It is Our Turn To Make America Great Again

Currently we are still in the middle of an election. Trump still has a chance to win this whole thing. I believe it is a slim chance but that is the exact same thing we all thought about him last time and several times before. If I have learned one thing it is to never count Trump out until he is out.

 

With that said I have always been someone who likes to have a plan, even if it is just in case. If Trump wins I will continue as I have for the last four years. What I want to be prepared for is in the case that he loses.

 

If Trump loses I want to first recognize the things that he has done. Peace deals in the Middle East, the greatest economy of all time and record employment for all Americans. One of the greatest things Trump has done was energize the Republican base and exposed corruption all throughout our institutions, namely the legacy media and the Democratic career politicians.

 

Trump has shown us that the legacy media is a part of the Democratic establishment and along with large social media, other corporations, universities, and members of the administrative (deep) state, have organized against the average working American family.

 

If Trump loses, the Republican Party has a choice before them. We are standing at two divergent roads. To one side is a light gently downward sloping hill with fresh green grass and a clear path of a long slow decline. The other path is dark, stormy, and full of rocks and steeply uphill that only offers a chance to further fulfill the ideals our Republic was founded on. Where each path leads for each of us is not known for sure, but the choice is ours to make.

 

Trump chose the hard path because he loved this country. He gave up the life of security, wealth and inclusion in order to do what he thought was right and the establishment (both Republicans and Democrats) threw rocks at him daily. Yet he made the way up the hill as we all watched, shocked that anyone would actually chose the difficult path.

 

Now we have seen it can be done and we understand a bit more about what we are up against. We have a choice, do we select the easy path, live our lives in peaceful obscurity and withdraw from the world or do we embrace the challenge fully with the knowledge that we all won’t make it to the top, if any of us make it at all, for a chance at that liberty that we as Americans once held sacred and dear?

 

It is easy to say I choose the hard path and boast about it on Facebook and social media but it is a totally different thing to actually walk the path. Words are important but without actions they amount to a lot of hot air.

 

We hear this all the time, get active, do something but rarely do actually do anything. I know I suffer from this for a variety of reasons. One I don’t know what to do and two I have so much to do already I can’t imagine doing more. I have a family, dogs, a home that requires upkeep, a fulltime job, community activities, and I have to sleep sometime. I understand many of us are in the same position, but how long do you think you’ll have any of those things if you do not do something to take care of them?

Trump showed us that we have a chance if you remain strong and refuse to back down. I am reminded of a meme that went around during the impeachment attempt. It was a black and white photo of Trump pointing at the observer and the caption said ‘in reality they’re not after me, they’re after you, I’m just in the way.’

 

If he loses this election he will no longer be in the way and they will marshal the force of the legacy media, the university and government school system, the administrative (or deep) state, social media and big tech, international corporations, and massive social pressure to make sure that the American way of life, the American experiment in individual self-governance comes to an end.

No Longer Silent: #timberunity #Oregon11

A lot has been happening in the state of Oregon. From the Governor sending the police after Senators to the #timberunity movement. I thought I would break it down in an attempt to cut through some of the media smoke and mirrors.

Just like every movement, this started before anyone showed up to protest at the capital.

Dangers of Super Majorities

This started when the Democratic Party won super majorities in both the Oregon House and Senate. On top of that they won the Governorship allowing for single party control of the entire state.

Some of the Democratic legislators felt that because they had been granted a super majority by the voters that meant that they could push through any legislation they wanted. To some it also meant that they did not even need to consider Republican representatives or their concerns from their constituents.

The Republicans were listened to in name only. Meaning they were given time to talk but nothing they said was considered or taken seriously. They had zero impact on legislation and were largely ignored by the Democratic legislators.

This dismissive behavior was farther compounded when every piece of legislation had an emergency clause attached to it. This put legislation into effect immediately after it was signed into law and would make it more difficult for the petition and referendum process to go forward.

