Once upon a time there was a great people...

A very long time ago, in a land very different from that which we find ourselves in on this day, a group of shopkeepers, farmers, and tradesmen signed with conviction a valiant decree of liberty to a tyrant king. This act of defiance began a war, and a way of life. The act was so noble that future laws of the land required no titles of nobility to be accepted by those of the land. These were a hearty people whose disdain for royalty liberated them from bondage.

This same people found themselves under attack some years later by another tyrant king. Kings of distant land followed by men who believed the kings to be living gods lusted for that which belonged to the youthful nation of curious men. After years of growth and many technological advances, this innovative people found themselves rising as the leader of the fight for universal freedom, freedom against the inherent tyranny of political dynasties, royal families, and most of all tyranny.

These are a people who blew the trumpet of liberty in the faces of tyranny, time and again establishing the independence and uniqueness of this great land. This is a people who, by example, inspired generations to long for personal freedom.

However, this land became over-run with greed, corruption, blood lust, and panic. The years of manifest destiny have long since left these once noble people, and the price for their greed is simply the return to bondage... what is most notable about this new found slavery is that the people of this land welcomed it with thunderous applause and warm celebrations. The people found themselves under attack, under tyrannical control from within, and where once great leaders and men of poise stood straight before the kings of other lands, they found themselves submitting to foreign leaders through the submission of their newly elected leaders.

The people of the land felt an unfamiliar chill on their neck... the chill of the storm clouds bringing a long and cold winter. It is left but to the few to remember the great cause, remember the wishes of the men who defied the kings, and one day restore the people their liberty.

So it goes...

A Gun Free America - Obama's International Treaty

Are these tears in my eyes those of sadness or anger? Is this feeling in the pit of my stomach anything other than utter disgust and growing contempt for the leadership of this nation?

Is this not a country born of the blood of free men? Is this not a country who defied tyranny, setting into motion a series of events that would forever change the relationship between men and their leaders? Are we not the United States of America? Are we not still free? ARE WE NOT STILL FREE?

Last month Obama set into motion a series of events that will effectively kill the last line of defense against tyranny in this nation, authorizing Sec. of State Clinton to sign an international arms ban treaty. This treaty will give the State Department authority to circumvent legislative process (and in turn eliminate public debate) and enforce international gun laws within the borders of the United States of America.

The right to keep and bear arms is being made illegal, not by legislation, but by Executive Order... with an effective intent of placing the entire nation under Marshal Law in order to disarm the people. Two days ago I discussed the use of brute force and intimidation over the healthcare of the nation, and over the collection of the nation's wealth - imagine the full force of the federal government in the coming disarmament of the subjects of this nation!

We will wake up one morning and find that the United States has signed a treaty that prohibits firearm and ammunition manufacturers from selling to the public. We will wake up another morning and find that the US has signed a treaty that prohibits any transfer of firearm ownership. And then, we will wake up yet another morning and find that the US has signed a treaty that requires US citizens to deliver any firearm they own to the local government collection and destruction center or face imprisonment.

People... THIS IS HAPPENING... on OUR watch! We are bearing witness to the death of this nation... we are watching as the shackles of tyranny are closing on the throat of liberty.

The tears in my eyes are those of sorrow... for a people who sat idly by as they became slaves - powerless to do anything other than work for the good of the machine... produce a product that you are taxed for creating, which you are forced to purchase under government mandates and taxed again on your consumption... You are taxed on the land you live, the income you earn, the products you buy, the lifestyle you live. The government owns the banks, the money, the industry, the healthcare, and the guns... you are nothing more than a disposable worker of the party, a pawn in the irrelevant existance in which we are finding ourselves... Shame on us...

Have we forgotten the words of Patrick Henry - Give me liberty or give me death?

Perhaps the tears are sorrow for my realization that From my Cold Dead Hands is more than a witty motto spoken by the NRA - but a battle cry for our generation, stating simply to the Government: "Come and Get 'em!"

