Here is a message sent directly to the PAGOP state committee as the result of a request from one of its members. These are suggestions that hopefully will play a part in bringing the Pennsylvania GOP back to its roots as a party working for the benefit of the people and not just for themselves. At the end of Part I, and again at the end of Part II, there is an E-mail address where you can send your own suggestions. Hopefully, you will.
PART I
We are facing the most important elections for us in many years.
Problem: The mood of the country. Political machines are being rejected by all Americans, and in the GOP, the "old guard" is looked upon as being the reason why the Republican party is at a low point in the opinion of... get this... Republicans. See Rasmussen link below: 75% of Republicans say GOP is out of touch with... Republicans.
Biggest lesson from Massachusetts:
Scott Brown didn't win because of the Republican party. He won because he has a message easily understood by disgruntled Americans, but mostly because Tea Party oriented Republicans and Independents from throughout the country and in Massachusetts rallied to his support.
Solution: Bring "street-level" Republicans into the party as leaders of the party. To most Republicans, the GOP at the national, state and local levels is viewed as having a "Newcomers Not Wanted" sign above its doors.
In a Rasmussen poll conducted recently in Florida, if an election were held today, 36% of voters would vote for a Democrat, 23% for a Tea Party candidate, and 18% for a Republican. Other polls taken throughout the country since then show that in many areas, a Tea Party candidate will win over both the Democrat and the Republican candidate in a three way race.
On the PAGOP state committee endorsing candidates for nomination: It is suggested that the nomination process is better left to the voters and the candidates without interference from any GOP involvement, especially right now when the Republican party is held in such low esteem by the Republicans who actually do the voting in numbers large enough to nominate someone.
The Teaple have spoken. More later. Rasmussen link is below.
75% of Republicans say GOP is out of touch with... now get this... Republicans!
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid40501388001?bclid=0&bctid=61628136001
E-mail address for YOUR suggestions to the PAGOP: RGleason@pagop.org
PART II
On bringing the "Teaple" into the GOP. Suggestions:
The first step the GOP must take is to understand that the Tea Party movement is mostly made up of disgruntled Republicans and Independents.
The second step is to accept that there are more Rpublicans in the Tea Party movement who reject the GOP than there are "old guard" Republicans who go along with any candidate the GOP selects. And among all voters, there are more Teaple than Republicans, and the Teaple will not accept any "old guard" candidate from any party.
The third step is to accept that all of the above is true and is supported by virtually all of the major polling organizations.
And the fourth step is for the GOP to reach out to the "street level" Teaple for party leadership, direction and for candidates.
By implenenting all four of the above, the GOP will become representative of all of the American people, not just themselves. And wouldn't that be refreshing.
YOUR suggestions to: RGleason@pagop.org
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Parable of the Pie
Okay, it really isn't a parable, but it sounds good, don't you think?
Why we must always say NO to liberal Democrats, and why we should be proud to be the PARTY OF NO.
Let's start with a nice apple pie, which represents your freedom.
Now, remember what you learned in geometry class in high school. If you walk half-way to a wall, and each time thereafter when you move, you walk half-way to a wall, you will never arrive at the wall. Eventually, the wall will be so close to you that the space between you and the wall will seem not to exist, and the space will be worthless to you.
Now, back to the pie. The Democrats ask for half the pie. Our RINOs say no, you can only have 1/4 of the pie... in other words, they compromise.
A little while later, the Democrats come back to our RINOs and ask for half of what is left of the pie. Again, our RINOs say no. You can only have 1/4 of the pie, the RINOs reach across the aisle and compromise. And again, the same scenario, and then again and again. Eventually, what is left of the pie will become so small as to be worthless. That, my friends, is called incrementalism.
And that is why we must always say NO to liberal Democrats.
Be proud to be part of the PARTY OF NO.
Why we must always say NO to liberal Democrats, and why we should be proud to be the PARTY OF NO.
Let's start with a nice apple pie, which represents your freedom.
Now, remember what you learned in geometry class in high school. If you walk half-way to a wall, and each time thereafter when you move, you walk half-way to a wall, you will never arrive at the wall. Eventually, the wall will be so close to you that the space between you and the wall will seem not to exist, and the space will be worthless to you.
