Obama the Destroyer

Obama speechAfter the polls closed on election night 2008, I was answering the phone at the McCain/Palin national campaign office. A woman called to say she was “now glad to have a terminal disease because [she] won't live to see how Obama will destroy this great country.” The pain and rage and sorrow in her voice came through loud and clear.

Ma'am, whoever and wherever you are, I salute you.

Book coverMichael Zak, author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, also wrote the often-copied, never-cited 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar. Each day, his Grand Old Partisan blog celebrates more than sixteen decades of Republican heritage. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states so far.

Posted at 11:27 AM | | Comments (10)

March 19, 2019

honoring Barbara Franklin, enterprising Republican Secretary of Commerce

Grand Old Partisan honors Barbara Franklin, born in Pennsylvania this day of 1940. She became one of the first women to graduate from Harvard Business School. Her career began with executive positions at Singer Corporation and First National City Bank... Read more →

Posted at 12:05 AM | | Comments (0)

March 18, 2019

revering Sam Houston, anti-Confederate patriot

Grand Old Partisan reveres the Texas hero Sam Houston. This day of 1861, Democrats in control of Texas ousted Governor Houston, for refusing to swear allegiance to the Confederacy. Houston declared: "Fellow-Citizens, in the name of your rights and liberties,... Read more →

Posted at 09:53 AM | | Comments (0)

March 17, 2019

President Eisenhower ended Price Controls from WWII

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican commitment to economic freedom. This day of 1953 – two months into his presidency – Dwight Eisenhower ended all price controls. These restrictions dating back to World War II had been a source of power... Read more →

Posted at 11:40 AM | | Comments (0)

March 16, 2019

saluting George Robeson, early New Jersey Republican Statesman

Grand Old Partisan salutes George Robeson, born in New Jersey this day of 1829. He studied law after graduating from Princeton University. During the Civil War, a Republican Governor appointed him militia brigadier general, charged with recruiting volunteer soldiers. Peace... Read more →

Posted at 12:30 AM | | Comments (0)

March 15, 2019

honoring William Cannon, first Republican Governor of Delaware

Grand Old Partisan honors William Cannon, born this day of 1809. He prospered in a range of businesses: lumber, grain and saw mills, brick factory, banking, newspaper publishing, and railroads. While a Democrat, he was elected state representative and state... Read more →

Posted at 10:59 AM | | Comments (0)

March 14, 2019

a Republican President established the first National Wildlife Refuge

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican concern for the environment. This day of 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an executive order creating the first National Wildlife Refuge, at Pelican Island in Florida. "It is hereby ordered that Pelican Island... is hereby... Read more →

Posted at 12:17 AM | | Comments (0)

March 13, 2019

commemorating an Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves

Grand Old Partisan commemorates an important step for Republicans freeing African-Americans from Democrats. This day of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves. The law had been written by Senator John Sherman (R-OH) and passed... Read more →

Posted at 10:21 AM | | Comments (0)

March 12, 2019

Democrats for Racial Segregation !!!

Grand Old Partisan denounces Democrat devilry. This day of 1956, Howard Smith, a Democrat, introduced the Southern Manifesto at the U.S. House of Representatives while Democrat Senator Walter George introduced it at the other chamber. This notorious document criticized the... Read more →

Posted at 09:42 AM | | Comments (0)

March 11, 2019

saluting Henry Van Aernam, from Regimental Surgeon to Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes Henry Van Aernam, born in western New York this day of 1819. He studied medicine at local colleges. Having been among the founders of the state GOP, in 1858 this ardent abolitionist was elected state representative.... Read more →

Posted at 10:49 AM | | Comments (0)

March 10, 2019

saluting James Young, from Boy Soldier to Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes James Young, born in Philadelphia this day of 1847. During the Civil War, he enlisted at age sixteen in the 32nd Pennsylvania Infantry. Union restored, Young reported from Washington for the New York Tribune. He later... Read more →

Posted at 12:59 PM | | Comments (0)

March 09, 2019

saluting George Latham, from West Virginia Unionist to Cavalry Colonel to Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes George Latham, born in Prince William County, Virginia this day of 1832. While practicing law in what became West Virginia, he was delegate to the convention that established a Unionist administration for the Old Dominion. Outbreak... Read more →

Posted at 12:17 AM | | Comments (0)

March 08, 2019

honoring Edmund Mackey, gutsy South Carolina Unionist and Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan honors Edmund Mackey, born in Charleston, South Carolina this day of 1846. His father created Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Both men were Unionists during the Civil War. The son was delegate to the state's 1868 constitutional convention and... Read more →