Let me end with a thought from Patrick Henry, from a man more free than we will ever know:

Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. administration.

Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope.

...

They tell us, sir, that we are weak -- unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed?... Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

...

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave...There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! ...Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

China's Weather Modification Office?

FoxNews has a "back page" story about a Chinese Snowstorm, with very little concern other than a slight mention of "debate" over weather manipulation:

"Chinese scientists have artificially induced the second major snowstorm to wreak havoc in Beijing this season, state media said today, reigniting debate over the practice of tinkering with Mother Nature.

After the earliest snow to hit the capital in 22 years fell on November 1, the capital was again shrouded in white yesterday with more snow expected in the coming three days, the National Meteorological Centre said.

The China Daily, citing an unnamed official, said the Beijing Weather Modification Office had artificially induced both storms by seeding clouds with chemicals, a practice that can increase precipitation by up to 20 per cent."

Did I miss something? Is it old news to anyone that China has a Weather Modification Department and that they are actively manipulating the Weather paterns over China (and who knows where else)?

What are the regional or global impacts of this manipulation? What effects do these "chemicals" have on the environment, the ecosystems, or humanity? If you catch a "chemical snowflake" on your tongue, what exactly are you injesting?

I seem to find that the story should be more on the fact that China has the capability to manipulate weather patterns, and less on the grumpy Chinese citizens stuck in the snow!

Your own, Alien, Jesus...

The Vatican is discussing the existence of alien life and the implications it may have on the Christian Faith and humanity. After centuries of blocking science, independent and innovative thought, and putting some of history's brightest minds to task for questioning the status quo, it seems as though the Catholic Church, and Christianity along with it, may be opening their hearts and minds to speculative thought and independent reasoning.

"The Church of Rome's views have shifted radically through the centuries since Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake as a heretic in 1600 for speculating, among other ideas, that other worlds could be inhabited."

What is most fascinating about this, to me, is that it absolutely reinforces my belief in a collective conscious awakening / awareness - where reason, logic, and spirituality overtake fear, intimidation, and brutal submission... the line between advanced spirituality in Christian based faiths (and other Eastern originating faiths) and oppressive faiths of submission, such as Islam, has been further defined.

There are those who are free to think and question, and those who fear thought and independent questioning of spirituality.

I pose some questions:

1. How would the discovery of alien life affect your faith?
2. How would it change your life?
3. How do you think it would change humanity?

To answer my own questions -

1. It would not. As a man of science AND spirituality, I firmly believe that life is not limited to this tiny planet. Life is so diverse, so resilient, and so unpredictable that to assume over the Billions of years and across the great expanse of this existence we are the only single source of life is not only improbable but irrational. Whether or not advanced species visit this planet in space ships, I don't know... but to think that life is so limited when the universe is so UNlimited is wasteful!

2. If we discovered life on another planet, I would personally feel relieved that we are not alone in this expanse! If we find microbial life on a nearby planet or moon, great - if we find intelligent or advanced life, better. I think we are approaching a time in our human development when real lessons and advancements are able to be fully comprehended. We are ever-evolving, and are at a point of great awakening... or re-awakening - ask me and I can explain further.

3. There are those of us who would be greatly relieved to find such a discovery... there would be those of us who would equally be horrified by it. It will be the challenge of humanity to overcome our preconceived notions of universal uniqueness and accept our place in the Universe... I think we are ready.

How would you answer those questions - the same questions being asked by the highest Christian leaders in the Vatican...

"We the People" - Govt. Relationship Redefined

Congress votes on a bill, it passes. Seems simple enough.

The Senate takes the same bill, votes, it passes. The Senate is simply performing a series of actions perfectly authorized by the Constitution.

The President signs the bill laid before him, and suddenly we have a law. School House Rock would be proud!

Our founding fathers, however... not so much.