They did not want these bills to go to be placed on the ballot and go to the voters. They even intended to restrict the ability for people to petition by introducing restrictions on how signatures could be gathered. It would seem the Democratic Party did not want the people or the Democratic process to take place.

The First Walk Out

The Republican Senators, tired of being relegated to seat fillers walked out in protest to stop two bills. One on gun control (HB 978) and the second on mandatory vaccines for kids attending public schools (HB 3063). The Oregon Senate is made up of 30 Senators, 18 Democrat and 11 Republican (one seat was empty due the passing of a Republican Senator Jackie Winters, rest in peace Senator and thank you for your service).

In order to get any business done the Senate must have 2/3 quorum, meaning they need at least 20 Senators present before they can pass legislation. After a few days and much negotiation the Democrats struck a deal to get the Republicans to return to the capital. Both bills were tabled (returned to committee) and a bill that would increase taxes to ‘pay for schools’ was passed.

The stipulations of the agreement were as follows:

The Republicans returned, the two bills were put aside for 2019 and they started to talk on HB2020. The bill number never changed and the Republicans felt like they were being ignored again. Not to mention that the bill had the emergency clause added in.

While the Republicans were deciding on what they should do, Oregonians from rural communities showed up at the capital on Wednesday June 19^th to protest the bill. They drove their logging truck and heavy equipment in and stood one the capitol steps.

This was #timberunity, a grassroots campaign made up of loggers, truckers, ranchers, farmers and people from rural communities in Oregon. They would be the ones paying the biggest price if HB2020 passed and they showed up to express their concern. Chief among those concerns was that their livelihoods would be taken away from them.

The Democrats did not seem to care, saying the sacrifice was worth it if it helped stop climate change.

#Oregon11

The Republican Senators, listening to their constituents, frustrated that their concerns are being ignored by the majority, and believing that the deal to get them returned was violated (HB2020 was not reset) used the only tool available to them, they walked out.

Enraged at this act of defiance Democrats called upon the Governor to compel the Senators to return. Governor Kate Brown gave the orders to Oregon State Police to find the Senators and bring them back to the capital.

Senator Brian Boquist said to Oregon State Police superintendent “Send bachelors and come heavily armed. I’m not going to be a political prisoner in the state of Oregon. It’s just that simple.” Republican Senators flee the state to prevent them from being rounded up by the police to be used as seat fillers in order to pass legislation that they believed would damage the people in the communities they represent.

The Republican Senators become known as the #Oregon11. To retaliate the Democrats plan on fining the missing Senators $500/day of legislative session they miss. They then plan on keeping the session open all weekend in an attempt to increase this penalty.

Democrats and the media call on Republicans to return, saying they have a duty to be at the capital to work for the people who voted them into office. Republicans and their supporters refuse knowing that by returning to the capital they will simply be seat fillers and unable to represent their constituents.

#timberunity and Oregon GOP plans a protest for Saturday (Occupy the Capital) to show support for #Oregon11 and to oppose HB2020. Senate Democrats, citing fears that ‘militia groups’ are going to show up at the capital cancel Saturday’s session.

No proof or source has been provided for these threats and no arrests have been made at the time of this writing. Militia groups offered protection to the fleeing Senators but no proof has been made public showing that they made threats to invade the capitol building. Oregon GOP and #timberunity show up at the capital to protest.

Democratic State Rep Paul Evens makes a statement on twitter comparing the protesters and the #Oregon11 to terrorists. The legislative session is set to end June 30^th and the Republican Senators have shown no signs of returning before then.

Freedom Rally

Thursday June 27^th #timberunity, rural communities, Republicans and many others hold one of the largest rallies at the State capital ever. Trucks parade around the building honking their horns, people giving speeches on the steps of the capitol building, and protesters with signs stand together outside in order to oppose HB2020 and show support for the #Oregon11.

Senate President Peter Courtney announced that he no longer has the votes needed to pass HB2020 when a few members of his party decided they will not vote for the bill. The Progressive members of the Democratic Party believed that with a super majority that they could do whatever they wanted.

