The Republican Shop Blog

Anti Health Care Bill T-shirts...show your outrage

2010-03-22T00:07:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I posted, because it's been a while since I added any new designs to the Republican Shop store.

The main reason for this, is my husband and I have been working very hard to start a business. His dream. For many years my husband has wanted to start, own, and operate his own Caribbean restaurant in Minnesota.

We've literally poured all of our resources, time, energy and creativity into this venture and are so proud to finally, as of this past December, have our restaurant. We purchased a small cafe that seats 40 and have been spending the past few months working hard to fix up the place, paint it, renovate it, and change the menu for an anticipated grand-reopening in April when we'll have our renovations complete.

In the process of us both quitting our day jobs, naturally we had to find health insurance for our family of 5. Happy to have found a plan that fits our needs, though expensive, has just been put into effect.

Being a small business owner has brought with it a huge learning curve. But we learned quickly what we could and could not afford. And health insurance for our employees is certainly not something a small restaurant like ours could probably ever afford, being that the costs of running it are so high. Times are tight now and us owners take a cut in pay to make ends meet for the business.

So why am I posting all of this?

We are outraged. Furious. Saddened.

This health care reform bill that was just passed would impose a $700+ fine for us on each of our employees if we do not provide them with health insurance. I also found out today that the state of Minnesota just passed a law that would add on additional state taxes and fines if we did not provide our employees with health insurance. We, as individuals, also would face having to change our health plan, tailored to our families' needs, to eventually switch to one of the soon to be government mandated, "acceptable" plans.

Tell me, where are we supposed to get the money for these added fines/taxes/premiums? The short answer is that when the time comes, we'll have to lay people off, jack up our prices, or close. It's not easy to face the fact that we're barely getting our dream off the ground, only to have it squashed by greed in Washington. It makes me sick.

So how can you help? What can you do? I'm surprised at how many of my own friends have no idea this is going on, or just plain don't care. Besides wearing one of our Republican Shop shirts to a rally, or stopping by our restaurant for a meal to help us pay our bills, employees, and grow our business, talk to your friends, talk to your representatives. Let people know that you care and that this fight is not over. Freedom must prevail.

The Bulldog has been Unleashed - New Palin Shirts

2009-07-04T15:23:00.003-05:00

With Sarah stepping down as governor of Alaska, the bulldog has been unleashed! What will her next move be? Show your support for Sarah as presidential candidate for the 2012 election with new Palin 2012 T-shirts and gifts at theRepublicanShop.com !

New Halloween McCain Palin Pumpkin head T-shirts!

2008-10-06T23:36:00.003-05:00

Just added to theRepublicanShop.com, these McCain Palin 2008 Halloween Pumpkin shirts are sure to scare liberals!

"Chad the Elder" of The Northern Alliance sporting custom theRepublicanShop.com T-shirt at the Minnesota State Fair

2008-09-23T08:23:00.002-05:00

August 28, 2008, my family had a great day at the Minnesota State Fair. One stop we couldn't miss was the AM1280 the Patriot radio station booth. They were my first radio advertising experience this year & it was fun being part of their community.

During the Minnesota State Republican Convention I sponsored the Northern Alliance Radio Network's live broadcast. And for their broadcast, I created custom Northern Alliance T-shirts for the hosts.

Pictured above is me with "Chad the Elder" wearing his custom shirt. I'm wearing my McCain2008 shirt from theRepublicanShop.com. Thanks for helping me promote my shop, guys!

Below are more photos of interest from the great Minnesota Get Together!

The Northern Alliance Radio guys give my shop a mention during their show.

Shirts being sold at the Patriot Booth.

Chachi sports this awesome "Sign of the Easily Fooled Obama" shirt he was promoting at the Patriot Booth!

The Minnesota GOP booth.

The Franken booth was pretty dead, despite a huge crowd that day. Poor Al.

"McCain is my Homeboy" design featured in fall '08 Venuszine Magazine!

2008-09-22T20:07:00.005-05:00

Watch for the new fall issue of Venuszine Magazine. You'll notice theRepublicanShop.com's "McCain is my Homeboy" in their "The Art of the Vote" feature! Venuszine is a magazine about emerging creativity from women in music, art, film, fasion, d.i.y. & culture. Thanks, Venuszine for the feature!

