Posted by Sarabeth Rudd on 11/03/09
Last updated 11/03/09

Yesterday, my Alma Mater, The College of Charleston held its second ever "Trash Audit." So, I wrote a snarky little blog about it because it was such a disgusting, ridiculous thing. Apparently, I made some people angry, and they decided to attack me on my blog and Twitter, calling me a pig, and telling me I was brainless. However, some people actually responded with a level head and we got some good discusion going. It seems my blog has affected the College of Charleston "Alliance for Planet Earth," and they want me to come and speak about my point of view. I am a little skeptical of this seemingly polite invite.

Here's what I wrote that caused so much controversey:

Imagine walking down the sidewalk at your local college and walking past a huge pile of putrid smelling trash that stretches across a common area that thousands of students use to get from class to class. Now imagine people accosting you as you walk by saying, "This is your trash! No, this is OUR trash. This is only four days of trash."

This is the annual College of Charleston "Trash Audit." And this is quite possibly one of the most unintelligent and unsanitary things I have ever heard of, but all in the name of saving the environment. Give me a break. Stacks of used, disgusting cups with all kinds of people's saliva on them from the dining hall are stacked, heaven knows what kind of nastiness in the trash bags from the dorms left over from the wild Halloween weekend (let your imagination run wild and free), and people are taking bowls of "trash juice" (gag) and walking down the halls of Maybank and flushing it down the toilet or pouring it down the sinks in the public restrooms. Students are guilt-tripping other students to come help and sort through the trash so that it may be properly recycled. (Recycling can actually be quite harmful to the environment, actually, particularly plastics... but you don't hear that on the news.)

This kind of extreme sensitivity to how much we humans are destroying the earth is getting annoying and it's actually quite dangerous. Imagine all the germs and all kinds of infectious diseases and pathogens that those people were releasing into the atmosphere. Not to cause a scare or anything, but H1N1 has been going around campus.

This monstrous pile of trash was causing students to have to crowd into small areas to get to class because there was hardly any space to walk. For a school to allow this type of unsanitary behavior and public harassment to occur is an embarrassment for an institute of supposed higher learning. How degrading and revolting it is to ask people to stand in the middle of other people's filth and sort through it! It's not the solution to any problem, whether or not you believe that "global warming" is going to destroy us all. It's this type of extreme brainless hype and liberalism that is partially to blame for our country throwing freedom away.

I think I'm going to hold a public Freedom Audit at the College of Charleston and force all these bleeding heart liberals to see what this kind of agenda is actually costing them. These guys have got to stop drinking the Al Gore Kool-Aid and start using some good old fashioned, and yes, all natural (not harmful to the environment) common sense. I hear it's recyclable and is , in fact, a renewable resource.

(so, maybe I was a little harsh...)

*********

Later, I wrote this in response to the responses I got:

Hey, guys and gals of the College of Charleston Trash Audit!

First, I would like to thank those of you who responded to my blog with a level-headed response instead of personal attacks. I enjoy good discussions and think that they are one of the best ways to accomplish things and get along. I honestly wasn't expecting my blog to get this much attention over what I said yesterday, but if it helps address an issue that needs addressing, then I'm more than happy to oblige.

Agendas and politics aside, through at least one of your comments, I was made aware of the problem that some (or all-- it's hard to tell why some were there, at least based on a pretty harsh comment about my intestines burning one day because of global warming...anyway...) were trying to use the Trash Audit to make students aware of, and that would be the problem of the Charleston landfill, well, filling up.

While I'd like to do a little more research in the area of our local trash and waste problems myself, I am a huge fan of political activism and getting people involved in a cause. I do not believe that spending a bunch of time sifting through nasty trash is the best way to help make the changes that you believe should be made. Most likely, the only people who would be interested in helping sort through trash would be those who are already aware of the problem, and the rest were turned off by the idea. There are much better uses for your time, through educating others in ways that are far less intrusive and unsanitary, holding petition drives, and contacting local officials about your concerns. These are things that, in my experience, are the most effective and time efficient ways for accomplishing goals.

