I was a challenged Missouri delegate at the credentials meeting today in Jeff City

[Ceena]

It is still going on, I was one of the first RP delegates called into the "interrogation room". I was escorted upstairs and waited in the hall with another challenged delegate. I wanted this other person to be in the room with me for support, but they would not let him in. The one lady actually physically pushed him out of the doorway and closed the door in his face. He specifically asked if he was being refused entry and he was.

There were up to eleven credential committee persons seated along a row of desks. I was asked to sit in a single chair in front of them just as if I was being interrogated and was told I would have five minutes of their time.

I asked for documentation on why I was being challenged, who submitted the challenge, and proof that the challenge was submitted by the imposed deadline.

They refused to tell me who the challenger was! They stated that the challenge was made by the deadline but refused to give me any verification documentation. And as far as why I was being challenged, they would only say that I was being challenged as to whether I was a "good Republican". They said that I seemed to not have participated in the party in the past. I gave them written proof that I was a REPUBLICAN election judge at the February primary and that I was scheduled to be one in August too. That did not seem to be a good enough response from them.

They asked if I would vote for McCain at the convention and I responded that I would vote for whoever I was required to vote for at that time. In Missouri, you are bound to vote for the primary winner (McCain) in the first vote UNLESS that rule is over turned. They asked me in another way and I responded with the same answer.

They also asked if I supported a brokered convention. I answered "Supported? What does that mean? Everyone is allowed to vote." At that time the five minutes were up and I was escorted out the door with no feedback on the interrogation whatsoever.

We had a parliamentarian there for support and she was also refused entry into the room with any challenged delegates.

It was overall a very unpleasant experience and a total waste of time. It's not going to make one bit of difference what anyone says in these meetings, I do not believe it will change any of their minds. But if we didn't go, they would use that against us.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/political-fix/political-fix/2008/05/mo-gop-targeting-300-pro-ron-paul-at-monday-credentials-meeting/all-comments/#comments

[Paulitical Correctness]

Let the boiling of blood commence!

[hillertexas]

Welcome to the forum, Ceena. I wish it were under better circumstances.

My god, is there nothing we can do? I am so mad right now.

[acptulsa]

I thought the Thought Police went out with the Japanese Empire in 1945.

[szczebrzeszyn]

This is outrageous :mad:

[acptulsa]

Welcome to the forum, Ceena. I wish it were under better circumstances.

Yes, welcome. Thanks for signing up and giving us the report! Wish it were better news, but we've wished that a lot...

[V4Vendetta]

Do you Support Returning to our founding Philosophy?
Yes?

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH........

KICK HIM OUT

[derdy]

I already know they're going to disenfranchise ALL 137 delegates from St. Charles County, but I'm still going to the convention anyways. The NEOCONS IN THE GOP CAN GO **** THEMSELVES!

[Akus]

It is still going on, I was one of the first RP delegates called into the "interrogation room". I was escorted upstairs and waited in the hall with another challenged delegate. I wanted this other person to be in the room with me for support, but they would not let him in. The one lady actually physically pushed him out of the doorway and closed the door in his face. He specifically asked if he was being refused entry and he was.

There were up to eleven credential committee persons seated along a row of desks. I was asked to sit in a single chair in front of them just as if I was being interrogated and was told I would have five minutes of their time.

I asked for documentation on why I was being challenged, who submitted the challenge, and proof that the challenge was submitted by the imposed deadline.

They refused to tell me who the challenger was! They stated that the challenge was made by the deadline but refused to give me any verification documentation. And as far as why I was being challenged, they would only say that I was being challenged as to whether I was a "good Republican". They said that I seemed to not have participated in the party in the past. I gave them written proof that I was a REPUBLICAN election judge at the February primary and that I was scheduled to be one in August too. That did not seem to be a good enough response from them.