An email from an annonymous lefty

2008-09-21T21:01:00.004-05:00

Sorry postings have been so sparse lately! I've been so busy cashing in on annoying liberals, I haven't had much time to blog lately. But I had to take a break to post this fan letter from a recent visitor to theRepublicanShop.com

----------------------------

Hi, what's your name? Lefty
How did you find us? Cafepress.com
What's Up? Other/Misc.
Priority No response needed

your message:

Heidi,

Your site is quite laughable.

Since you are cashing in on lies, fear mongering, and insults, you are a true capitalist and thus, a true Republican; at least you're consistent.

Too bad for you, the truth will prevail and Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States.

All the best.

-A Soy Latte Drinking Elitist (hey, I just gave you an idea for a new shirt!)

----------------------------

Thanks for your kind words, "Lefty!" [writer declined to share his/her name...typical lefty].
Enjoy your Latte :-)

McCain Palin: Change We Can Trust T-shirts!

2008-09-07T11:19:00.002-05:00

Looking for a T-Shirt with both McCain and Palin's faces on it?
Another McCain Palin Design has been added to theRepublicanShop.com.
This one reads: John McCain, Sarah Palin: Change we can TRUST

More cute Sarah Palin T-shirt designs now available!

2008-08-30T21:35:00.000-05:00

I've been adding more McCain / Palin T-shirts, buttons & gear, including some more "girly" designs for women and a couple designs for the guys, too.

Palin Power T-Shirts & gifts.

McCain Palin 2008 Flag tees & gifts.

McCain Palin 2008 T-shirts & gifts.

SP (Sarah Palin) for VP (vice president), McCain Palin 2008.

Palin face/portrait T-shirts and long sleeve tees in black.

McCain Palin with pink and light blue flag T-shirts and gifts.

McCain Palin T-shirts are here!

2008-08-29T12:01:00.003-05:00

McCain Palin shirts are now available for purchase & Commission Junction affiliates!

Graffiti-inspired McCain T-shirts, hoodies & gifts

2008-08-25T15:54:00.002-05:00

Just added, these McCain 2008 stencil-graffiti style Tees & gifts add a nice alternative look from your typical conservative election gear.

John McCain 2008 stencil hoodie, available at theRepublicanShop.com

Honor, Integrity, God & Country McCain T-shirts, now available at theRepublicanShop.com!

2008-08-22T16:00:00.008-05:00

I just added this series of McCain shirts!

McCain has shown to be a man of honor, integrity, he believes in putting God and Country first, he can be trusted on our national security, and believes in protecting our freedom (Republican party) above equality (Democrat party).

"Honor" McCain 2008 T-shirts and gifts

"Integrity" McCain 2008 T-shirts and gifts

"God & Country" McCain 2008 T-shirts and gifts

"Freedom" McCain 2008 T-shirts and gifts

"Security" McCain 2008 T-shirts and gifts

If you're a Commission Junction affiliate, all these designs and more are available for you to promote & earn money on! Visit Cafepress' affiliate program page for more information.

New McCain 2008 Buttons

2008-08-21T15:15:00.003-05:00

I'm in the process of uploading a bunch of new designs and products for theRepublicanShop.com.
This button is the first. More T-shirts to come!

Michael Medved, Ed Schultz Debate!

2008-05-08T06:46:00.000-05:00

Tony and I were excited to give Michael Medved some custom T-shirts from theRepublicanShop.com & meet him again for a photo last night.

You could feel the tension and excitement in the air as hundreds of people filtered in to the Northland Inn in Brooklyn Park, MN last night for the Michael Medved/Ed Schultz debate. After the friendly introductions & light-hearted jabs at one another, things really heated up.

There were so many topics touched on I wouldn't even know how to sum it up. From a Right-Wing Girl's perspective, many of the liberal arguments Ed presented (raising taxes, feel-good-substance-free-solutions, Bush-bashing, name-calling & swearing) were nothing I haven't heard before from the left. And being a fan of Medved, I had heard his arguments before, too. But there was some common ground to be found (campaign finance reform comes to mind) and I appreciated Ed's honesty on some of the issues discussed.

