Getting Schooled at the Indiana State Convention
Posted June 3rd, 2008 by StandFast
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Today was the first class of my political education. My delegate position obligated me to attend the Indiana Republican State Convention. There I learned that although I was one of 34 delegates to represent thousands of people back home in my county; at the convention I was the lowest on the totem pole. Not only was I among two thousand other delegates, but I was a political freshman.
Also I learned that most of my fellow Republican delegates had gray hair and had already chosen who they wanted for the elected positions. My district chairman raised, seconded, and passed a motion for the chairman to nominate and approve the national delegates all in one swift drop of his gavel.
Little did I know that these national delegates had been decided months prior at county fairs, golf outings, banquets and fund-raisers. I saw first-hand what I had only heard about: pre-chosen candidates marched in organized displays in front of us uncontested for us to superficially approve as if we had a choice.
The convention reminded me a lot of my grandmother’s church during Fourth of July. They even played the same songs and prayed the same prayers.
What I learned most however is the price of apathy. What I saw around me was years of experienced delegates, loyal supporters, and an ephemeral network of collaborators. The party as I first saw it today is what it has become from years of neglect and void of the unadulterated message of liberty. It was the way they liked it, and in exchange for their years of involvement I brought a tie and my two cents.
I didn’t agree with everything discussed or the candidates presented. But that wasn’t the point of today’s lesson. Today was the first class of many that I will have to pass in order to gain the experience and the respect to gain a hearing and a following to the message of liberty.
Ron Paul spent years in the Republican Party gaining experience, attending rallies, conventions, banquets, county fairs, in order to have the platform to reach us with the message of freedom. How did he do it? I guess I’m about to find out in the decades to come.
Ron Paul cured my apathy in Indiana.
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Definitely a wake up call !
I, along with my son attended the convention as well. My son a delegate and I the behind the scenes trench worker, saw only what we had feared might be reality. A stagnant party that has lost their way. Your article sounds exactly how my son would have said it. ;)
Stay focused and continue to use your well thought out articles to strengthen the freedom message. There is hope as long as we work together.
Great Article. I know one day you will be in front of many people sharing similar speeches.
Stand fast , do not waiver and continue the fight.
At my convention
They said the pledge of allegance to a flag with a yellow boarder around it. This is a maritime flag. I looked around and realized alot of people did not have their hands on their hearts and would not honor the flag with that on it. However there was quite a few of our people who did have their hands on there hearts meaning not everyone knew what the flag ment. These people are so deceptive its unreal.Tthey change thing in very small ways always working for the endgame (no pun intended)
Now I believe you got the...
Now I believe you got the message. That description was great and on target. I'm proudly smiling, realizing you understand the message as I believe I do. Ground up...
Its Patriots like you, whom are steadfast and strong
That will bring back our freedoms, we've let slide for so long.
Never say never, regarding a purpose so vital
As freedom and liberty for all, and its genuine title.
I can only do what I do and the same goes for you
And I'm proudly confident to believe, there is more of us "TWO".
"Onward" >>>>>>>>
What you believe too be true, is true too you...
i was there and one thing became very apparent...
we must go after the chairman positions.
Exactly
We need to stay involved and capture higher positions of authority. Being a delegate is pittance at the convention. We need more ground. We will take it.
Wow this should be in the
Wow this should be in the Wall Street Journal its so good.
Thats worthy of being published
You might have a future as a political writer.
Thanks for your view.
Well said
You have a way with words. I enjoyed your descriptions and experiences of the convention since I live in Indy and wanted to be a delagate but found out too late. Ron Paul too has changed my life and I will never be the same. May you have the courage to stand fast and tall in your future political exploits and endeavors.
You are a brave American
and I admire you for standing firm in your beliefs and resolving to fight on in the face of such utter corruption.
You must have wanted to Barrf
'Live for yourself, there's no one else more worth living for,
Begging hands and bleeding hearts
Will only cry out for more...'
someone has to...
"You must have wanted to Barrf"
Like someone trying to clean up the sewers. Someone's got to do the dirty work.