I hope you'll think about what I have to say! I'm retiring from the Trash Audit subject for a while I hope, and getting back to freedom and the Constitution. :)

*********

Who knows, maybe some people started thinking a little about what they are doing. I could sure use their zeal to help with AUDITING THE FED!!!! I may have to recruit some of them for the cause! AUDIT THE FED and NOT THE TRASH!

Posted by Sarabeth Rudd on 10/20/09
Last updated 10/20/09

Yesterday, spoke to about forty third and fourth graders in a local public school about freedom, the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and personal responsibility.

I was pretty nervous as I was preparing because even though I was only planning on sharing the history and the reason for our founding documents, the ideas of personal responsibility, freedom, and breaking away from oppressive government are quite possibly subversive ideas to some schools.

I walked into the school office, and one of the first things I saw was a framed front page of the Post and Courier. Who's in the picture? None other than our Commander in Chief. I stuffed my apprehension down and told the secretary why I was there. She knew who I was right away.

Two students were sent to escort me down the winding hall to the class where I was to speak first. Unfortunately, I misread my own planner and was about twenty minutes late. I thought I was early. I'm not sure if the teacher was cranky because of this, or because she is always cranky. This didn't help me feel any better... but I kept going anyway.

I was pleased to have a room full of kids who would answer my questions and ask their own. I told them the story of "bossy King George" and why we wanted to separate ourselves from England. I had to explain what colonies were, and also what taxation without representation is. I told them about the Constitution and what it says, including and especially the Bill of Rights. They learned that the Constitution is supposed to keep the government from getting too big and bossy like a king. They also learned what a Constitutional Republic is. We talked about the three branches of government. We talked about what freedom is and what unalienable rights are.

The best part was when I told them what freedom means for them. I looked out over a bunch of kids, and told them that because of freedom that have been given opportunity. Freedom doesn't just mean that they can do whatever they want to do. It means they have to take responsibility for their own actions. They have choices to make everyday. They have equal opportunity, but that doesn't mean equal results. Are they going to work hard to get where they want to be and do what they want to do? I said as an example that they might be free to choose to eat potato chips for every meal, but that doesn't make it a good, responsible choice, and it does have consequences. They really understood this.

That is basically what I said to both groups. I stressed so many times to these kids that they have opportunities in front of them. I told them that I had to work really hard to get where I am today, and I am still working really hard. Something else I told them was that I am wanting them to appreciate liberty and not take if for granted because sometimes, you're given something and don't realize what you have until it's gone. I want them to have a head start on appreciating this country and what our founding fathers' vision was. After all, I didn't start caring until I was around 21. Men died and never lived to see freedom so that you (the kids) and I could experience this land of opportunity everyday. These kids also heard that not everything is given to them. In fact, if they learned if they work hard to get something, they'll appreciate it even more.

I also encouraged them to know that even at their young ages their voices are important, and they can make a difference in their community. I explained that using their voice can take the form of letter writing, speaking to their parents and teachers about things that bother them, or even using art to express themselves.

One of the groups got particularly excited about rights, and started accusing their teacher of taking their "right" of playing soccer. Well, I found out that the principal of the school had taken this away from them because of behavior issues. I had the class quiet down and I told them that playing soccer is not a right. It is a privilege and they do not deserve to play soccer. They do however, have the opportunity (I love that word!) to start behaving themselves and listening to their teacher so they can deserve to play soccer. They were then dismissed back to their class.

Overall, they seemed to enjoy and understand what I was talking to them about. I'm learning so much about how to convey these ideas to different age groups. Though the kids seemed more captivated by me as a visitor and someone they could look up to, I hope this means that they really listened to what I said about freedom and their lives. Some of the kids wanted to ask me questions afterward about my writing and whether or not I used to write when I was in elementary school I said, "of course!" and told them the best thing for them to do was to start a journal. That's what I did, and I've been writing for almost as long as I can remember. One of them asked me if when I write a book, will I put his name in the dedication page. I couldn't help but think of how adorable that was. I wanted to spend more time with all of them!

As excited as I am to have made it into the public school system, my heart is heavy, as I wonder if they will truly live in freedom in the coming years. However, this just inspires me to fight even harder and educate even more people.

Tomorrow, I speak to two groups of 5th graders... I can't wait!