All in all, it was an awesome event and I was happy to see so many people come out from both sides of the aisle to hear these talented radio talk show hosts duke it out. I hope to see more events like this that bring both sides together for a spirited debate!

Dennis Prager receives custom T-shirt from theRepublicanShop.com

2008-05-05T21:56:00.000-05:00

When Dennis came to town a few weeks back, I had made him a few custom T-shirts I thought he'd like. Here, Julie from Salem Radio is presenting Dennis with the "I Prefer Clarity to Agreement" T-shirt, while wearing her own "Vote Republican" T-shirt from theRepublicanShop.com!

Can't a guy just eat his waffle?

2008-04-30T21:26:00.004-05:00

Oh, dear Obama...I don't blame ya for wanting to just eat your breakfast, but gosh your statement made headlines in a hurry and, well, it is pretty funny on a T-shirt.

I just added this today: "Why can't I just eat my waffle?" T-shirts and gifts for folks on either side of the waffle house aisle.

Hillary...keep her in the race!

2008-04-23T06:09:00.003-05:00

As a Republican, how can you not enjoy seeing Hillary and Barack continue to go at one another? I never would have thought she'd make it this far. She's a fighter, that one! Show your support for keeping Hillary in the race with this "Keep her in it so we can win it" T-shirt!

I'm not Bitter

2008-04-20T20:49:00.002-05:00

Keep on talking, Obama...you're giving me great ideas for T-Shirts. This one, "I'd Rather Cling to Religion than to Big Government...Small Town Americans for McCain" shirt says it all for me.

And here's another design I just added, "I'm Not Bitter...small town Americans for McCain"

And one more that reads: Another small town religion-clinging gun-toting American who's voting for McCain!

Women for McCain Buttons

2008-04-03T19:57:00.000-05:00

I'm adding a bunch of buttons to the shop now. Here's one for "Women for McCain."
Also available with this design, are 3" lapel stickers, a new product just added by Cafepress! More buttons coming soon...

Conservatism is not a Crime

2008-03-27T21:28:00.004-05:00

I did a couple different approaches to this phrase. Above is the more "edgy" design, below, a cartoon look. Either one conveys the message that conservatism is not a crime. At least not yet.

Republicans Smell Nice

2008-03-26T23:41:00.001-05:00

You're no smelly hippie. You wear deodorant. You dream of small government, low taxes and you need this shirt.

Delegate Gear for Republican Delegates!

2008-03-25T22:35:00.001-05:00

This year Minnesota moved it's caucus date to "super Tuesday" and had record turnouts for both parties. My husband went to his first caucus this year & ended up becoming an alternate for our ward.

So it got me thinking I better design some shirts for delegates. More styles and shirt colors available at the Republican shop.
There is also this "Delegate in Training" design available on buttons and shirts. Great to wear to your next convention or rally!

Dennis Prager comes to Minnesota!

2008-03-24T23:51:00.003-05:00

Having a 6 month old and a 2 year old means Tony & I don't go out a whole lot as just a couple.

And although we were rather sleep deprived (baby just doesn't want to sleep at night!), we were excited to go see Dennis Prager speak at the Northland Inn in Brooklyn Park, MN. Thanks to AM1280 The Patriot for providing us with the tickets! 600 people showed up for the event. The topic was, "What keeps Dennis up at night." He was interesting, thought provoking, and funny as ever & we had a great time.

Now Dennis was also in town to debate at the National Atheist convention the day before (Easter Sunday). My husband ended up having to work that night where he's a sous chef at Tejas in Edina. Well, the night was winding down & they were getting ready to close the restaurant & in walks Dennis Prager. Not only did Tony get to meet him (lucky!) and cook for him, but Dennis mentioned "the chef" the next day on his radio program. So if you happened to hear that broadcast, my husband, Tony, was that chef.

I'll have more pictures to post soon...

GOP, the Grand Old Party

2008-03-23T21:23:00.000-05:00

Show your support for the GOP with this "Conservative, Republican, GOP, Grand Old Party" Women's Long sleeve T-shirt for $27.99!