They asked if I would vote for McCain at the convention and I responded that I would vote for whoever I was required to vote for at that time. In Missouri, you are bound to vote for the primary winner (McCain) in the first vote UNLESS that rule is over turned. They asked me in another way and I responded with the same answer.

They also asked if I supported a brokered convention. I answered "Supported? What does that mean? Everyone is allowed to vote." At that time the five minutes were up and I was escorted out the door with no feedback on the interrogation whatsoever.

We had a parliamentarian there for support and she was also refused entry into the room with any challenged delegates.

It was overall a very unpleasant experience and a total waste of time. It's not going to make one bit of difference what anyone says in these meetings, I do not believe it will change any of their minds. But if we didn't go, they would use that against us.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/political-fix/political-fix/2008/05/mo-gop-targeting-300-pro-ron-paul-at-monday-credentials-meeting/all-comments/#comments
I know most of us want to "transform the Republican Party", but it is crap like this why I personally believe every single Ron Paul supporter has to make a mass exodus to one generally agreed upon third party.

[pinkmandy]

I don't understand HOW they can do this? Based on what? What GOP rule were you breaking? Is there a rule that you have to be able to prove longstanding loyalty? This is a mess. I know its a private organization, but I don't get how they can discriminate like this unless there is some rule they have that allows them to conduct such unfair interrogations? I'm baffled really. Are there any legal options for this type of behavior? Republican does not equal love John McCain, right? What's the "crime"? How are they getting by with this witchhunt?

[acptulsa]

I know most of us want to "transform the Republican Party", but it is crap like this why I personally believe every single Ron Paul supporter has to make a mass exodus to one generally agreed upon third party.

May be. But we're helping ourselves by demonstrating to those G.O.P. rank and file types who are human and have consciences just what manner of slime they're a part of before we leave them to think about that fact...

[slacker921]

Ask for names.. please.. They need to be ready to have their personal Republican values challenged for the next 6 or 8 years. They're supporting McCain for president, and that will come back to haunt them.

[soapmistress]

I am sorry this had to be your first post.

And I'm pissed!!!

The burden of proof should lie with the accuser.

[Akus]

May be. But we're helping ourselves by demonstrating to those G.O.P. rank and file types who are human and have consciences just what manner of slime they're a part of before we leave them to think about that fact...my idea would demonstrate it better:cool:

[salsero96]

Wow.. now they have secret tribunals for delegates... Bush and the neocons really trained them well.

Be careful... They'll be waterboarding the delegates next!

"WILL YOU SUPPORT McCAIN?!?!?!
"IS THIS ANOTHER RON PAUL TAKEOVER ATTEMPT?!?!"

[LibertyIn08]

May be. But we're helping ourselves by demonstrating to those G.O.P. rank and file types who are human and have consciences just what manner of slime they're a part of before we leave them to think about that fact...

Leaving makes no sense after all of the progress we've made. We should hopefully have some new faces in Congress to join Dr. Paul, and we have the control of multiple city and county GOP parties.

Slowly but surely, we're winning.

[crazyfacedjenkins]

good answers on your part

[soapmistress]

We can remain GOP members but vote for someone else in the general election though...

[Aratus]

Wow.. now they have secret tribunals for delegates... Bush and the neocons really trained them well.

Be careful... They'll be waterboarding the delegates next!

"WILL YOU SUPPORT McCAIN?!?!?!
"IS THIS ANOTHER RON PAUL TAKEOVER ATTEMPT?!?!"

:eek:it makes the speechifying that the maine convention goers were subjected
to being quaintly 1800s nice lieutenant insted of 21st century tough sargent!!!

:Devidently one of the highlights was mitt romney's address!

[Chester Copperpot]

I thought the Thought Police went out with the Japanese Empire in 1945.

theyve got a new bill with that.. not sure if its hr1955 or not.. but it was somewhere last year..