They believed they could pass legislation with impunity and that they knew what was best for Oregonians, even better than Oregonians themselves. So far they have not succeeded with HB2020, but they have succeeded in one area, uniting rural and working Oregonians and energizing them to speak up and say no more.

#timberunity #Oregon11

MayAGA Day 20: Wink and a Nod

I have been wearing my MAGA hat everywhere I go for about 20 days now. When I first started this challenge it was awkward to put that hat on my head and go out of the house. I worried about what others would think or do when they saw it.

So far that worry has been unfounded and those who comment on the hat have been positive. Now I put the hat on my head and forget that I am wearing it. The places and people I see frequently seem to not notice anymore. It has become common place.

Nothing really exciting has happened and that is why I have not had anything to write about. Honestly that is exactly what I wanted to happen.

A Wink and a Nod

I was out walking the dog when I noticed an elderly lady working in her yard. She saw me down the street and walked toward me.

 

At first I was a bit nervous, not because I was worried about this lady but because my dog has a bad habit of jumping and he is a big dog. She approached me and from a safe distanced asked if she could pet my dog.

I explained to her if he starts to whine or get nervous then the answer is no, but if he is okay with it than yes. She put her hand out, he smelled it and immediately leaned against her for some pets. She loved on him for a minute, getting her fur fix she said, and we talked about dogs.

At the end of the conversation she leaned in and looked up at me sideways and said “By the way I like your hat.” Of course I smiled and said thank you and she went back to her friend to continue working in the yard.

The next instance was at a local Albertsons. I was walking through the store and as usual I could tell people noticed the hat but were largely going about their business. I passed an employee who was talking with another customer but I could tell his eyes followed me for a second longer than usual.

I brushed it off as him just thinking I might need help. I was looking for a product I did not know exactly where it was, so I figured he picked up on my lost expression. A few seconds later I heard he call to me from behind.

“Excuse me sir.” He said standing by the door leading to the back of the store. I turned and looked back and as we made eye contact he said “I like your hat.” I again smiled big and said thank you. He nodded and went back to work in the back of the store.

Silent Support

These two instances are not the only time someone has commented on my hat. I have not had anyone get upset, just positive feedback. I took some time to think about those encounters and what they meant.

In each of those encounters the comment was made in a public space but was meant to be a private conversation. It was almost as if they said they supported the hat but did not want to wear one themselves. Or that they were thankful that someone was doing something they wanted to do but felt they could not.

Before I took on this challenge I felt the same way. In fact I probably would have been one of those people who gave a quick positive comment in passing if I had seen someone in a MAGA hat.

I have often wondered why people felt they had to stay silent. For the most part I think people just want to avoid conflict. For me I left a very real social pressure that being Republican, Conservative or wearing a MAGA hat made me a bad person.

I knew Conservatives, Republicans and people that wore MAGA hats and they were perfectly normal, regular, good people. They worked hard, loved their families, and helped their neighbors. So why should these good people feel ashamed to be themselves?

I do not have the answer to that question outside of social pressure. Thankfully I have spent most my life being socially awkward and have had to build up an inner strength that can stand against social pressure when needed.

Even with this practice I had a hard time taking that step. But if my experience is any indication the only thing that holds people back from taking that step is themselves.

If you want to wear a MAGA hat or get involved with the Republican Party, do so. Go to a meet up or join a Facebook group (Here are a couple groups I am a member of Oregon Republican League, Young Republican’s of Washington County). Check it out, talk to people, and make the choice that is best for you.

Thanks for reading and hope you all are having a great MayAGA!

The Oregon GOP: Criticism and the Path Forward

The Oregon Republican Party has some serious thinking to do after the 2018 election rout. Our party has been relegated to practical uselessness in Salem and we are forced to ask ourselves does the Republican Party have a future in Oregon?

I think it does but only if the party is willing to make some changes and address the issues put forward by its members. With the end of the election we have seen the return of Sam Carpenter who has brought fresh criticism about the party.