This is a law that forces compliance to federal mandates, threatens fines of $10,000 and ten years in federal prison, and advances this nation further from a Government of and by the People into a Government Over the People.

The year is 1934, The law was the Gold Reserve Act. The federal government very literally seized, at gunpoint, the entire wealth of the people of the United States. The government acted as common criminals perfecting their weapons of choice - fear, intimidation, and brute force. It was made a federal crime to own more than 5 ounces of gold, and was severely criminal to use the metal as a source of monetary value for trade. The federal government made themselves very clear - hand over the cash and no one gets hurt.

Under a guise of national security, and with the authority of the Trading With The Enemy Act, FDR and his congress effectively labelled any merchant of gold an Enemy of the State - what would be considered and widely reported in today's media as a terrorist. Suddenly, any free American not declaring their gold and not surrendering it to federal authorities was a TERRORIST.

The year is 2009, the bill in question is the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The federal government is seizing, at gunpoint, the entire Health of the people of the United States. The government is acting as common criminals, forcing submission to their product under the threat of fear, intimidation, and brute force. It will be a federal crime to not purchase a US Government Product - Health Insurance. The federal government is making themselves very clear - hand over the cash and no one gets hurt... unless the end of life counselors determine, on your behalf, that it is in your best interest and the best interest of the country.
Under the guise of national security and economic stabilization, and with the authority of, well, its the Government - who's gonna stop them? Obama and his Democratic Congress will effectively label any free citizen exercising a Natural Right NOT to procure a product as an Enemy of the State, a terrorist.

One has to look at the History of the United States and ask, "How is it that we are considered a Free Society?"

What is the relationship between the People of the United States and their Government?

History would reveal a series of gross offenses by a tyrannical government over a free people. From the Indian Wars for US backed Gold Prospecting, to Japanese internment after Pearl Harbor; from the invasion of Southern States by Federal troops, to the invasion of foreign lands for Imperial resources; from the Gold Reserve Act to the Patriot Act... The list goes on and on, but the result is always the same: The People are absolutely powerless to stop the will of the Federal Government - any resistance will be met with fines, imprisonment, internment, or Death.

Blue Lyon even reported last week on a Washington Post piece finding that Federal Prosecutors are free from legal recourse for FRAMING individuals in order to win cases!

But here’s the twist: The prosecutors say that they can’t be sued for anything they do in their official capacities, even framing suspects.

It is not an argument outside the legal mainstream. The federal government, a majority of states and thousands of prosecuting attorneys are supporting the proposition that prosecutors must receive absolute immunity for their actions at trial to do their jobs properly. And that extends, they say, to any investigative work they do before the suspect is charged.

[...]

There is no “free-standing due process right not to be framed,” Deputy Solicitor General Neal K. Katyal agreed. Having to worry about a potential lawsuit when deciding whether to introduce certain evidence, Katyal said, might cause prosecutors to “flinch” from their duties.

The federal government's corruption is extended across three branches, with power to suspend or ignore the Constitution and those blessed rights preserved by the people, for the people, as we granted limited powers to our government. There is no power to stop the government in their forceful rule of our daily lives or personal property - only fear and intimidation, powerful tools to keep subjects in line.

The relationship between the Government and We the People is no longer what it was intended to be. We find ourselves on this day, and for many days before, born into slavery to a government that is rabid with power, and brutal with enforcement of their laws.

To keep gold - a crime.
To refuse Government Healthcare - a crime.
To use force to obtain property belonging to another individual - a crime sound government policy.

I ask you, my reader, my fellow citizen - what is the trigger... what is the catalyst... what is the offense that is so egregious that it will be THE ONE to make the citizenry rise up and demand that they simply STOP - that we want nothing more than to be left alone!

"...experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed..." - The Declaration of Independence

When do we say "Enough". How do we stop these elected officials from further eroding our Natural Rights? How do we ensure that We the People are the keepers of the power, and that the Government should fear us - Not the other way around?

