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View Full Version : Something That I Just Posted To The Orlando RP Meetup




pennycat
02-23-2008, 12:14 AM
Our plans to influence the Florida counties' Republican Executive Committee's have not gone unnoticed. Since posting several impassioned email pleas to start attending these, word has been spreading among traditional Republicans that the 'Ron Paul Patriots are coming!' No doubt arrangements have been made with King George for the women and children to be protected from us Colonialists;-) Yes, my fellow Patriots there are spying eyes reading our stuff.

Let me explain. Having decided to go up to Seminole County for last nights' REC meeting I decided to meet some of the members there. First guy I strike up a conversation with asks me how I heard of the meeting. I said, 'Oh, some friends told me about it.' He then proceeds to tell me that he knows I'm here to take over the Republican party and accuses me of not being honest.'

We go back and forth about where the Republican party is headed and then suggests that I go over and meet the Chairman. I walk over and introduce myself and he proceeds to tell me that there is going to be no take over here. We again debate issues in a calm manner. He then casually mentions that he will be reading some of my postings on this Web site to the audience. I ask for a chance to put things in context. He objects and says we don't have time for debate. He just wants everyone to know what we are up to. I press the issue that in fairness, I should be given a chance to respond. Finally he agrees that I can take a minute or two to say a few words. I then agree that using the words 'take over' were perhaps not a proper way to introduce ourselves. He accepts my clarification and the meeting starts.

Sure enough after a few minutes of his opening announcements he says, "And we have some new folks from the Ron Paul movement who have decided to join our group. In fact they want to take over our group." We are all sitting up towards the front of the room. The 15 of us sat silently and smiled at the idea that we were now 'outed' and waited to see what would happen next. Tarring and feathering would have been interesting entertainment for the night's meeting, but I figured that would have to come later.

The Chairman concluded his remarks with something like, we welcome them in the spirit of Republican unity. And as long as they agree to abide by our rules they are welcome. He motions me to come forward and say a few words.

I start by explaining that we are here to bring new life to the the Seminole County Republican Party. That many of our members had not ever registered Republican before and that we wanted to explore the many core issues that we share. I also warned that the worst thing that the Republican party could do would be to try and shut out debate. I thanked the Chairman and as I began to walk back to my seat the room erupted into LOUD applause.

The meeting continued and after it was over many people came up to welcome us. In fact 3 people came up and said to me, 'If you want to take over the Republican party, I want to help!' I explained that I meant what I said that we really just want to begin reexamining our principles. But they insisted I take their phone numbers.

Now why do I go into all this detail? Especially knowing that it can and probably will be spread all over the state of Florida! [And by the way, Republican Executive Committee, you do know that the line about us ravaging your women and children was a joke, right?]

We simply must get beyond the point of doing everything in secret. That every thing is a conspiracy. Folks, our number one mission is to expose people to the principles found in the US Constitution. We have nothing to be ashamed of or to hide. In fact, some people have suggested that we go to a secret email list and never sit together in public meetings.

Not only is this kind of behavior silly, it is actually counter productive. Our only hope for the Ron Paul rEVOLution is to explain it to anyone that is in the Republican party (or any other group for that matter). We must build a much larger coalition if we are to have any hope of breaking the stranglehold that corporate special interest money is exerting on BOTH Republican and Democratic party's. The grassroots should be the ones controlling the political landscape.

This kind of debate is extremely healthy for our party at this critical time. We must do it with respect, and with malice towards none. One only needs to turn on the radio, open a magazine or read a blog. The Republican party is far from unified. Now is the time when the Constitution is MOST needed to bring us together.

I eagerly await the beginning of this long over due clash of ideas. And I challenge everyone to sharpen their rhetorical skills and meet me at the next Orange County Republican Executive Committee meeting. RSVP here

http://ronpaul.meetup...

