by Madeleine McAulay

As Election Day quickly approaches (only 7 days) I believe it’s important to make sure every American has the resources to be an informed voter. Due to my age (currently 16, but will be 17 on November 14^th) I am unable to vote in this election. And that is why I am asking all of you who are able to vote to do so with the future, my future, in mind. Our country is at a tipping point and you must decide what you want to leave future generations. We can either continue to go down the path President Obama has us on, which will lead us to $20,000,000,000,000 of debt by 2016. Or, you can vote for a proven businessman who will create an environment for job creation and economic prosperity. I ask you, please, for my future’s sake, to vote for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan on November 6^th. We cannot afford 4 more years of Barack Obama’s failed policies.

And now, here is my list of President Obama’s broken promises that I believe are more than enough reasons to vote him out and allow Mitt Romney to take over:

In 2008 candidate Obama pledged to cut the deficit in half by 2012. He didn’t. Our deficit isn’t half of what it was in 2008, instead it’s roughly 6 trillion dollars more than it was in 2008. When Obama took office we had 10.6 trillion dollars of debt, we now have 16 trillion dollars of debt and counting. If President Obama is reelected for a second term our national debt will reach $20,000,000,000,000 by 2016.
Candidate Obama repeatedly denounced the idea that his Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare) would come in the form of a tax. But according to the 2012 Supreme Court ruling, Obamacare is a tax and it will hit the middle class hard.
We were promised in 2008 by candidate Obama that America was going to finally have a presidency with an “unprecedented” amount of transparency. But again, he lied. An example of this is when former (yay!) Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi told Congress that they would have to pass the Affordable Health Care Act before they could read the bill in its entirety. Click here for more examples of Obama’s lack of transparency.
Obama promised in 2008 that he would fix the economy in three years, and if he didn’t he would not deserve a second term as President. Well, look around, our economy is still broken. Unemployment has been above 8% since 2008. According to Obama’s own standard you should not vote for him.
And lastly, President Obama has always been considered the “Champion of Women.” He signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act which is a bill that insists on women and men being paid equally for doing the same jobs (which I support). But oddly enough, at the same time, the Obama administration actually pays women who work in the White House 18% less than they do men. They also continue to release videos/information (ie., Lena Dunham and the Life of Julia) that make women out to be nothing but their lady parts.

Unfortunately for America’s sake, these 5 promises are not the only ones President Obama has broken. Here are 5 pages worth of broken promises by the Obama administration.

I ask you to please share this list with your friends and don’t forget to make your voices heard during Early Voting or on Election Day, November 6^th. And for all of my North Carolina readers, here is a Voter Guide you can print out and take with you to the polls!

God bless,

Madeleine McAulay

PS: My prayers are with all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Be safe!

11 Categories : Articles, Endorsements, Politics

Oct
30

Ellie Wessel: Get Loud, Get Involved

by Madeleine McAulay

FH&P Guest Contributor Ellie Wessel is a 16 year old political extraordinaire. She comes from a small town, with a small family, but not so small dreams. Ellie hopes to encourage and inspire other teenagers to get involved in finding solutions to our country’s problems.

When I was younger – say 13 or 14 – I never understood why people were interested in politics. Didn’t they know their one vote could not make a difference? Why did they think anyone cared what they thought about a certain issue?

My church’s youth group gave me an opportunity to go to Washington D.C. for the “March for Life.” I signed up thinking it would be awesome to go on a vacation to Washington D.C. with my two best friends. Well, to say the least, it was nothing like I expected. Every night we went to religious meetings and listened to speeches given by wonderful and inspiring people. On the day of the march I saw thousands and thousands of people of all ages coming together to protest against abortion and suddenly it hit me. We really do have a say, we really can make a difference! Right then I realized how important it is to voice your opinions. My one small voice might not make a difference, but joined with many voices, we can affect change- that is the beauty of our wonderful country. We have the freedom of speech and the freedom to protest against things we don’t believe in, and I don’t want that to ever change.

As a young person, it is hard to be interested in something as dry as politics. It’s difficult to turn on the debates instead of your favorite TV show. But, what I don’t think teens understand is that we do have a say, and this election is going to determine our future. Nationally, we should be very concerned about economic issues, such as the 16 trillion dollars of debt, the Supreme Court nominees who might be sitting on the bench for maybe 20 or 30 years, and foreign policies that endanger our national security. State and local issues such as unfunded public employee pensions, increased educational funding with decreased test scores, and high unemployment for young adults are also very important.

It is hard to know where to start and how to get involved in politics as a young person. Local elections are very important and help determine whether a state is blue or red. Start with local campaigning, go to fundraisers, call your local headquarters and help make phone calls or pack advertisement packets. Social networking is also a great way to make your voice heard! Sign up for a Twitter and Facebook account, create a blog to express your opinions, or join a club at school that is involved with political issues (or create your own).

If we do not get involved in politics now and try to influence policy and people’s opinions, we will have these unsolved issues sitting on our shoulders when we are older. We, as teens, need to make our voices heard so that in turn we can make a difference. To be heard, we must all get involved. Politics are important to the future of our great country, and we are the future of America!

I now ask you to get out and vote! And while you’re behind the curtain voting please keep in mind those who come after you- me! If we do not elect the best candidates, my generation will have all these problems to fix. Please also keep in mind that young people and even the unborn deserve the same freedoms you had as a child and young adult. As a voter it is your responsibility to vote not only thinking of yourself, but the future of America. Make your voices heard on November 6^th!

6 Categories : guest contributor, Politics

Author Archive for Madeleine McAulay

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