We support the most debilitating punishment for a government - the Right of the people to Opt Out... the right of the States to Opt Out... we support with the fullest power of our body and mind the freedom of a group of people to say "No More".

The United States applauded the secession of the Soviet Republics 20 years ago, when the Iron Curtain fell and with it the Berlin Wall, but in America the thought of secession is criminal. Scholars and paupers alike will tell you that the Right to Secession was lost when the South surrendered during their war for independence. Does the rule only apply to enemies of the US, or are we subject to the same rules of Natural Law? Is there any wonder why Obama downplayed the anniversary of the collapse of a Socialist Power and the secession of her states?

There is a very simple, very clear message being sent by the US government: Every Knee Shall Bow.

The Meaning of Life...

Unemployment has reached 10% in the United States... 16 million people without work... 16 million people unable to pay rent, buy food, or pay the bills. Assuming each individual pays ten bills in a month, 160 million businesses a month will now not be receiving payment. Assuming each person would be paying $1000 in income taxes for the year, that is $16 Billion lost income revenue. Consider that those individuals would be likely to purchase at least $100 worth of Christmas toys had they been working this season, that is $1.6 Billion that will not be exchanged for goods or services into our economy this Christmas Season... The reports are all around us on this day: Lost jobs, lost revenue, lost income, lost taxes. The focus of our life energy seems to have been taken very drastically off course.

Consider this a moment of clarity.

Step back from material things... from jobs and homes, from cars and reality TV, from iPods and bottled water... what are you left with? You. The simplest yet most profound statement you can make is simply "I exist". You exist in mind, body, and soul. You are a force of energy, a source of love, an embodiment of the most divine. The material is distraction. The spiritual is reality.

When the student is ready, the teacher will come... so it has been said.

What is more divine than life? The collective experience of living, the personal journey of emotion. Life is our spiritual interface with the material world. It is our opportunity to learn, to experience, to seek out, and to love. These are the lessons of all history's spiritual teachers... but we are failing the test.

We are currently involved in multiple wars around the globe. There are those who seek to do harm for the sake of doing harm - thoughtless massacres, savagery. We have perfected the art of murder in the name of religious duty. We are failing the test. We can see it in the eyes of the innocent victims of senseless shootings, bombings, raids, etc. The cries of children, women, and men mourning the loss of their fellow man echo the distress of the individual soul, and the collective soul. What we do affects our ability to exist, and undermines our ability to achieve a higher state of understanding of the meaning of this life.

Should we not vest every last ounce of energy and effort to make our fellow man smile, instead of cry? Is the challenge so great, the purpose of all things so complex that we have lost our ability to recognize the truest truths, the simplest concepts, the holiest of purposes? Have we become so distracted by the things of the world that we forget the teachings of unconditional love? Pick your religious icon of choice, isn't their teaching that of altruism? Across all religions, all faiths, all spiritual concepts, unconditional selflessness is the holiest of hollies - the one common truth - the meaning of life.

The conflict of this world comes from the individual evolution of spiritual consciousness. Just like the evolution of civilization, the evolution of spiritual consciousness begins with the simplest task of just surviving, and culminates with true enlightenment. The conflict arises when one group at a level of consciousness fails to comprehend or accept that of another. Or it is out of dutiful obedience to their collective god, rejecting any other explanation of the same by way of the sword. In simple terms, religious wars for the sake of religious observances. Be it Islamic Jihad which caused mass genocide in Africa to Christian inquisitions which bore witness to human sacrifice in the early Americas, religious warfare has been the leading cause of torment in the history of this planet. What is most ironic is that all of the great teachers warned of this, and offered the answer, the truth, the secret to life... love and happiness. Does not the New Testament teach that of Faith, Hope, and Love the greatest is Love/charity... the complete giving of yourself for selfless reasons. It is not done out of obedience to God, but out of Oneness WITH God. The secret - revealed? God lives within us all, as the source for life, the breath of life. Our soul, our spirit, our very existence is the divine order from chaos - realizing this divine oneness is the highest level of spiritual consciousness.