God Bless America

2008-03-22T20:40:00.001-05:00

It may be a little "in your face," but no more so than the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's words that have been gracing the airways recently. This God Bless America shirt will be a good design for any America loving patriot (Republican or Democrat) who denounces Wright's words.

"Red State '08" 50 states designs

2008-03-20T22:14:00.000-05:00

I have a few of these "Red State '08" designs done and will keep adding more 'till there are 50. Available on shirts, buttons, mugs and other stuff!

Team McCain

2008-03-19T21:23:00.001-05:00

Yes, the world needs another "Team McCain" T-shirt! They're all over Cafepress.com, so I had to add my own.

I especially like this Team McCain design on gray T-shirts.

A great shirt to wear to a McCain rally or Republican event!

Talk Radio Junkie

2008-03-18T21:50:00.001-05:00

The other day I was describing myself to someone as "kind-of a talk radio junkie" and minutes later this design was born!

The Republican Shop Blog is here! Plus: 5 Reasons I started The Republican Shop

2008-03-17T20:52:00.003-05:00

The Republican Shop is well underway and I'm busy each day now working on new designs and new products. I'm hoping to have the home page done by next week for an "official" store opening!

To get things rolling, I'm going to post the designs I've got so far. I welcome your feedback, suggestions, and ideas!

Oh yes, and 5 reasons I started theRepublicanShop.com:

1. I'm a Republican voter

2. I'm an artist and designer

3. I love selling T-shirts and gifts online! (my other endeavors include http://www.ibusybodies.com)

4. I need to pay my bills (that is, after over 1/3 of my profits go right to the government)

5. It's a presidential election year! I want to get more Republicans WEARING their beliefs, SHARING their views, and WINNING at the polls! I'll make periodic donations to McCain's Campaign with profits from theRepublicanShop.com

Bill Bennett at the Minnesota State Fair, 2006

2006-09-01T20:33:00.000-05:00

Bill Bennett does his live broadcast at the Minnesota State Fair.
Here he is at the AM1280 the Patriot booth.

Dennis Prager at the Minnesota State Fair, 2005

2005-08-30T23:28:00.000-05:00

Mr. Prager graciously takes a break during his live broadcast at the AM1280 booth to smile for a photo.

Dennis meets with a listener to sign his book.

My husband, Tony poses for a picture by Dennis Prager (we didn't feel like waiting in line...but this at least shows we were there :-)

President George W. Bush Victory Rally, Target Center, 2004

2004-10-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

The Target Center, Minneapolis, MN was packed with excited "W" supporters!

Me (left) and friend Tina.

Bush Rally in Minnesota, 2004

2004-09-16T22:29:00.000-05:00

President George W. Bush speaks at the Minnesota Rally in September, 2004

Mr. President shaking hands. We were very close!

My friend Tina (left) and me pretending we were part of the press corps.

James Lileks at Trivia Bowl, Keegans, Minnesota

2004-08-26T23:06:00.000-05:00

I was excited to meet James Lileks, regular guest on the Hugh Hewitt radio program. He's a brilliant, funny writer who's website I frequent for a good read, laugh, or a delightful stroll through photos, ads and architecture of the "old days."

Hugh Hewitt at Trivia Bowl, Keegans Pub, Minnesota

2004-08-26T23:02:00.000-05:00

After a day at the Minnesota State Fair, Tony and I got to meet Hugh Hewitt at a Trivia Bowl at Keegans Pub in Minnesota.

Michael Medved comes to the Minnesota State Fair

2004-08-26T22:53:00.000-05:00

The Republican party of MN booth at the Minnesota State Fair.

Michael Medved doing a live broadcast with son Danny, in the AM1280 the Patriot booth at the Minnesota State Fair.

Left to right: Heidi (me), Michael Medved, and Tony (my husband)

First time meeting Dennis Prager

2003-08-26T22:38:00.000-05:00

Left to right: Me (Heidi), Dennis Prager, Tony (my hubby).
Dennis Prager Meet & Greet at RF Moeller Jeweler in Edina, MN