P.S. Wanna hear something funny? Afterwards when the Chairman and I were talking along together, I commented that I was instrumental in turning out College Republicans for Ronald Reagan's first election at the University of Florida. His eyes get big and says 'You're a Gator?' And I sez, Yes, sir and proud of it.' He extends a high five and we begin laughing. You never know what might come of this!

xRedfoxx
02-23-2008, 12:20 AM
Awesome story!!

ArrestPoliticians
02-23-2008, 12:29 AM
YES this is the way to go.

Cleaner44
02-23-2008, 12:33 AM
This is great. It really highlights how we need to retool the Republican party. The GOP has gotten off track and everyone knows it. Hell even people like McCain say it. When the GOP is ready to reject the big govt socialist ways of Neocons and get back to being a fiscally conservative, small govt party, the GOP will rise again. The sooner the better.

There is no doubt that the idea of smaller govt, lower taxes and obeying the Constitution is superior to anything the Democrats can offer. Until the GOP is willing to be that party our nation will suffer.

molly_pitcher
02-23-2008, 12:34 AM
bumples

Bruno
02-23-2008, 12:54 AM
You made my night!

Awesome way to represent Ron Paul and the movement. I bet you were walking on a cloud when you left that building!

MikeSmith
02-23-2008, 07:33 AM
Sticky this.

pennycat
02-23-2008, 09:46 AM
Folks, we must get on with affecting real change in this country. The local county Republican party's are the best place to start. They are weak and divided. We can write all the emails and do all the marches we want. But they pale in comparison to the opportunity we have to move into the Republican party and restore Constitutional principles!

ronpaulhawaii
02-23-2008, 10:27 AM
Great story, thanks for sharing. That applause must have felt GOOOD!

I agree that people can be much more open, and that this is how we can achieve our goals.

It is important for the rank and file to see that we are not a bunch of pimply faced kooks. That we stand up for what we believe and are willing to do something about it.

Our messege speaks for itself

liberteebell
02-23-2008, 10:48 AM
Awesome! I truly believe that a lot of long-time republicans realize their party has been hijacked but are afraid to speak out. We can help them as the OP has proven :D:cool::D

Great job!

Libertytree
02-23-2008, 11:49 AM
Awesome story my friend, it gladdens my heart.

pinkmandy
02-23-2008, 11:53 AM
Awesome! I truly believe that a lot of long-time republicans realize their party has been hijacked but are afraid to speak out. We can help them as the OP has proven :D:cool::D

Great job!


I agree. They are followers, not leaders. They will maintain the status quo even if they are unhappy until someone legitimately leads them in a different direction. They need new shepherds! :D

pennycat
02-23-2008, 12:39 PM
Thanks for all the replies. Of course what I'm really hoping for is for us all to google our county's Republican Executive Committee meetings and start attending. This is the process that will gain us the most influence shaping political policy. Nothing else compares!

So how about it? Who's going to make a pledge to expend 1 hour to check out their local county chapterr?

JS4Pat
02-23-2008, 01:29 PM
Excellent Nick!

Breaking through the REC groupthink can be difficult, but you proved it is possible.

We have had no less than 10 Ron Paul Meetup members at every Duval County REC Meeting since the summer. Last week we made a conscience effort to have our greatest showing yet. (The February meeting AFTER our Jan 29th Primary). We had 18 people show up and you should have seen the reaction of the party regulars. They expected us to disappear after we lost the primary - certainly not INCREASE our numbers.

I agree with Nick - this is where we can make susbstantive long term change a reality.

I also think we need a formal structure to transition Ron Paul Meetup Groups into. The best vehicle I have found is the Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=111402). I think we should use this as the place to "build, educate and train" our army to be ready for the eventual control of the GOP. Attending GOP meetings requires a lot of lip biting and restraint. The RLC meetings will give us an outlet to EXPRESS what we REALLY think. ;)

Soccrmastr
02-23-2008, 01:41 PM
Very entertaining read. I love "real life political situation" stories like this. I wish every group was as active as you guys in going to meeting and stuff, etc.