[A Ron Paul Rebel]

get names!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tod evans]

i`d like to know who "they" are and exactly who has given them the authority to pass judgement on any delegates authenticity?

do these "judges" have names or do they hide behind masks or titles?

common sense would dictate than any questions regarding a delegates ability to fullfill their role would be raised before they`re voted into position.

these maneuvers are quite transparent and morally and ethically wrong, the "old guard" didn`t like the outcome of a valid election and are now trying to take steps to reverse what happened above board behind closed doors....

i say that those who where honestly elected at the convention jump through any hoops that you`re requested to jump through but under no circumstances accept the word of the "eleven credential committee persons " that your delegate status has been revolked.

each of you followed the rules and where elected to represent your respective districts, and letting any group who operates behind closed doors relieve you of that responsibility would be negligent on your part.

please hold your course and insist on honest and above board challenges in a transparent setting.

[constitutional]

god damn. Revolution.

I have a feeling these people are paid very well for the job they do and the neocons have definitely recognized our presence in the party.

[constituent]

Are there any legal options for this type of behavior?

Good Question. I wonder if there are any restrictions on receiving public funds to subsidize a convention in which people have been systematically refused access?

[ronpaulitician]

Keep up the pressure. Let them fight us at every turn. They will lose.

[BenMuldowney]

Ask for names.. please.. They need to be ready to have their personal Republican values challenged for the next 6 or 8 years. They're supporting McCain for president, and that will come back to haunt them.

i have the names of the panel:

Jack Stepford, Mary Stepford, Albert Stepford, Fred Stepford, Arnie Stepford, Janice Stepford, ..... etc

[yongrel]

Bastards

[FreeTraveler]

Loyalty Oaths have a long and checkered history. Best known in the McCarthy era.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyalty_oath

[bucfish]

Keep trying the mass exodus can happen from the Convention Live on national TV then people can say what happened to the Repubilicans? And we can answer they and many disgruntled Dems, Republicans as well as Third Party Libertarians, and Constitutionalists and Greens as well as Independents are Uniting as Constitutionlists!!!

[ScottA]

I sure hope someone brings in a recorder and gets an audio of this process.

Amazing that this is happening in our party. The beginning of the end I suspect

[roguepatriot]

What's the point of having elections if they can 'void' the results?

This is crazy.

[Aratus]

welcome to the final months of the bush administration!
i hope that we shall not live through a likewise again!!!

[goldstandard]

The Thought Police will come and get you! :mad:

[speciallyblend]

Your witnessing the DEATH OF THE GOP, First Chapter and not the last.

Registered Republican and im pissed. :mad:

[constitutional]

The fact that this is happening all over the country, something tells me we've hit the right spot. Keep pounding, no?

[pepperpete1]

Per the Missouri GOP by-laws there is no credentials committee. (I would love to get my hands on the original of the by-laws given to the Secretary of State, to compare it with the by-laws now posted on their site. The state chairman may call or appoint special committees as they see fit.
Someone, a delegate, should issue a contestment against the "committee of the state", now.


RULE NO. 20
Contests: Resolution by States
All contests arising in any state electing district delegates by district conventions shall be decided by its state convention or, if the state convention shall not meet prior to the national convention, then by its state committee. Only contests affecting delegates elected at large shall be presented to the Republican National Committee; provided, however, if the contest regarding a district delegate arises out of the irregular or unlawful action of the state committee or state convention, the Republican National Committee may take jurisdiction thereof and hear and determine the same under the procedures provided in Rules No. 22 and No. 23.






Republican National Committee | 310 First Street | Washington, D. C. 20003

[Sandra]

Challenge the "credential committee". How can true Republicans support McCain? Are we even sure the committee is qualified to be on the committee?

[spacehabitats]

I know most of us want to "transform the Republican Party", but it is crap like this why I personally believe every single Ron Paul supporter has to make a mass exodus to one generally agreed upon third party.

That is exactly what They want us to do.
If we do that, They win.

