Posted: February 11, 2010
By John Biver
(Scroll down for list of links.)
What impressed me most about many of the attendees at the National Tea Party Convention last week in Nashville, Tennessee, was their willingness to learn - and then act. Politics for them isn't a spectator sport, but an ongoing responsibility requiring hands on participation.
As Champion News has noted repeatedly, if you're an able bodied concerned citizen, there are many things you can do to help the cause. In fact, it's time for a recap of some of the articles we've posted filled with big picture analysis and specific suggestions.
The fact is conservatives have a cultural problem that goes beyond Hollywood, the news media or the social issues. Too many of us - and at times I've been as guilty as the next guy - disconnect with our civic responsibility. When we delegate the working of democracy to others, we get what we have now - which is a herculean mess.
Everyone has a role to play. I realize that raising kids, dealing with family matters, building a business, working one or more jobs can fill up a day/week/month/year. Nevertheless, the taxeaters and those who push a radical social agenda on society find time - so we must as well.
If you wonder why people don't vote or go to the polls and vote for dopes or vote for people they don't even know based on a good looking ballot name, it's not difficult to find an answer. In this information age not enough of our fellow citizens actually seek or get good information.
We've quoted the Founding Fathers on this topic, and we've quoted Plato:
"Now the worst part of the punishment is that he who refuses to rule is liable to be ruled by one who is worse than himself."
This website is now into its fourth year calling for a Republican renaissance - which isn't about some distant organization doing the work for you. It's about providing citizens/voters with the kind of information needed to engage in politics and start making a difference.
We've provided an outline of what the Republican Party itself can be at the local level in our series "GOP 101." It's not a set of requirements, but a suggestion of how activists at the local level can organize and inject life into what is most likely a moribund and useless GOP organization that fails to connect with enough voters.
We've quoted thoughtful people about their experiences at the grassroots level, and given examples of what others are currently doing. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Experimentation and variety is a good thing. The bottom line is that we all must do what we can - share what's worked and what hasn't - and continue to strive to avoid being citizens in name only.
Here are links that can be helpful - including a few of the articles we've posted on the subject of what you can do:
Ideas for front line activity:
Where to find life for a new Republican Party
With or without the help of your local GOP, there are things you can do
Today's political communication needs parallel WWII munitions production
SurgeUSA.org - a fantastic resource for all conservatives
SurgeUSA.org and the necessary political Counterinsurgency
SurgeUSA.org: You no longer have an excuse to sit on the sidelines
Experience from the front lines:
The Call of Duty as an American Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
More examples of action needed by American citizens
A Republican's first run for Precinct Committeeman
Running for Illinois State Senate - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Part 1)
Running for Illinois State Senate - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Part 2)
Articles written by forerunners of the TEA party movement:
The Boston Tea Party on a Budget
Taxpayer Advocacy Motivations
Political Activism ABCs
GOP 101: Our outline of what a local party can do.
An Introduction: A political party in name only
1: Looking for the missing political links since 1994
2: Why a real Grand Old Party must be constructed
3: Message and messengers
4: A working political party
5: Township, ward and county organizations (Part 1)
6: Township, ward and county organizations (Part 2)
7: Personnel makes all the difference
8: Personnel - A variety of talents are needed
9: Personnel - A housecleaning is in order
10: Defending the party platform
11: Local leadership is needed
12: Impacting local and regional public opinion
13. After the Tea Parties, it's time for conservatives to take over the GOP
14: Tapping into "that something different" in the American fabric
15: Diagnosing the health of your local GOP organization
16: Taking it to the streets - the left gets it, the right doesn't
17. Endorsements, and the role of the party & legislative campaign committees
A bigger picture look at activism:
Beyond commentary and analysis and getting to the cure
A GOP civic and political culture reformation is required
Other recommended resources:
The Leadership Institute
GOPAC
No one is going to come onto the scene riding on a white horse to do your work for you. This country's Constitution begins "We the People," not "Those Political Organizations." Champion News will continue to report on activism and provide the kind of information that's useful to those who want to take back their country from the taxeaters and social radicals. Stay tuned even as you stay engaged in the process.
John Biver is the Editor of Champion News.