Now, back to the pie. The Democrats ask for half the pie. Our RINOs say no, you can only have 1/4 of the pie... in other words, they compromise.
A little while later, the Democrats come back to our RINOs and ask for half of what is left of the pie. Again, our RINOs say no. You can only have 1/4 of the pie, the RINOs reach across the aisle and compromise. And again, the same scenario, and then again and again. Eventually, what is left of the pie will become so small as to be worthless. That, my friends, is called incrementalism.
And that is why we must always say NO to liberal Democrats.
Be proud to be part of the PARTY OF NO.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Conservatives vs. GOP
If you are a conservative, may it be suggested that you DO NOT work to be accepted by the Republican party, but rather work to take over the Republican party. And... if you happen to be a third-party advocate, may it be suggested that you also direct your efforts toward taking over the Republican party, because within the party you will find many who are just as angry with the "old guard" GOP as you are.
So, how can you have influence in this "take over" process? Again, a suggestion: E-mail, write, call your local & state GOP Committees and let them know that you WILL NOT vote for any GOP-endorsed candidate unless he/she has solid Conservative credentials, or is a candidate who has emerged from the Tea Party movement. Important: encourage your like-minded friends to do the same.
And please don't forget that old standby: write Letters to the Editor.
Finally, an opinion: Scott Brown's strong showing in Massachusetts is not because of the Republican party, but because Scott Brown is a Conservative and proud of it. There's a lesson to be learned here.
Together, we can make all this happen.
So, how can you have influence in this "take over" process? Again, a suggestion: E-mail, write, call your local & state GOP Committees and let them know that you WILL NOT vote for any GOP-endorsed candidate unless he/she has solid Conservative credentials, or is a candidate who has emerged from the Tea Party movement. Important: encourage your like-minded friends to do the same.
And please don't forget that old standby: write Letters to the Editor.
Finally, an opinion: Scott Brown's strong showing in Massachusetts is not because of the Republican party, but because Scott Brown is a Conservative and proud of it. There's a lesson to be learned here.
Together, we can make all this happen.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Out With the Old, In With the New?
Throughout the United States, millions of Americans are demanding that new faces with new ideas and new energy enter the political arena.
Chris Paige is running for the Republican nomination for congress in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Some have voiced concerns about voting for a Democrat turned Republican and have wondered if the conversion is real. Asked about it, Chris responded as follows. Judge for yourself-- Mike Avery.
Chris Paige's words:
To begin with, I always start with what I wrote on my website.
To until recently, I was a Democrat because I believe that government should protect the powerless from the powerful, but President Obama and (11th Congressional District) Congressman Kanjorski have transformed the Democratic Party into the powerful from whom we all need to be protected. In the words of Ronald Reagan, "I didn't leave the Democratic Party; the Democratic Party left me."
Weren't the Democrats supposed to be the party of science and reason? Yet, Congressional Democrats want to devastate our economy in order to combat an imaginary "global warming crisis."
Weren't Democrats supposed to protect our seniors? Yet, Congressional Democrats want to cut $500 billion from Medicare. I don't want to live in a country where some banks are too big to fail while some people are too frail to save.
Weren't Democrats elected to rejuvinate our economy after eight years of reckless government spending, catastrophic government deficits and inflationary monetary policy? Yet, Congressional Democrats' only response is even more government spending, even higher government deficits, and even more inflationary monetary policy. They even appointed President Bush's choice to lead the Federal Reserve! Hope and Change? We had better hope we change direction soon, or we'll need to hope someone spares us some change.
Quite frankly, you will find that I am true to my ideals, not my party. As your Congressman, I will represent your interests, and I will defend your values, even if that means I must defy my party. For years now, we have been ruled by politicians who were more loyal to their parties than their ideals; isn't it time we elect someone who is more loyal to his ideals? Anyone else remember those so-called "Republican" majorities that voted for record-high government spending and enormous budget deficits under President Bush? Anyone else remember when President Bush supported TARP and the auto bailouts?