The Carpenter Criticism

Sam Carpenter, like him or not, is addressing something that the Republican Party is not. The current prevailing wisdom is that Republicans need to be more moderate in order to win in Oregon.

 

If we learned anything from Knute’s campaign it is that is absolutely not true. You might be able to gain some support, but at what cost?

Let’s take this strategy to its logical conclusion. Even if you are 100% exactly the same as the Democratic candidate on every issue and the only thing that separate’s you from them is a letter next to your name, you will not win. In the end some people will believe you are a bad person simply because you are a Republican.

Carpenter is unapologetically Republican and that is why people like him. All too often individual Republicans feel like they have to hide the fact that they support the Republican Party. I even had someone once tell me my neighbor was brave because he had a Trump bumper sticker on his car.

Is it now an act of bravery to put a political bumper sticker on your car? Sadly yes. That is not a criticism of the current state of politics but rather of the current state of cowardice among Republicans. Let me be clear, this is not an insult. I have been guilty of this personally. Rather it is a call to action on an individual level.

Carpenter’s solution is to burn everything down and rebuild it. Only he wants to rebuild it in his image. This might seem to work in the short term but in the long run it will fail. Sam will one day leave the party and we will be left with an empty shell that will collapse in on itself.

I do agree we need to start the fire but we cannot allow it to burn down everything. Instead we need to burn off the dead wood. It is going to be a painful process, change always is, but a necessary one if the Oregon Republican Party is to remain viable in the future.

Stop Trying to Appeal to the Left

On the surface it would seem like appealing to those on the left would increase the Republican Parties chances of getting elected in a left leaning state. Except we have tried this already and it has only resulted in the Republican Party becoming the minority party in the state to the point of becoming a non-entity.

 

I am not saying we cannot try to win over those on the left, rather stop trying to BE the left. It seems disingenuous, like we are afraid to be ourselves. This disingenuousness comes across to the voters, even if it is not clear that is what it is.

This type of appeal feels like the person who is trying too hard to get others to like him but only comes across as annoying. They lack confidence in who they are and they try to be someone else. The falsehood ultimately comes through and forms into the negative feedback loop.

They believe they are disliked because too much of who they truly are is showing, so they try harder to be someone they are not and only making the problem worse. This is the negative feedback loop in which the party has been stuck.

How can we expect anyone else to believe in our values and the truth of our message if we are constantly trying to distance ourselves from them? Never apologize for being Republican or holding Republican values. If you feel like you need to apologize for holding a Republican value then you need to ask yourself if you really believe in that value.

Our leadership is not appointed or chosen from on high but is a reflection of our choices as individuals who are members of a larger group. Our leaders reflect us and if we do not like our leaders we need to start by taking an honest look at ourselves.

Deadwood

Sam Carpenter is not the problem, rather he is simply a symptom of the greater problem. We can try to ignore him or say we do not like how he does things but we still need to address what he represents.

Carpenter represents those in the party who feel like they are not listened to and who are told the only way to win in Oregon is to become more moderate. If they are ignored people like Sam Carpenter will continue to gain support.

These people need to be taken seriously because their concerns are serious. The way things have been done for the last 30 years is not working and it is a time for a change. We are the minority party, we need to start acting like it.

One of the benefits of being in the minority is that we can take risks as we have little to lose. We can try new things, bring in new people and become a contending party once again. Yes our party might be in chaos now, but it is in chaos that we find opportunity. Do we allow this chaos to get worse until we fade away into obscurity or do we trim the deadwood regardless of the pain and become stronger for the experience?

The choice is one we all need to make as individuals. It is a choice that requires acting out in the world, for a choice that is not acted upon might as well not have been made at all.

The Truth Behind the Republicans Stunning Defeat in Oregon

I had high hopes for the midterm election this year. We had a centrist candidate for Governor who was gaining important endorsements and funding. We had several amazing, hardworking and charismatic candidates for local races.

