Posted on 11/01/2005 4:08:06 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
All--
First and foremost, I am writing to you to remind you to early vote this week in the Constitutional Amendment election. Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 8. If you would like a copy of a voter guide with more in-depth explanations of the issues, I would be happy to make that available to you. Please don't forget to make your voice heard on these matters, especially on the Proposition 2.
Second, I want to take a minute to address a growing negativity I have sensed among Republicans both locally and elsewhere about the current straits of our Party. It is somewhere between a disappointment and general malaise, if I am categorizing it correctly. I, too, have been frustrated at some of the decisions on the national level, and with the "extra-curricular" legal proceedings that are bogging down some of our leaders. I'm not here to be a cheerleader for the party or and apologist for the policies coming from the Congress or the White House. But I am here to reinvigorate our local effort, and to reassure you that we are not losing ground.
I heard an interesting quote to this effect on the radio today: "Conservatism always wins where it is tried. It always wins where it is fought for. It cannot win when conservatives try to please the other side, or when they give up hope on their ideas."
Very well said. Folks, I've always said that I considered myself to be a conservative first, and a Republican second. The reason I align myself with the Republican party is because I feel it is the closest, most viable party out there that mirrors my fiscal and socially conservative viewpoint. Remember that when you start to get down about the party as a whole. Remember that we are conservatives FIRST, and to win we must continue to fight for these ideals.
Think of it in terms of the difference between organized religion and faith. There may be times when you are disillusioned with your particular church or your denomination, but nothing could cause the shaking of your faith as a believer. I see it as the same principle: political parties are a man-made institution, run by fallible men who can succumb to the illusion of grandeur and the lust for power. But conservatism is like one's faith--if you embrace it and believe it and know it to be true, then it is so deeply rooted in your being that you would continue to fight for it no matter what... or no matter who tried to convince you that you were on the losing end.
I use this point to bring us back to what's important. It's fine to be disappointed with the party. It's fine to let your donations lapse, or to want to take that bumper sticker off of your car in frustration. What I'm asking you to remember is that no matter what disillusion we face with the party-end of things, that we have to keep up the fight for conservative issues. If we as the true right abandon the Republican party to those in the middle, we will lose ground and our platform from which to forward these principles. I need you to help me in this fight to promote our conservative viewpoint.
I assure you that I don't keep going because I am well-paid by the party (I'm a volunteer, just like you), that I'm a party hack, or that I live and breathe politics (remember, my first job is being a stay-at-home Mom!) I keep going because I believe that the conservative agenda is the one that mirrors that of our Founding Fathers. That our ideas are borne out of logic, principle, courage, faith, and the desire for freedom... much unlike the rhetoric of the left that is borne out of hate, fear, and the consummate desire for power.
Remember, the media is trying to feed on any disillusions you may be facing, and is expending much effort to create a feeling of defeat on the right side of the aisle. With stories about the Delay indictment (which, please realize, is completely trumped up and likely to be tossed out) and the resignation of Cheney's staffer, it is easy to feel that we are being beaten in the national scene. But we are not. Go back and take a look at the red/blue map of this country after the 2004 presidential election. That hasn't changed. The same conservative folks who voted Bush to victory are still ready to vote their same conservative values in 06. The media wants us to panic, as do those promoting a leftist agenda. You and I are much too smart to believe everything that is handed to us by the news media.
In short, I'm asking for your continued support and leadership with our local efforts here in the county. I'm not willing to cede an inch of the progress we made in 2004, and I honestly feel like the future looks bright for the '06 election cycle.
I am proud to serve with you in this fight, and am proud to serve as your chairman. It is my hope to again open a headquarters building for the 06 election cycle, and hope to count you among the volunteers and visitors at it. If I can ever answer any questions or be of service to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me.
Thank you for your time... and don't forget to go vote!!
Sincerely,
Republican County Chairman
South Texas Ping!
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off this South Texas/Mexico ping list.
This was obviously written before the pendulum swung back in our direction. Things are looking just fine.
Voted last week. Thanks.
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