Life was created in the image of Perfection. The breath of life was given, and with it the love of the most Divine. The energy of our spiritual consciousness is greater for knowing this - that God is Love. Not simply a bumper sticker or a televangical slogan... God = Love, and therefore Love is God... To love is divine. To Charity is Divine. Unconditional Altruism, the complete giving of the self, is the meaning... not out of duty, but out of divinity.

It is not what we have, what we give, or what we say... It is How we live, how we love, and how we share which allows our spiritual evolution... These are the teachings of all religious lore, legends, and leaders... from the earliest teachings of creation to their modern day counterparts, the message has remained unchanged since the beginning of time. Follow the golden rule and you will surely know God.

The face of God is found in the face of your fellow man. In the eyes of every man, woman, and child you will find the secret of life. When the eyes are filled with tears, filled with pain, filled with fear - there is an energy, an imbalance, a darkness being applied to the universe... The knot in your stomach, the pain in your tears, the longing for an embrace of comfort - it is life. When you are overcome with joy, when you see your child at birth, when your heart jumps out of your chest and you find yourself longing for a shared embrace of joy - it is life. There is an energy that connects us all... the spiritual consciousness, the energy of life, the power of humanity, the holy spirit. It is our compass. It is spiritual intuition, and it will guide you to the truth.

The power of prayer, of meditation, of a simple thought is real. It is the connection with God, the oneness with the universe, the evolution of the spirit. We know these rituals by different names and understand them at different levels of our own consciousness. They are the universal truths... the secret to happiness, the meaning of this life.

Be happy in your own mind. Love others unconditionally. Accept that each individual exists on their own level of spiritual consciousness, and judge not. Be kind in your thoughts and in your actions. Offer a positive thought or a prayer for a stranger in need. Forgive as freely as you have been forgiven. Lend a helping hand to one of the 16 Million neighbors in need of compassion. All of this is Love - the meaning, my friends, of Life.

Onward to 2010

The local elections of 2009 are over, and as much as the GOP or the Dems are going to spin certain victories one way or the other, it was very certain that the races and the outcomes were largely driven by local politics... which is a powerful message in and of itself.

The message for 2010 is that candidates had better be prepared to think globally but act locally. Apply the concepts of universal liberty and you will find absolute success. If you find yourself bogged down with government mandates or dictating morality, you are the tyrant, not the liberator - and you will have a tough, tough race.

I have nothing overly significant to say about the election outcome. Two parties continue to struggle for the reigns of power with the intent to rule. Those elected represented local ideals, and it is my hope that they aid in changing the perception of "conservative rule" in favor of "conservative example". Other than that, continue to push your candidates for 2010 on Liberty and let's work for the better in 2010... a new congress can be realized!

REPOST: Purpose of All Things

I often re-read some of my old posts to remind myself of my message and to self-inspire when appropriate. I came across a post from March of 2008, three months before my daughter was born, a time when I was a man much different than today, but in many ways, exactly the same. To remind myself and my readers of such an important message, let me go back a year and a half and offer you a message of hope in these dark days:

The Purpose of all things, by Steven M Nielson - Thursday March 6th, 2008

As a community of bloggers, citizens of the internet, we tend to spend much time analyzing and prognosticating... discussing issues and arguing the meaning of results... the free exchange of intellectual thoughts and ideas... sharing ourselves for a common cause. A cause protected by the Constitution... endowed as an inalienable right... Liberty... freedom to think... freedom to speak.

As we move forward through the political waters, I am reminded on a number of occasions that spiritual growth is essential as a part of personal growth.

So I thought this was a perfect place to share my thoughts on praise...

