A small number of conservatives worry me.  I appreciate the passion they bring to protests and debates, but their methods and focus are sometimes questionable.  I watched footage of Saturday's Tea Party protest in Washington, D.C., and I was thrilled to see such a large, vocal crowd.  For far too long, too many people seemed detached from the political process.  Now they are fired up by the government expansion which started in late 2008, and has moved full speed ahead into 2009. 

     I'm proud to see fellow Americans protesting big government, but I cringe when I see some of the methods.  As I was watching the D.C. protest, I saw people waving great signs featuring protests against excessive taxation, big government, and reduced liberty.  Unfortunately, I also saw signs which drew comparisons to Hitler, and displayed swastikas.  If the people who bring these signs are looking for shock value, then they are a rousing success.  If they are looking to move the debate in an intelligent, honest manner, then they are a miserable failure.

     The same can be said for "birthers" who continue to question the President's citizenship.  I think Barack Obama is arrogant for not having the original birth certificate released, but that's it.  I do believe he is a U.S. citizen.  There have been several court cases on this subject, and all have been dismissed.  Continuing to cling to this nonstory does nothing but distract from the important issues.

     There are a lot of real issues conservatives need to worry about.  The Obama Administration and Democrats support a massive reform of health care which would likely introduce unprecedented government intrusion.  Then, there is an energy bill that will significantly increase energy costs for every family and business in the country.  Finally, we have unrestrained spending on stimulus bills.  Did I mention comprehensive immigration reform?  Just imagine what that bill will look like!

     Conservatives have a lot on our plate.  We need to focus on the big picture and discourage the side shows.  Our country's future depends on it.