Posted 10/20/09 Bob Therina Saint Louis, MO

Great story, Sarabeth! I don't know when the time will come either, but we need as many people fighting on the side of Liberty as possible. I know that many of my ideas and appreciation for freedom and liberty started when I learned principles and concepts from a very early age so, I can assure you that you had an effect. I was a very freedom loving kid (to my parents, both joy and consternation!) I don't remember the faces from back then, but I do remember being taught principles.

Posted 10/20/09 Scott from PA Hopwood, PA

Keep telling as many people as you can about freedom, the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and personal responsibility. It is great that you are allowed in to a public school to talk to the students - hopefully it will catch on with enough of the teachers and the principal that they will continue to talk to future students about these important issues.

Posted 10/20/09 Josiah Keller Hillsboro, WI

Words do not adequately express my feelings. Good luck tomorrow!

Posted 10/21/09 Sarabeth Rudd Johns Island, SC

whoops! It was actually three classes today!

Posted by Sarabeth Rudd on 10/07/09

Today, I was given the opportunity to speak to an assembly of kids at a private school. The kids' ages ranged from kindergarten all the way to seniors in high school. This was quite a challenge.

As I was talking with the principal of the school this morning, I was excited to find out that he is a huge supporter of the Constitution and freedom. He gave me the liberty to speak a little more freely about current events to the older grades once he dismissed the lower grades to class. I was planning on strictly talking about the ideas of freedom. I was very excited about this.

I was told that there were a lot of Obama supporters among the children. There was also a high percentage of African American students, so I was warned to be careful about "Obama bashing." That's not why I wanted to speak to the kids, so this wasn't hard.

I had written an outline, which I sort of followed...Well, you know how that goes...

I started talking to the youngest kids who really were too young to have a discussion that was very deep. I tried, and we ended up talking about snow, rainbows, and rain. I had to improvise with them. I just told them that America is a very special country where we are free to be whatever we want to be when we grow up, and we just have to work hard. I talked with them about what each one of them wanted to be when they grew up. We talked about what the word freedom means, and they were dismissed to their classes.

I then turned my attention to the 3rd-12th graders, still a huge age range... I made them laugh when I said, "Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty." I asked them what are some of their favorite freedoms, and wrote those on my "freedom board." I talked about the history of our founding and read some quotes. I talked about the Declaration of Independence, and the blood that was shed so that those kids could be in that assembly in that church this morning. I told them about the Constitution and why we needed one. I talked about what its job is. I told them that the Government CANNOT give them anything, that they have rights that are God-given and unalienable. (We discussed the meaning of unalienable)I told them that the Constitution protects our rights from the government. We talked about the Bill of Rights. We talked about how they are enjoying the vision that our founding fathers had when they risked their very lives to fight for a principle as precious as freedom. I told them that they could use their voices, and that their voices mattered. I told them they could write letters, and express their concern, even at their young age. I told them that with freedom comes responsibility, that all men are created equal and have equal rights to work hard, but that not everyone would get the same results. I also gave specific examples of ways that the Constitution is being violated today.

I was excited because they were a very interactive group of kids who paid attention and answered my questions. Some of them came up with some impressive questions for me, which I answered carefully and honestly. A third grader asked me, "Do you think Obama is spending too much money?" Another student in high school asked me if the health care bill is a smoke screen for something else. (That was a tough one to answer without getting too political on them...)

Possibly the best part of this "talk" was when the principal's wife got very excited and came up and kept talking to the kids. We went well over the allotted time for the event. She told the kids that they have a responsibility to understand and protect freedom. She gave examples of the government infringing on rights through taxes. She explained what redistribution of wealth meant, and I think the kids really understood. They didn't like the idea at all.

Perhaps most inspiring was when she asked the African American children to stand up. She talked to them about the people who fought for them to have the opportunities that they have now that some of their ancestors were kept from. She talked about their heritage and challenged them to know that they have a responsibility to live out the opportunities because of the things people like Martin Luther King did to establish their freedom in America.

She also encouraged the children to understand that they are the ones who are in charge in America, not the government. She made sure that they understood that they have the responsibility of choice in whether or not they let the government take over. She challenged them that they are the generation that must pick up the mantle and run with it. She also made sure that they understood that it is about liberty, not Democrats, Republicans, Obama, or anyone else, and that this was not a government bashing political rally. The kids just need to understand how important freedom is in their lives.