When I prepared the funeral for my Best Friend's father, Skip Hildebrand, I found myself in prayer... prayer that I could find the words within myself to capture the nature of Skip's spirit. While I was in prayer, I was reminded of Skip's obsession with lighthouses... and I thought of what these towers of light represent. Hope, for the ships lost at sea that land is nearby. Warning, that ships tossed about on the sea should heed the warning of the rocks which will surely break them. And Faith in Fellow Man, that it is our natural instinct to protect one another against all adversity. I wrote a moving eulogy, which was reinforced later that day. After reading the Biblical passages and words in memory of his father, my best friend played for me his father's favorite song... Kathy Troccoli's "Go Light Your World". I broke down in tears and exalted the Creator for allowing me to find the words, for answering my prayers, and for letting me know that no truer words could be spoken about the soul of Skip Hildebrand. There is no feeling like the one when you realize that you are in tune with the Creator, and doing His will.

That was a long four years ago... and though I find myself in meditation daily, and searching for the next mission or sign that I am living my life in a way that is right with the Teacher, the miracles are few and far between, though the signs are in abundance (and I am blessed that I recognize them). I am blessed with family, friends, health, and the ability to pray and meditate freely. I am blessed that by June I will be a father of a precious little girl. I am blessed that I am part of a community of thinkers able to understand and discuss. I am even blessed that my life was touched by a wonderful addition of our rescued dog, Sadie... who is a beautiful soul!

The point that I am trying to make is that all things have a purpose. The rise and fall of country and men... all for a purpose. The gaining or loss of wealth... all for a purpose. There is a time to every purpose under heaven. The purpose of man is to rejoice and do good in his life, and know that the fruits of his labour are the gifts from the Creator, our Father in Heaven, YHWH.

In all that we do, let us sing praise to the Father. Let us not worship, but thank. Let us not idolize, but emulate. Let us know that the strength we find beating in our hearts is the love of the Divine.

Let us each take a moment every day, not to ask for miracles, but to thank our Creator for the miracles around us... Let us raise our hearts and voices in praise... הַלְלוּיָהּ ... Halleluyah

May you all find comfort in your days, and find praise in your hearts for the miracles that exist around you. And remember - You, too, are a miracle.

Thank you for reading!

Change You Can Believe In?

Pelosi and the Democrat run Federal Government are going to push through Healthcare this week. There is a buzz going around that as early as Friday the House will vote on, and Pass, a Government Run $1.2 Trillion healthcare bill which will be passed in the Senate by 51 votes and promptly signed into law by the POTUS. After much debate, much protest, and much turmoil in America, the answer to today's expected Republican sweep is to ram the death throws of our nation down our throat.

Change we can believe in... we had better believe that this bill is going to change America.

Congress is forever changing the dynamic between the people and the government. We are watching as government is pressing a law that will grant themselves the right to dictate and mandate our very personal health. We are witnessing the shackles of slavery and indefinite servitude being laid upon We the People.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

Our form of government should allow for a constitutional review of such a law by the Supreme Court - who should, under Justice Kennedy's consistent rulings regarding the Commerce Clause, strike down government run and mandated healthcare as unconstitutional and generally unwelcome in a free nation. One can pray that Prudence will guide and Providence will enlighten!

Friends. Readers. We find ourselves at a crossroads. Has it come to pass that our great nation has come down to this very moment? Has a nation of free men willingly succumb to bondage? Have we been so fooled that Despotism is not only accepted but our preferred way of life? It is not the government that is so out of touch with America, rather the People who have forgotten in such a short time what it meant to build a nation of free men.

This nation was founded on a principle that was never before attempted - where free men would live in equal rule of one's self, with an understanding of cooperative protection from unjust influence. Liberty. Now we are witness to Liberty's death - once and for all...

Here Lies Liberty
1776-2008
A Republic, Unkept

What was born out of the hearts and minds of men much nobler than we, was laid to rest by a conspiracy of the generations to acclimate mankind to the suffering of evil. Liberty, born from the blood and tears of the brave, once shook her fist in defiance of tyranny, now so suddenly finds herself succumb to tyranny's strangle. A struggle through the ages, let pass by complacency... [read the full Epitaph for America]

Kitsap County Republicans - No Room for Communication?