They are the skunks trying drive us out by making the GOP stink so bad we'll be forced to leave. It has always worked before, but we did not realize how desperate the situation was.
Hold your nose and dive back in!

Right now we wouldn't make much of a "mass exodus". Frankly, so many people are leaving or quitting in disgust that they wouldn't even notice us leaving. But that just makes it easier for us to take the majority.

And by the time we have the numbers to make an exodus hurt, we won't have to leave, They will.

How about this for a plan; we take over "Their" party and make THEM sit in the hot seat if they want to participate in the GOP?

[jblosser]

Credentials Committees are a standard part of the body in RONR. They don't have to add them. RNC rules about challenges for national delegates aren't going to directly apply.

What would definitely apply would be any state party or election code rules that say they can't add requirements to who can be a delegate, and rules requiring open meetings. We have both in Texas.

[pepperpete1]

One or more of the delegates being challenged should file a contestment now.


RULE NO. 20
Contests: Resolution by States
All contests arising in any state electing district delegates by district conventions shall be decided by its state convention or, if the state convention shall not meet prior to the national convention, then by its state committee. Only contests affecting delegates elected at large shall be presented to the Republican National Committee; provided, however, if the contest regarding a district delegate arises out of the irregular or unlawful action of the state committee or state convention, the Republican National Committee may take jurisdiction thereof and hear and determine the same under the procedures provided in Rules No. 22 and No. 23.

[Sandra]

CHALLENGE!!!!!! Take it to the National Committee! the seated delegates won't be allowed to the national convention if there is an outstanding challenge.

[homah]

I can appreciate all the arguments for "taking over the GOP," but every time I read something like this I wish RP and friends (us) would form the Liberty Party.

[Scribbler de Stebbing]

Delete

[derdy]

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/political-fix/political-fix/2008/05/ron-paul-supporters-have-their-day-in-court-er-armory/#comment-17225

[Badger Paul]

The Star Chamber lives...

[WRellim]

I know most of us want to "transform the Republican Party", but it is crap like this why I personally believe every single Ron Paul supporter has to make a mass exodus to one generally agreed upon third party.

Nah. Better to stick around.

Just hang around in the back of the room like a minimally participating wallflower.

And then, next year (after McCain virtually KILLS the party) when they all stay home in *shame* -- you and your people can still show up... take over the local positions of responsibility (most elections of local officers take place in the "off" years)... and be ready for the NEXT round 2 and/or 4 years from now, but sitting on the OTHER side of the table.

Then (if you want) YOU can call THEM in and question THEIR loyalty, or kick them out on their backsides... or make them bow down or... well pretty much whatever. Remember, what goes around comes around... and...



Vengeance is a dish best served cold. (aka Payback's a B*tch!)
:D

Remember, it doesn't matter who owns the boat, all that matters is who has control of the throttle and the rudder!

[Maestro]

Is this democracy??

[MoneyWhereMyMouthIs2]

The fact that this is happening all over the country, something tells me we've hit the right spot. Keep pounding, no?

Absolutely.

[JK/SEA]

I,......................do hereby certify, and swear to GOD, that i am a republican.

signed.................

Hand it to them and walk out.

next question.

[Viking Thunder]

I went through the same committee today, I felt they were just doing there jobs, they were quite nice, and cordial, and I felt were doing a much better job than I expected.

We shall see what the outcome is in a few weeks.

Al

[BKom]

When you see the outcome I hope you're just as pleased. But it isn't likely.

[idiom]

A Third party would need to be called the Patriot Party or something. Or maybe the Fox News Party.

Think of all the accidental votes we would get. :)

[dvdrink]

This is why I've been telling people the GOP will give us a voice and let Ron Paul speak at the convention when Hell freezes over.

We need a mass exodus. A new beginning. A surge of energy, enthusiasm, and fundraising to get Ron Paul's message to the next level.

Folks you're daydreaming if you think the GOP is going to change.