Let me ask skeptical Republicans a philosophical question: who best represents the Republican Party's values? A candidate who supported TARP, big government and big spending while nominally calling himself or herself a Republican, or a candidate who opposed these policies even when they were advocated by so-called "Republicans?" Now,let me ask dubious Democrats another philosophical question: if a candidate wants to cut Medicare while bailing out banks, is he still a Democrat? When it comes to party identfication, we all need to ask ourselves this question: are we rooting for our team to win or are we fighting for our ideals to triumph?
Although I know people think I might betray them when I'm in DC, I think it's important to note that my opponent (in the primary) Mayor Lou Barletta has already betrayed our values:
He raised property taxes 70%.
He raised income taxes by 87.5%.
He believes that the government can close budget deficits through higher taxes
rather than spending cuts.
He raised Hazleton's budget deficit by 66%.
He believes in a "carbon constrained" future
He wants to "invest" taxpayer money in alternative energy.
He wants to require us to carry "identity papers" which we would have to
present for routine commercial transactions.
Big taxes, big spending, big deficits and big government: how is that different than Congressman Kanjorski?
Finally, I ask skeptics to read what I have written on my blog - do you think that I could have faked all of those detailed thoughts and arguments? If so, it's quite an elaborate plot.
I'd be happy to meet with anyone and/or to subject myself to any interview because, frankly, I enjoy speaking with people about my ideas - that's the best part of campaigning.
Cheers. Chris.
Chris Paige's website and blog can be viewed at www.chrispaigeforcongress.com.
Chris Paige is running for the Republican nomination for congress in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Some have voiced concerns about voting for a Democrat turned Republican and have wondered if the conversion is real. Asked about it, Chris responded as follows. Judge for yourself-- Mike Avery.
Chris Paige's words:
To begin with, I always start with what I wrote on my website.
To until recently, I was a Democrat because I believe that government should protect the powerless from the powerful, but President Obama and (11th Congressional District) Congressman Kanjorski have transformed the Democratic Party into the powerful from whom we all need to be protected. In the words of Ronald Reagan, "I didn't leave the Democratic Party; the Democratic Party left me."
Weren't the Democrats supposed to be the party of science and reason? Yet, Congressional Democrats want to devastate our economy in order to combat an imaginary "global warming crisis."
Weren't Democrats supposed to protect our seniors? Yet, Congressional Democrats want to cut $500 billion from Medicare. I don't want to live in a country where some banks are too big to fail while some people are too frail to save.
Weren't Democrats elected to rejuvinate our economy after eight years of reckless government spending, catastrophic government deficits and inflationary monetary policy? Yet, Congressional Democrats' only response is even more government spending, even higher government deficits, and even more inflationary monetary policy. They even appointed President Bush's choice to lead the Federal Reserve! Hope and Change? We had better hope we change direction soon, or we'll need to hope someone spares us some change.
Quite frankly, you will find that I am true to my ideals, not my party. As your Congressman, I will represent your interests, and I will defend your values, even if that means I must defy my party. For years now, we have been ruled by politicians who were more loyal to their parties than their ideals; isn't it time we elect someone who is more loyal to his ideals? Anyone else remember those so-called "Republican" majorities that voted for record-high government spending and enormous budget deficits under President Bush? Anyone else remember when President Bush supported TARP and the auto bailouts?
Let me ask skeptical Republicans a philosophical question: who best represents the Republican Party's values? A candidate who supported TARP, big government and big spending while nominally calling himself or herself a Republican, or a candidate who opposed these policies even when they were advocated by so-called "Republicans?" Now,let me ask dubious Democrats another philosophical question: if a candidate wants to cut Medicare while bailing out banks, is he still a Democrat? When it comes to party identfication, we all need to ask ourselves this question: are we rooting for our team to win or are we fighting for our ideals to triumph?
Although I know people think I might betray them when I'm in DC, I think it's important to note that my opponent (in the primary) Mayor Lou Barletta has already betrayed our values:
He raised property taxes 70%.
He raised income taxes by 87.5%.
He believes that the government can close budget deficits through higher taxes
rather than spending cuts.
He raised Hazleton's budget deficit by 66%.
He believes in a "carbon constrained" future
He wants to "invest" taxpayer money in alternative energy.
He wants to require us to carry "identity papers" which we would have to
present for routine commercial transactions.
Big taxes, big spending, big deficits and big government: how is that different than Congressman Kanjorski?