In a dramatic display at the November Kitsap County Republican Board Meeting, the issue was raised as to the effectiveness and purpose of the monthly meetings. It was a vocal, yet diplomatic, debate between the board members which ultimately drew outbursts from the crowd of Precinct Officers and guests. The ultimate message was clear - this was not the forum to conduct anything but official party business.

With that dramatic conclusion, one has to ask - what avenue is afforded the public and the Precinct Officers to raise concerns or address the board if not during the board meetings?

It would appear that the board of volunteers' idea of party business may be off target.

The Bylaws of the KCRP section IV Section F paragraph 2 indicates that "[The Executive Board] shall advise and assist the County Chairman in carrying on political campaigns, and in doing all things proper and necessary to promote the welfare and success of the Republican Party."

The success of the Republican Party - an interesting term is used in the Bylaws. How would one measure success? If success is measured in electing candidates the KCRP has 3 of 17 county affiliated seats filled by Republicans, two of those three, as Ed Mitchell (Board Member) stated, "do not feel welcome at Republican Executive Meetings".

If success is measured in fielding a farm team of candidates, there is little effort being made by the part R&D group to seek out candidates, rather they are mainly relying on candidates to step forward and identify themselves. There is no farm team. There is no "holding area" used to train and coordinate a county wide effort. There is no strategy - and on that the Democrats hang their success.

The most devastating revelation last night was the suggestion by County Chair Sandra LaCelle that the KCRP should limit the organization or involvement with grassroots events for fear that GOP affiliation in an event will detract from support. Unfortunately, a County Party pulling out of grassroots events is absolute surrender. The County Party should organize a certain number of events, and ENCOURAGE even more. How, I ask, does it benefit the success of the party to limit the one monthly meeting to appointments, treasurers reports, and event date announcements while at the same time disallowing idea sharing and town hall style discussion, and how does it benefit the success by eliminating affiliation or support of grassroots events?

In fact, there is no grassroots affiliation, no room for discussion, and little room for two way communication with the board and the PCO's. The Kitsap County GOP webpage has no real avenue for real time idea sharing or issue discussion. There are no organized or advertised local "meet-ups" where those looking to voice an opinion or get involved can go. There is no avenue to channel productivity, innovation, or activism. Because of these shortcomings the Party is and will be absolutely broken, and accomplish little more than an hour long discussion about whether or not to allow comments from the peanut gallery.

The solution is simple, and can be accomplished by making the following changes:

1. Update the web-page to allow the inflow of ideas and real-time communication of action items. Incorporate an Action Tweet feed on the home page. Include real time breaking news. Make the page a dynamic location that drives action, provides information, and allows for communication in both directions - input and guidance.
2. Decide on a message. This was brought up during the hour long debate on inclusion, but no clear message was discussed or voted on. What does the KCRP stand for? What do they believe in? What is the single unifying message that we can share that will both direct activists and inspire leadership?
3. You have goals, now define strategies. This was also mentioned during the debate, but again, no strategy was discussed. HOW will the KCRP elect Republicans to office? I can tell you that it starts with the ability to mobilize and organize grassroots and foot soldiers - NOT by disassociating yourselves from them!!!
4. Organize weekly Friday Activist breakfasts. Not everyone can come all the time, but it is a great place for candidates to speak, for concerned citizens to speak, for Republicans to share ideas and to build community. If we can provide activities, more folks will get involved. It will grow from there.

The 2008 campaigns provided a necessary lesson on technology. It was successfully used by the Democrats who continue to use their base and infrastructure to motivate and drive action... the fact that we STILL don't have anything close is a shame. Long gone are the days of static web pages and week long lags in communication. We are in a communication age that leaves us with a decision as an effective Political party: Sink or Swim?

Which is it KCRP - Sink, or Swim?