But I lay the blame for that squarely on the 98.5 percent of those who call themselves 'conservative' that have never once attended a local district GOP meeting, much less their county or state meetings - or even a local politically active conservative club meeting. I think you're being charitable. I'd peg it more like 99.75%, but why quibble? I've read down below and see that this is touched on one or more times below. I'll address it here.
I don't think you're off base for addressing this. I understand what motivates you and think that to admirable. None the less, I have found this to be an iffy at best suggestion. Having said that, I want you to know that I am a big offender here. Let me explain why.
I have talked to some older long term Republican people who have been active in the California Republican Party. I have talked to people who are active today. Their stories make it rather clear that their efforts were not appreciated, and that Conservative advancement was thwarted at the local chapter all the way up to the state level, and even from beyond if need be.
As I understand it, the rank and file are fairly solidly Conservative. It's the leadership that sucks. I am told that at one point some years back, the California leadership was changed to include a good solid Conservative at the helm. When this was achieved, the RNC sent out a team to reorganize the state party, ejecting the Conservative from the helm.
So what do we do about that? You are more in tune with these local Republican groups. What has your experience been?
I have seen Pete Wilson go out and court people like Schwarzenegger. I've seen Meg Whitman courted. I've seen the California leadership stab people like Gubenatoral Candidate Simon in the back.
Is it worth my time to get involved? It's a serious issue for me.
I would actually like to hear you provide some positive reinforcement for getting more involved. I'm certainly not completely against it. I just see some problems there too. Convince me I'm wrong.
"You are more in tune with these local Republican groups. What has your experience been?"First, let me say I really appreciate your time to write, and your thoughts - and please accept my apology for such slow response! I'll take a little time here to talk about CA politics, but a longer post on how to shake the rafters might better serve - I'll have to work on that soon...
There are conservative Republican groups and liberal ones that you should stay away from. The best is the CA Republican Assembly, (locally for me, the San Fernando Valley Republican Club, and a favorite, the Southern California Republican Women and Men) and many asso Young Republican groups - the worst is the CA Congress of Republicans, the Log Cabin groups and the Republican Liberty Caucus (libertarian.) Note, it was the conservative CRA that most contributed to Wilson's defeat.
My experience has shown that when conservatives work harder and longer than liberals, we can win. But winning takes money - and no one gives any to you. We had to spend a lot to beat Pete Wilson, but we spent a great deal less than he did. We simply worked the conventions much harder than the liberals did. ~grin~
But, more than that, I also blame 'Christians' that attend a church regularly where political issues are rarely if ever mentioned - and active participation in political activism is often openly discouraged. From my perspective, Christian churches have in many cases become non-judgemental to the point of standing for not much of anything. Homosexuality, once the bain of any Christian congregation, has now in many instances been allowed to exist in the midst of the "the faithful". I mention this one tenet not because it's the worst thing that can happen, but because it ranks right up there and is a fairly reasoned marker that documents the existance of or lack of moral slide. This isn't an attempt to state something positive or negative about homosexuals. It is an attempt to address the change in morality, even in our religious institutions.
So as we look at what is taking place in religion, the moral decay if you will, we shouldn't be surprised that other stands are not taken, specifically with regard to political matters.
I do agree with your observations, and your take on institutional malfeasance, if you will.
Somehow I think that God blesses political effort that looks to uphold His Word. We never leave Him out of our battle plans, and I'm thoroughly convinced that this helps a great deal.
You're right about that. We can have the most conservative state GOP organization, and still lose - because too often a rich man (or woman) simply buys an election. But, if we do our job on a continual basis, we can, even in this liberal state, often slow or even eliminate much of the damage they do by taking care of business in our own state legislature. We did that once, and it might be possible to do it again in the not distant future... simply because voters are getting really angry again.
THAT is an exciting commitment, sir! I commit to finding a way to plug you in! Trouble is, I can't do it myself because I have to work noon to 8:30PM now and I miss a great number of meetings. But, we'll exchange FR-mail, to get you started - it is much better to go with someone that knows the ropes than to walk in cold. But note too, I'm of necessity, I'm going to be a bit slow on that FR-mail.
You're right, of course. I too often let my frustration result in less than helpful prose... like the following...
The better to walk into the fray to take the GOP away from liberal pretenders, is my fond hope.
Not at all. I have extensively studied the founding, and following eras. It is a return to how this nation once conducted it's political activities that I contend needs greater public attention. We once relied on our clergy and civic leadership to choose who was most worthy to stand for election. Once chosen, the candidate wasn't even allowed to 'get on the stump.' If he did, he was considered unworthy, and promptly was dismissed as someone to vote for. Of course, we can't return to those days, or such a demand today. But, what we can do is learn more from the founding era, and listen to the great men that were part of that founding.Here's a bit of wisdom from Samuel Langdon that is a favorite of mine - that I'm sure you probably have seen before, but I fear all too many would ignore these days.
From year to year be careful in the choice of your representatives, and all the higher powers of government. Fix your eyes upon men of good understanding, and known honesty; men of knowledge, improved by experience; men who fear God, and hate covetousness; who love truth and righteousness, and sincerely wish the public welfare.
Beware of such as are cunning rather than wise; who prefer their own interest to every thing; whose judgment is partial, or fickle; and whom you would not willingly trust with your own private interests.
When meetings are called for the choice of your rulers, do not carelessly neglect them, or give your votes with indifference, just as any party may persuade, or a sordid treat tempt you; but act with serious deliberation and judgment, as in a most important matter, and let the faithful of the land serve you.
Let not men openly irreligious and immoral become your legislators; for how can you expect good laws to be made by men who have no fear of God before their eyes, and who boldly trample on the authority of his commands?
And will not the example of their impiety and immorality defeat the efficacy of the best laws which can be made in favour of religion and virtue? If the legislative body are corrupt, you will soon have bad men for counsellors, corrupt judges, unqualified justices, and officers in every department who will dishonor their stations; the consequence of which will be murmurs and complaints from every quarter.