Finally, I ask skeptics to read what I have written on my blog - do you think that I could have faked all of those detailed thoughts and arguments? If so, it's quite an elaborate plot.
I'd be happy to meet with anyone and/or to subject myself to any interview because, frankly, I enjoy speaking with people about my ideas - that's the best part of campaigning.
Cheers. Chris.
Chris Paige's website and blog can be viewed at www.chrispaigeforcongress.com.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Mr. Republican, Tear Down That Front Door
Along with all of us, the Republican party is about to enter a new decade.
For many of us, the GOP is like a 100 year-old house: The walls and foundation are fine, but the interior needs to be gutted and renovated to make it livable.
Without renovation that includes new people with new ideas, fresh energy and genuine enthusism, the Republican party will continue to be unlivable.
A third party is not the answer, but it's going to happen if the GOP continues to keep its front doors locked in order to hide its crumbling interior.
Mr. Republican, tear down that front door.
There are thousands of us, if not millions of us, who are ready, willing and able to renovate the GOP into once again becoming a winner for the American people.
Listen or lose, GOP.
For many of us, the GOP is like a 100 year-old house: The walls and foundation are fine, but the interior needs to be gutted and renovated to make it livable.
Without renovation that includes new people with new ideas, fresh energy and genuine enthusism, the Republican party will continue to be unlivable.
A third party is not the answer, but it's going to happen if the GOP continues to keep its front doors locked in order to hide its crumbling interior.
Mr. Republican, tear down that front door.
There are thousands of us, if not millions of us, who are ready, willing and able to renovate the GOP into once again becoming a winner for the American people.
Listen or lose, GOP.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The PA Common Sense Club 2010
As a result of a meeting held in Stroudsburg, PA on November 19, 2009, we are ready to take the next step toward reclaiming our government, and if you happen to be a Republican, our party. Now, we must take action that will include you in everything we do.
Here are the names of the participants in the November 19th meeting: Steve Johnson, candidate for PA Lt. Governor www.stevejohnson2010.com Chris Paige, candidate for Congress, 11th PA Congressional District www.chrispaigeforcongress.com and James Jones, candidate for Congress, 8th PA Congressional District (info by searching jj2010 on Facebook, website being developed.) Also in attendance were "street-level" Pennsylvanians Steve Miller, Caroline & Brad Strasser and Mike Avery, who wrote this post.
We concluded that the reason there are so many splinter (conservative oriented) groups around Pennsylvania is because of mass rejection of the Democrats, and of the "old guard" PAGOP and its various county committee "old guard" members and their "good old boy" agenda. The "new guard" refuse to play the "old guard" game and have struck out on their own. Here are just a few examples:
The 912ers. The Tea Party groups. The Tri-State Sons of Liberty. Lehigh Valley Conservatives. West End Republicans. The PA New Majority Council. And now, the PA Common Sense Club 2010. This is just off the top of our heads without any research. When researched, we'll find hundreds of such groups around Pennsylvania, and in those groups hundreds of thousands of people. Together, we will have the strength of many. Right now, each group has a limited circle of influence... when we join together, coordinate our activities and focus our strength, we can achieve the power to elect the representatives who we are confident will represent us and not the "old guard" good old boys.
Agreed: We must raise our own umbrella and gather our state-wide like-minded Pennsylvanians under it with us. Then, those who find themselves under the old, full of holes umbrella can choose to stay and get wet, or they can join with us to provide a real victory for all Pennsylvanians.
On non-partisanship: Whether all of us who will work together to build this coalition believe that party identity is a good thing or is not a good thing, may we say this: In most rooms, there are only an elephant and a donkey. The overwhelming majority of candidates and "street-level" Pennsylvanians who share our Conservative values wear the elephant pin on their lapel. So in most cases we will be working to elect a Republican. But, we will be working to elect our Republican, not a RINO and not, in many cases, the PAGOP's Republican. And if a third or fourth-party candidate emerges somewhere who is a true Conservative, so be it... we'll do what we can to help get them elected.
