Topic: Politics
Christmas Party Politics Analyzed in Absentia

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This time of year affords many opportunities to observe the political landscape and plan a course of action for the future.

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by Jahfre Fire Eater
(libertarian)
Sunday, December 14, 2008

Due to a recent surgery I have missed two Christmas parties. That certainly fits into my hermit-ish persona but, in truth, I don't mind attending a Christmas party or two. Tis the season....Fa, La, La and all that ... holds a huge place in my upbringing. I loving singing Christmas carols. Mainly because they are the only songs I know all the words to. If I learned other songs, I'd probably enjoy singing them too.

Both of these parties were for political groups. I'm not sad to have missed either.

The first party was mostly folks from the Ron Paul grass roots movement. I can't stand being around them in a group even though there are several whose company I enjoy one-on-one. They all want to preach to the choir, all preaching the same stuff to varying degrees of fervor. When I try to bring the conversation to a plan of action, what to DO about all this fervor, how to be effective, how to align the consequences of their actions with their stated goals, they lose interest or vehemently disagree that my suggestions are appropriate means for achieving the goals they advocate. I accept their opposition as a good indication of how useful they might be and move on. They are like living versions of the interactions seen on most political message boards; endless, pointless, debate with no progress towards action on common goals.

The second was our county GOP gathered at a member's home. I would have enjoyed this one more because the group was more diverse and these are people I know, my neighbors. I know, a GOP Christmas doesn't sound very diverse to Democrats or Independents. I refer to the make-up of the GOP as "31 Flavors of Republicanism" Each flavor is determined that the only way, the only actions that make any sense are those aimed at putting their flavor in charge of all the others. I always find it hysterical to watch. Passions flair, cheeks flush, spittle flies, names get called, it is no wonder the GOP is losing ground. They can't hold a Christmas party without heated shouting matches. I'd never invite them into my home.

Today's GOP leadership fosters an adversarial environment; a "with us or against us" paradigm that serves to pit neighbor against neighbor. That doesn't seem the best way to run a political party to me; at least not a thriving one.

If you encounter this in your local GOP, don't take the bait. Stay focused on promoting Conservative High-5: The rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Limited Government, Free Enterprise and the right to Defend these principles against all enemies. These principles are the only common ground amongst the 31 flavors of Republicanism. They do not depend on your faith or how you approach any particular issue. They define the strategy for undermining the slide towards Socialism. They can be promoted without being part of herd by people who are not experts in monetary policy or founding fathers intentions or supreme court case law. You don't need any of that context to promote the Conservative High-5 as an individual, every time you leave your home.

If you are a GOP member your most effective actions revolve around using these principles to rally folks to your "flavor". Every potential GOP candidate should be questioned in public on these topics everywhere they go. At every local public meeting where public comments are appropriate, these principles should be used to measure current issues before the board, commission or council.

If you are not a GOP member you can still help groom GOP candidates in public, you just can't actually vote for them in a primary.

Now is the time to plan your activities for the coming year. What is up for election in 2009? School boards? Go for it. Promote candidates who support these principles and you'll have a better school district. If you have the inclination, run for officer in your county GOP, try to get a vote in the party process. It takes a multitude of individuals taking responsibility for preventing the enemies of liberty from deciding who will be the next crop of GOP candidates. It makes no difference what one's particular reasons might be or what their level of commitment is. The important thing is to make the decision to no longer sit back and let your enemies groom your future candidates. The first sign of real change being possible will be when the GOP grass roots rejects the candidates promoted by the leadership. Until that happens, there just aren't enough people doing the right things yet.

-Jahfre Fire Eater

©2008 Jahfre Fire Eater, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Last modified: Sunday, December 14, 2008

The views expressed in this article are those of Jahfre Fire Eater only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Jahfre Fire Eater is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.

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