Posted at 09:44 AM | | Comments (0)

March 07, 2019

yet another Republican denouncing Democrats for supporting slavery

Grand Old Partisan recalls a classic Republican denunciation of pro-slavery Democrats. This day in 1860, Representative Charles Van Wyck spoke truth to power, denouncing the Slavery Party for promoting "a crime against the laws of God and nature." "You talk... Read more →

Posted at 09:46 AM | | Comments (0)

March 06, 2019

honoring Gerrit Smith, heroic Republican Abolitionist

Grand Old Partisan honors Gerrit Smith, born in Utica, New York this day of 1797. The wealthy landowner lived simply, focusing philanthropy on a range of social causes. In addition to the abolitionism, he crusaded for women's suffrage, prison reform,... Read more →

Posted at 10:01 AM | | Comments (0)

March 05, 2019

Elias Selah Holliday

Grand Old Partisan salutes Elias Selah Holliday, born this day of 1842. He moved with his family from Indiana to Missouri and later taught school in Iowa. During the Civil War, this patriotic youth served in the 5th Kansas Infantry.... Read more →

Posted at 12:25 AM | | Comments (0)

March 04, 2019

appreciating the Federal Meat Inspection Act

Grand Old Partisan appreciates the Federal Meat Inspection Act. President Theodore Roosevelt signed it this day of 1906. The law had been written by Senator Albert Beveridge (R-IN) and introduced in the House by Representative James Wadsworth (R-NY) and passed... Read more →

Posted at 10:16 AM | | Comments (0)

March 03, 2019

Republicans Established the U.S. Court of Appeals

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the 1891 Judiciary Act. This legislation had been written by Senator William Evarts (R-NY) and passed by the GOP-controlled 51st Congress. President Benjamin Harrison signed it this day that year. Abolished were federal circuit courts, replaced... Read more →

Posted at 12:56 AM | | Comments (0)

March 02, 2019

Republicans Established Howard University

Grand Old Partisan highlights the Republican origins of "the top producer of African-American undergraduates who later earn science and engineering doctoral degrees." With the purpose of establishing an institution of higher learning for emancipated slaves and other African-Americans, Senator Samuel... Read more →

Posted at 12:45 PM | | Comments (0)

March 01, 2019

Nebraska statehood, thanks to Republicans

Grand Old Partisan celebrates the 152nd anniversary of Nebraska statehood. It took the Republican Party to get the job done. Today in 1867, Nebraska joined the Union. This occurred after the GOP-controlled 39th Congress overrode a veto by the Democrat... Read more →

Posted at 08:25 AM | | Comments (0)

February 28, 2019

saluting Stephen Dorsey, early Arkansas Republican Senator

Grand Old Partisan salutes Stephen Dorsey, born this day of 1842. As a teen, he moved with his family from Vermont to Ohio. During the Civil War, he enlisted in that state's 1st Light Artillery. Peace restored, the young colonel... Read more →

Posted at 10:32 AM | | Comments (0)

IMG_3806
each day, a video celebrating Republican heroes and heroics
My father, of blessed memory, wrote a book now available on Kindle: Soldier Boy: a Memoir of Life and Death and Survival during WWII

Back to Basics for the Republican Party

  • "We need to promote Back to Basics for the Republican Party to every single proud Republican!!!!"
  • "Every precinct committeeman, every candidate and every teacher with a Republican affiliation should read this book and pass it on to another."
  • "Michael Zak takes a novel approach to the culture wars by boldly boasting the historical record of the Republican Party. Rather then sheepishly bow to the Democrat's ongoing myths (and frequently, outright lies) about the GOP, he brings the history and heroes of the Republican Party into the fray."
  • “Why is it that we Republicans are so easily outmaneuvered by Democrats?
    Why do Republicans so readily fight among themselves?
    Why is it so difficult for Republicans to advance their policy agenda?
    Here's why."
    Back to Basics for the Republican Party
  • “The past is the cause of the present, and the present will be the cause of the future. All these are links in the endless chain stretching from the finite to the infinite.”
    Abraham Lincoln
  • “The Founding Fathers knew a government can't control the economy without controlling people. And they knew when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose. So we have come to a time for choosing.”
    Ronald Reagan