What would Reagan do today? Well remember that he switched from Democrat to Republican. Maybe it's time Ron Paul switches as well.

[austinchick]

damn cylons!

[RPTXState]

We're in a 2 party system. YOU SIMPLY CAN'T WIN IN A 2 PARTY SYSTEM WITH A THIRD PARTY!!

It's really that simple. Pick one, stick with it. Change perceptions. A REVOLUTION is a long-term project, it'll take at least 8 years, probably closer to 20 to finally win- did you really think the neocons would just keel over and die under the slightest pressure?

[TheTyke]

I totally agree. The next time around, we should be able to muster enough forces to replace chairmen, fill committees, and just take over. We'll know the rules then, and I believe with our enthusiasm we can triple our numbers. Should be enough to take over in most states.

[dvdrink]

Ross Perot got 19% of the vote. Yea, he was a billionaire.

But the energy (and decent fundraising) of the Ron Paul grassroots supporters more than makes up for Perot's billions.

Even if Paul hypothetically polls 10% nationally, it will force Hillary and McCain to move towards his ideas.

If you're looking to influence the direction the country moves RIGHT NOW... not 20 years from now (talk about an infinity in political time) then we need to act in a BIG WAY NOW.

[idiom]

Perot was not the Anit-war candidate nor the Pro-life candidate, or the economic Brains of the outfit candidate.

[ronpaulblogsdotcom]

To the OP you did a great job. I cant believe that a group would think this is an appropriate way to treat anyone.

If you have ever sat on either side of a panel you know that these are terrrible situations to be put in. I think they have some value for some promotions or jobs. Being a delegate I cant see any reaon for it at all. Plus it may not be legal. Besides I have never heard of 11 people on a panel. Are they all so clueless that 3 or 4 of them cant make a judgement call that they should not be making anyways?

We need to make sure they are held responsible for how they act.

[driller80545]

It sounds like the Republican Parole Board!

[parke]

Ron Paul cures apathy.
Baseball bats cures assholes.

At some point, somebody, somewhere is going to end up with a bloody nose over this crap. Im sick and tired of being treated like a piece of crap and I cant wait for someone to challenge my loyalty to my party, my country, our my family.

I keep wondering when American patriots are going to show up ready to water the tree of liberty.

This crap has me so pissed off. We play by the rules, OHHHHH but the rules change. 'I knew about Republicans before they were cool' mentality makes an otherwise nice person ready to kick the crap out of rule breaking, a$$hole, power hungry, blind, idiotic, war loving, freedom taking pieces of....

you get the idea.

REVOLUTION

[Thomas_Paine]

Did any of the delegates get an audio recording of this clandestine tribunal?

[wowabunga]

I was at the capitol in Jefferson City MO last week Cenna and saw this politician out on the ledge... might you recognize him LOL ??? The Bikers Rights folks were out front holding some speeches when we all notice this guy in a white shirt out on the ledge... why he's out there we weren't too sure... but we all cracked a few jokes and had a good laugh at his expense.

http://www.arewestillfree.org/pics/jc_ledge1.JPEG

Please feel free to contribute your own captions... :D

[JosephTheLibertarian]

I know most of us want to "transform the Republican Party", but it is crap like this why I personally believe every single Ron Paul supporter has to make a mass exodus to one generally agreed upon third party.

Join the LP.

Socially tolerant? Fiscally responsible? Even if you're not fully 100% either way, you can still be a Libertarian moderate. The other two parties are mostly moderates.

joking: what we need to do is get most voters to vote Libertarian but only let the ideologically pure be delegates and decide party planks ;) haha

[Lance C Roseman]

I know most of us want to "transform the Republican Party", but it is crap like this why I personally believe every single Ron Paul supporter has to make a mass exodus to one generally agreed upon third party.