But, and it's a big but... to accomplish what we hope to accomplish -- at this level -- will require you to be on board. Let us know where you stand. Either make a comment on this blog, return to Facebook and comment on the post that contained the link to this page, send a direct message to us by clicking on my picture on Facebook, or E-mail us at my E-mail address: mikeaveryco@msn.com.
Our future is up to you. Thanks,
Mike Avery
Here are the names of the participants in the November 19th meeting: Steve Johnson, candidate for PA Lt. Governor www.stevejohnson2010.com Chris Paige, candidate for Congress, 11th PA Congressional District www.chrispaigeforcongress.com and James Jones, candidate for Congress, 8th PA Congressional District (info by searching jj2010 on Facebook, website being developed.) Also in attendance were "street-level" Pennsylvanians Steve Miller, Caroline & Brad Strasser and Mike Avery, who wrote this post.
We concluded that the reason there are so many splinter (conservative oriented) groups around Pennsylvania is because of mass rejection of the Democrats, and of the "old guard" PAGOP and its various county committee "old guard" members and their "good old boy" agenda. The "new guard" refuse to play the "old guard" game and have struck out on their own. Here are just a few examples:
The 912ers. The Tea Party groups. The Tri-State Sons of Liberty. Lehigh Valley Conservatives. West End Republicans. The PA New Majority Council. And now, the PA Common Sense Club 2010. This is just off the top of our heads without any research. When researched, we'll find hundreds of such groups around Pennsylvania, and in those groups hundreds of thousands of people. Together, we will have the strength of many. Right now, each group has a limited circle of influence... when we join together, coordinate our activities and focus our strength, we can achieve the power to elect the representatives who we are confident will represent us and not the "old guard" good old boys.
Agreed: We must raise our own umbrella and gather our state-wide like-minded Pennsylvanians under it with us. Then, those who find themselves under the old, full of holes umbrella can choose to stay and get wet, or they can join with us to provide a real victory for all Pennsylvanians.
On non-partisanship: Whether all of us who will work together to build this coalition believe that party identity is a good thing or is not a good thing, may we say this: In most rooms, there are only an elephant and a donkey. The overwhelming majority of candidates and "street-level" Pennsylvanians who share our Conservative values wear the elephant pin on their lapel. So in most cases we will be working to elect a Republican. But, we will be working to elect our Republican, not a RINO and not, in many cases, the PAGOP's Republican. And if a third or fourth-party candidate emerges somewhere who is a true Conservative, so be it... we'll do what we can to help get them elected.
But, and it's a big but... to accomplish what we hope to accomplish -- at this level -- will require you to be on board. Let us know where you stand. Either make a comment on this blog, return to Facebook and comment on the post that contained the link to this page, send a direct message to us by clicking on my picture on Facebook, or E-mail us at my E-mail address: mikeaveryco@msn.com.
Our future is up to you. Thanks,
Mike Avery
Friday, September 25, 2009
Welcome to Where You Live
If You Can Dream It, You Can Live It.
The Republican Party. You Can Live It.
Now, we have to live up to the theme of that headline. So, I ask a rhetorical question: Why can't Republicans win in traditional Democrat strongholds? Easy answer: We don't go in there and sell ourselves. In fact, we cringe at the thought. The result? We are now cringing at the thought of what the Democrats are doing to our country. So, which cringe should we overcome first? You bet, the cringe that will take us to where the votes are.
You never get the sale unless you ask for the order. Just showing up is half the battle. It is not easy to hate someone who you have seen up close, especially if they actually talk to you.
By just asking those living in the inner cities to vote for us, in person, on the ground, some will, and that's a start. Maybe even a better start than we have ever had.
The Republican Party. You Can Live It.
Now, we have to live up to the theme of that headline. So, I ask a rhetorical question: Why can't Republicans win in traditional Democrat strongholds? Easy answer: We don't go in there and sell ourselves. In fact, we cringe at the thought. The result? We are now cringing at the thought of what the Democrats are doing to our country. So, which cringe should we overcome first? You bet, the cringe that will take us to where the votes are.
You never get the sale unless you ask for the order. Just showing up is half the battle. It is not easy to hate someone who you have seen up close, especially if they actually talk to you.
By just asking those living in the inner cities to vote for us, in person, on the ground, some will, and that's a start. Maybe even a better start than we have ever had.
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