Speech Raves

  • "Your words at the Lincoln Day dinner were truly inspiring. Thank you so much for your dedicated work and contributions to our Party."
  • "Your book is outstanding, and it's nice to have the information come alive during your presentation. You are at once informative and motivating. We've got to get back to basics -- as you say."
  • "Thank you for speaking at the luncheon. I've already received many favorable comments. You're absolutely right that the Republican leadership should know our party's history."
  • "Thanks for all that you do for the Republican Party and our Nation."
  • “Your speech was great and just what some of us depressed Republicans needed. The GOP has taken its eye off of the major issue: freedom v. socialism. You spoke to the core of that issue.”
  • “Thank you so much for speaking at the state convention. We received wonderful feedback from everyone in attendance. Everyone was impressed with the depth and breadth of your knowledge, as well as your clear speaking style and sense of humor. You made an outstanding presentation, and we are deeply grateful to you for your efforts.”
  • “You have a great vision and hope for the Party, and I think you are embarking on important work.”
  • “Thank you so much for speaking at our event. You are offering a tremendous service not only to Republicans, but also to the United States and the world.”
  • Click here for more audience feedback.
grand_old_partisan@hotmail.com
My Photo

About

grand_old_partisan@hotmail.com

I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission.

A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it.

Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Women’s Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy.

event photos

  • IMG_4976
    Michael Zak is a popular speaker to conservative organizations around the nation -- thirty states so far. His message is that Republicans would benefit tremendously from appreciating the heritage of our Grand Old Party.

Book Reviews

  • "Your book is a national treasure.
    I'm always recommending it to people."
  • "Thank you, Michael!!! Every person who calls himself a Republican, and every person who just wants to know the truth. should know your book!!!"
  • "If you're a Republican and love history, this book by my friend Michael Zak is a must read. And if you happen to be looking for a Lincoln/Reagan Day dinner speaker, I highly recommend him."
  • great information on our rich heritage
    "Get a copy of Michael Zak's book, Back to Basics for the Republican Party"
  • "I recommend Back to Basics for the Republican Party to everyone who wants to be educated on the true history of the GOP and America!!!!
  • Phenomenal history
    Anyone who liked the Lincoln movie will love this book. This book is perhaps the best kept secret in all political and history books in America. It is something every politico should read. It puts things into historical perspective like few other books I've read. It challenges conventional through thorough documented history. This is a must read for any student of American history and political science. One regret is that I read the book more than a decade after it was published. It truly is something you feel you missed out on. It is also a book that leaves you wanting to learn more about certain individuals such as Thaddeus Stevens. It's an incredible body of work."
  • "Thank you for writing your book. I am two chapters into it, and find it fascinating and motivating. This may be a very significant contribution to the rise of the GOP in the coming years."
  • "I am a believer in pro-free market and pro-constitutional rights who recently purchased your book Back to Basics for the Republican Party and have not been able to put it down. It is simply amazing you composed a book in 2003 that hits home on the most serious of topics we face today. I completely agree that we must educate and focus on the original plan as laid out by the founders of our party if we are ever to move forward in a positive direction."
  • Praise from Alaska
    "I purchased your book at our Juneau, Alaska Republican Women's Luncheon last month principally because the title intrigued me. I just finished it, reading the last chapter three times. I wanted to burn the wisdom presented into my brain. Thank you again for all your hard work to research and write your book. Thank you for all you are doing to educate Americans on the incredible truth of the founding of our great country.""Thank you for doing all the research to write this book. As a History/American Studies major, I THOUGHT I knew the difference between Republicans and Democrats, the roles of Lincoln and Stevens and Sumner and Reagan, and the history of our country from the revolutionary war through the civil war. Boy, was I soooo wrong."
  • Read it and MEMORIZE it!
    "My copy is dog-eared with notes and underlined parts.   “Back to Basics for the Republican Party has been tremendously helpful setting mis-educated Democrats straight on history!"
  • It's a fantatic buy!
    “Back to Basics for the Republican Party is very informative and gives you an insight into the history of the party from the early days to the modern day presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. What the author has done is provide a balanced view, giving the reader a fascinating 150-year journey of the Republicans. This book is a REAL political page turner which will open minds to a wealth of knowledge and history which most are not even aware of.
  • “Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan.”
  • “This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!”
  • “Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before.”
  • "one of the best books I ever read"
  • “Your book, Back to Basics for the Republican Party, is most timely during this 2010 pre-election period. It is a message that needs to be emphasized to all grassroots activists. From the precinct, county, district and national levels your respected views need to be heard and read on how to take back our country.”
  • from the first page: “Democrats control most of the media, but they also write most of the history books, thereby controlling what even Republican activists think they know about our Party's glorious heritage.”
  • Click here for more book reviews.