The words of the Song go,
You've got to Stand for Something or You'll Fall for Anything.
I started going to Linn County Central Committee meeting in the early Fall of 2004.
A friend of a friend was giving a 9/11 speech and I went to give support.
At the End of the Meeting there was a Call for anyone who wished to join,
I thought, Why not and am still here.
During that decade I have seen the Committee ebb and flow,
I have seen times when it seemed like events conspired to beat it into the ground.
I have seen it rise like a phoenix and flourish.
In my opinion there have been two different philosophies.
One group of leaders seemed to say, We are trusted servants the decison power is in the hands of the Committee, we are here to assist and advise them.
Not oddly enough the County Constitution and By-Laws seems to agree with that
Committee is subject to the orders of the Linn County Central Committee, and none of its acts
shall conflict with actions of the Linn County Central Committee."
The Chair shall be the Executive Officer and conduct all meetings of the Central
Committee and assist in the formulation of policies for the conduct of the affairs of the
Republican Party and such other matters as may be assigned.
Then we have had Executive Boards who believed that it was they who had the power of decision not the Body.
During the time of those Executive Boards there was rancour and acrimony and dropping attendence due to controversy.
I am partly responsible for those periods.
Because? When I see Constitutions, By-Laws and Rules of Order Violated?
I Speak Out.
I consider that my Duty as a Person of Principle.
i BELIEVE in the Rule of Law.
I feel that is what makes us a Civilized Society rather than an Anarchy or a Shackled Assembly ruled by Executive Fiat.
If the results of my deciding to Stand and be Counted prompt others to leave I am sorry,
The Level of My personal commitment is to Stay and Speak Out,
The Truth is there have always been those who wanted everyone to just get along and not rock the boat
Patrick Henry pointed this out when he said.
Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace
Unless of course by Peace you mean abject capitulation to what is unjust and wrong.
There have always been those who exhorted society to take that path.
Samuel Adams spoke of them
“If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.”
To those who think that Constitutions, By-Laws and Rules of Order are expendable?
I am going to be here speaking out.
To those who find Controversy too discordant and have to leave?
Those of us who have rebuilt this Committee from the ashes before will be here to welcome you, should you return.
Updated: Sunday, 14 December 2014 9:50 AM CST
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