And have what, a messy confusion like your neighbours in Canuckistan with split this , split that, Quebec 'MIGHT LEAVE', argh...I wish WE were playing by your rule book...we'd have mastered it by now!
It's too late in the game to try and take the ball home...we must grab it and run like all hell fire's behind us, because, really, it is. I'm here, for all it's worth...

[Lance C Roseman]

The fact that this is happening all over the country, something tells me we've hit the right spot. Keep pounding, no?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MXT7VnEY-c8

[ronpaulblogsdotcom]

It is entirely possible that the only people left in the Republican Party this season are the diehard right wingers. Everyone moderate may have left already.

That is probably why you are getting such anger at the conventions and why it all seems directed at RP suppporters. Most everyone else left or never really liked their candidate.

[speciallyblend]

It is entirely possible that the only people left in the Republican Party this season are the diehard right wingers. Everyone moderate may have left already.

That is probably why you are getting such anger at the conventions and why it all seems directed at RP suppporters. Most everyone else left or never really liked their candidate.

now they will lose 1/4 of their own base ,if they keep acting like this.

[hillertexas]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MXT7VnEY-c8

That song was just what I needed this morning.

[Ceena]

http://www.missourinet.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=BC0290AE-F147-2B7D-DD651F85DDA579C9

Kudos to him for reporting it fairly.

[speciallyblend]

craziness, keep it up gop. I'll be making sure i put up many anti-mccain signs in colorado. The gop is doing a great job alienating their own base,keep up the great work gop. We are Republicans ,what the gop is who knows anymore...

[pepperpete1]

http://www.missourinet.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=BC0290AE-F147-2B7D-DD651F85DDA579C9

Kudos to him for reporting it fairly.

I am so sorry you all had to go through that. Wouldn't they normally have waited til the convention and questioned your credentials when you tried to be seated?

[acptulsa]

I am so sorry you all had to go through that. Wouldn't they normally have waited til the convention and questioned your credentials when you tried to be seated?

I suppose it depends on how sure they were about the alternates.

[slamhead]

http://mwcnews.net/images/stories/USA4/a/Big-Brother-Bush.jpg

[HOLLYWOOD]

theyve got a new bill with that.. not sure if its hr1955 or not.. but it was somewhere last year..

H.R. 1955:

Prohibits Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism from violating the constitutional and civil rights or civil liberties of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Directs the:
(1) Secretary to ensure that activities and operations are in compliance with DHS's commitment to racial neutrality; and

(2) DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Officer to develop and implement an auditing system to ensure that compliance does not violate the constitutional and civil rights or civil liberties of any racial, ethnic, or religious group, and to include audit results in its annual report to Congress.

Hmm...


Who is the DHS' Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Officer?

More NEOCON's in Charge of determining Liberties and Rights... why isn't it a Neutral party overseeing rights?

[Akus]

to those who replied to my quote about mass exodus of Ron Paul people, you' ve misunderstood me and I fault myself for that.

What I meant is that we, of course, have to fight tooth and nail until September Convention. However, if, even after all the blood sweat and tears, we still have McCain as the party representative, THEN, in my ideal fantasy Akusland, all that hate McCain and believe nothing the other guy says should exit to the previously agreed on party. Of course, the party has to have a 50 state access, so we could actually win.


But this is mostly fantasy anyway. Ron Paul is the glue that keeps this movement together so let's not worry about any exodi until we have no choice.

Did I clear everything up?

[TruthAtLast]

you should have asked them to define what a "good republican" was. :D

Sound money, the constitution, limited government, personal liberty? Yes.. I'm a good republican. ;)

[pepperpete1]

Can anyone give us an update as to what the "credentials committee" decided they were going to do with all the delegates that came to the inquisition?

[Thomas_Paine]

We MUST stay in the GOP, that is where the battle is. They would LOVE for us to form another party or jump in with the Libertarians. Then they could claim that we really are FAKE Republicans. We have to stay in the heat of the battle, that is where victory is.