I finished up with the famous Edmond Burke quote, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing," as well as the Ben Franklin quote about giving up freedom for security. I told them that now is the time to speak up. I explained that there are those in government who come as a wolf in sheep's clothing, promising all kinds of nice things, but are only stealing away their liberty. I expressed that the reason that I want to educate kids is because I care about their future. I want to them to have a head start, and to really know what their rights are.

I loved getting the teachers excited! Spreading the passion for liberty is my pleasure, and I hope I helped influence even just a few kids today. They seemed to genuinely care and understand what I was talking about.

I believe we were making history today, and I was thankful to have been able to encourage and inspire both students and teachers. It's hard to describe just how amazing it was to be in that room today where truth and liberty were revived in the hearts and minds of young people. It was awesome!

Stay tuned, because in a few weeks, I get to speak to a public school crowd. I'm a bit more nervous about that one, but I am encouraged to know that I have been allowed in the public school system in Charleston.

Posted 10/07/09 Heather D Port Byron, IL

Thanks for sharing this, Sarabeth! You have an awesome responsibility in education our children, and you're doing an incredible job. I look forward to reading how the next speaking engagement goes.

Posted 10/07/09 Josiah Keller Hillsboro, WI

"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." -Thomas Jefferson

Posted 10/07/09 Twelvespies Auburn, AL

This is great. When will we have education materials ready? My mother is a principal at a private school and I'm dying to get some materials in her hands to educate the children. It seems that parents that send their children to independent schools like the voice of liberty (and Ron Paul) better.

Posted by Sarabeth Rudd on 10/01/09
Last updated 10/01/09

I officially joined the C4L organization as we know it now a year ago today, and what a year it has been! I just want to thank everyone at C4L HQ for all you have done. With your help, we all have accomplished so much, and have and will continue to make a huge impact on this country. It's been a pleasure to make history with all of the amazing members of Campaign for Liberty. I know my life has been changed because of this organization. I can't wait to see what else we are going to do!

Thanks, everybody! :)

Posted 10/02/09 Josiah Keller Hillsboro, WI

Not sure how long I've been on, but keep up the good work!

Posted 10/02/09 shanevc Roseville, CA

I've been a member since the day it launched. I was one of the first 100 members! It has been a good year for the Revolution. Can you believe Audit the fed has 297 cosponsors?! That would have been impossible without all the help of the members of the Campaign for Liberty!

Posted 10/08/09 Felegund Jonesville, KY

Alas, that I could say I've done as much for the cause in a year's time (my anniversary was a few weeks ago, if memory serves). Just the same-- when I do get a chance to log on these days, the stories of your actions for the cause are probably the most inspiring things I see. Keep it up, Sarabeth!!

Posted by Sarabeth Rudd on 09/24/09

Today I was scheduled as a guest speaker at a local (PUBLIC!!!) elementary school for 3 fifth grade classes. Guess what I get to speak about? Yep, freedom, personal responsibilty, and the Constitution. I am so excited! This is a major breakthrough to get into the public school system! All I did was send my resume and a letter to the principal of the school through a teacher friend of mine, and then spoke with him over the phone. :) I'll get about 45 minutes with each class. Since I spent a year  teaching 5th and 6th grade already, I am very comfortable with this age range, and have already taught my own class last year all about freedom and the constitution. It's going to be great, and it is just the beginning... Freedom is going to ring!

Posted 09/24/09 B Rae C Grandview, TX

Congrats!!!! Teach them well and good luck!!!!

Posted 09/24/09 Remember Gadsden Stillwater, NJ

Awesome! You should consider making a video your talk!!

Posted 09/24/09 Paul Hogan Middle Village, NY

Congratulations!!! This is good news. Good luck and let us know how it went.

Posted 09/24/09 Matrix1 Richmond, VA

You may want to show this film: The American Form of Government http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DioQooFIcgE Teach these kids that Americas should not to use any (ocracy), (ism) or (ist) in the way we describe ourselves. Democracy is BAD! Teachers and children need to be deprogrammed!!

Posted 09/27/09 Kevin Smith Fort Mill, SC

This IS terrific news Sarabeth! You may never know just how much your effort and influence affects the future.