Yet when Election Day came and went, and all the votes were tallied, we ended up with Democrat supermajorities in both the state house and senate as well as in the governor’s office.

WE Lost

We lost the election. When I say WE lost the election I mean exactly that.

I see people blaming Conservative Republicans for staying home and not voting because they did not like Knute, blaming the Democrats for cheating and vote tampering, blaming party leadership for a lack of support, blaming Portland for having too many people, and generally blaming anyone they can find.

I remember seeing this sort of behavior recently in politics just on the national level. Hilary Clinton wrote a book and did a whole tour blaming everyone but herself for her loss against Trump.

Now we stand here on the eve of our election loss and we have a choice before us, do we continue to blame each other and everyone else, or do we take an honest look at ourselves as individuals and at our party.

As individuals we need to ask ourselves, as Washington County GOP Vice Chair Melissa Laird did every day leading up to the election, what have I done today to help my candidates win? If your only answer is I shared a post on Facebook, I must inform you that is not enough.

Facebook is a powerful tool but it is not a magical tool. It can help us reach thousands of people in an instance but if that reach does not materialize into action it is more or less useless.

It is hard to break the routine of daily life, kids need help with homework, projects need to be done around the house, and pay checks need to be earned. Our time is valuable but I do not think it is unreasonable to ask for one hour each week. That is the amount of time you would spend watching one or two episodes of your current Netflix binge. (If you want to help, get in touch with your local county chair).

I am not asking you to trade the hour for nothing. You will get the chance to meet the people who will represent you, who will actually listen to your concerns and ideas. You will get connected to an amazing community of wonderful, hardworking, and brilliant people that share similar values to your own.

As a party we need to listen to feedback from our candidates, build our infrastructure and support systems, and find a way to connect everyone. We need to learn from our past mistakes, our successes and we need to grow our party, in membership, leadership, and candidates. We need to identify, promote and recruit people of talent and take a long term view of things.

This is what you need to do if you want to help get Oregon on the right track. Blaming the Democrats, each other, the party leadership or the system not only does not help but hurts us all in the long run.

The Seductive Ideology of Victimhood

Victimhood has social value for both the victim and the person who wants to help the victim. They both gain attention and social status from the victimhood. The bad thing is that the victim, who is seeking attention, will become dependent on the victimhood to produce that attention they seek.

If they have been victimized by an individual the victimhood only lasts until that individual has been dealt with or is removed from the picture. It becomes harder and harder to produce victimhood and gain attention by relying on individuals.

Victimizers, true victimizers, are rare and you quickly run out of them, but if you are able to become victimized by a group of people than you can maintain that victimhood status almost indefinitely. If you are victimized by men than you can remain a victim as long as there are men.

The problem with this idea is that it is built on a lie, you are not a victim of men, you might be a victim of a man, or a group of men, but not the collective gender known as men. But like the drug addict the victim does not mind the lie as long as it gets them their fix of victimhood and the attention that comes with it.

This sort of behavior is very attractive. It gives you an excuse to refuse to take an honest and often painful look at yourself as well as someone to blame for any short comings you might have.

The Choice Before Us

This is a choice we need to make. We, as individuals, need to decided, are we going to play the blame game, giving in to the seductive ideology of victimhood, or are we going to take a look at ourselves and find where we can change and do better.

Ultimately blaming someone else, justly or unjustly, will only cause division and create resentment that will lead us farther down the path of loss we have been on for over 30 years.

We can blame and fight each other and hope that our faction comes out on top only to be the king of the losers, or we can build a coalition with each other on the understanding that we all might not agree but that we are all dedicated to the betterment of our state and the betterment of each other as individuals.

Some people have said that we need to clean our house before we can hope to become successful again. I think we need to take that a step deeper, we each need to clean our own rooms before we can start to clean our house.

What path will you choose? Will you blame everyone else for the problems you see before you, or will you take responsibility to do everything in your power to solve those problems yourself? The choice is ours, choose wisely.