Keep It Simple

[Nick Adams]

I've attended a private home Tea party and have been to two 912 meetings. At first, I almost ran. I was thinking I ran into ALL repubicans (OH NO). Then, I thought about it and said to myself nah its about ALL partys Dem. and Rep. and I stayed and I chatted with a few people and found out they were nice folks. So I went to another 912 meeting and again ALL Rep., so I thought. I have to wonder; where are the good Dem.? And Independents? In my opinion all our Government stinks. I see 100% government down both sides of the isle, and its been moving in that direction for a' long time now.
I've tried voting for either side and finally realized it didnt matter what side, it' s all the same coruption.So now, maybe folks will understand why I am posting this comment. At the 912 meetings I've just been listening and trying to figure out where the group is heading. I'm wondering, who's going to do all the work for all the commities being formed, I see only a few people here. YIKES! (a little overwhelming to me.) I know for me when it comes time to vote ,I try to find out as much as I can about a candidate and then pray its a good choice since there's not much to choose from. Most of the time, there's not much history on local candidates. I think it should be a priorty for the 912ers to get as much info on new and upcoming candidates on all sides And encourage good folks to run of either side and spread the word. I have found people can make the right choice, given the facts. This is how I think we can be the most affective and push for immediate change. I like the idea of sending our news letters to all who are in office on both sides, Dem. and Rep., letting them know we are watching. So I feel we do need to discuss current events and upcoming events that we as 912ers can participate in & change as a group. And there surly are enough issues to go around & keep us all busy reporting back to the group. Keeping it simple will entice more folks to join the 912 Project rather than all the confusion of who's running what commities .Time is short, and if Obama gets his way with every new crises, we're all doomed! So, we must act on a priority basis of what will affect us most and show our support in those areas. So, keep it simple.Will get more done.

[Cork]

"I have to wonder; where are the good Dem.? And Independents?"

To answer this question - I would be an independent if this state did not forbid me from voting in ALL elections.

I have both LIBERAL, CONSERVATIVE and LIBERTARIAN views. I am shunned by all "Political parties".

[Nick Adams]

If your not a convicted felon you can vote, but again there's not much to choose from.Talking with young people I have discovered they see that it doesnt matter with the electorial college so they feel their vote doesn't count.This is the main reason, that I have heard, why young voters don't participate.Neither party is interested in you if you believe in the constitution and want to express your civil liberties.The 912project is a real grass roots movement and I've seen a few in my days. Real change is on the horizon so hang in there.

[Greg Fasolt]

Thanks for your post, Nick. I'd like to share my personal thoughts concerning some of your observations and thoughts.

1) On the seemingly Republican face of the group, please remember that this is a 9-12 group, inspired by Glenn Beck. I'm sure you know his audience is largely Republican / conservative and so it should be no surprise that this is the largest current segment of our group. But listen to Beck and you'll learn he's a libertarian, though still struggling with some of the implications. I am and have been a small-l libertarian since the 70s, and I have to tell that was a lonely experience. I'm thrilled that folks who consider themselves conservative are now exploring libertarian principals and finding that we have a great deal of common ground. If you understand libertarian principals, then you know that these principals have as much to offer liberals as conservatives. This gives me great hope that we can build bridges that will bring many Democrats into our fold. Hard work, education, and patience will be necessary and I sincerely hope you can see this and be a part of the effort.

2) You are absolutely correct in your observations about the powers that be. The system is broken – even corrupt - and voting for the candidates that percolate to the top is not a viable solution. What kind of choice is it when the options are a punch in the nose or a kick in the butt? Yes, we should pursue avenues afforded us by the election process, but we need to explore unconventional approaches as well. Time is short and reversing 100 years of decay and decline requires innovation, ingenuity, and inspiration. My hope is that this group can be a vehicle for this, and now that we have a tentative organization structure, we should be able to get some traction.

3) Who is going to do all the work? I think it will help to visualize this organization like a start-up, bootstrap business. If you’ve ever been involved in such an enterprise, then you’ll understand the constant problems of limited resources – there are never enough. Obviously, the solution is to bring more folks into the fold. This is why there must be a real emphasis on membership building, outreach, and promotion, and this should employ sound, proven marketing principals. The environment is right, and the right message and hard work will bring the member we need. My immediate concern is that we get the message right, that we carefully construct the bridges that will reach to other segments of our community. Given your perspective, you could probably provide a valuable contribution here.

4) Finding out about candidates, especially those in local races, is a big problem and one to which I hope we can provide a solution. In addition to rating candidates, we could research their histories, conduct surveys and interviews, and even provide Q & A forums.

5) The need for discussion is important on several levels. Our members clearly have a lot to say and need a chance to share. All of us hold positions that, in the light of open discussion, might want to modify those positions. Discussions could be valuable in building membership. I’m coming to think we should consider specific events to pursue discussions apart from business meetings so that neither is diluted by the other. What do you think of this?

6) Keep it simple – yes! But we’ll get nowhere if business meetings are free-for-alls, as you’ve seen. In all human enterprises, some form of organization is necessary to achieve meaningful goals. We have floundered for too long already, though this period has served us well to get to know one another and develop trust and understanding. Now we are moving forward. We’ve got a tentative organization intended to facilitate accomplishing our mission. It may be messy, but you’ve pointed out yourself that time is short and the stakes high, so let’s get moving. Let’s clean up the mess and simplify as we go. But, please, let’s get our show on the road.

[Nick Adams]

All very good points and all do need to be address.Yes as the 912ers grow and ideas come up we should not over look any of them. So many folks I talk with know the problems in DC but just dont see any way to fix them its just to big, thats when I open the door for the 912project, many want to help but feel helpless.Maybe someone at the door can help get new folks seated and alittle info on what they can do to help may go a long way.What do I think of your ideas LETS ROLL

[Greg Fasolt]

One of my favorite quotes, "Ideas have consequences." - Ayn Rand. This, I believe, defines both our situation and the solution.

A greeter is a fine suggestion - it works for WalMart. Why don't you forward it to the Membership Committee - Kris Eng for the moment. I bet it'll get done!

[Nick Adams]

Well is it time to start removing people from office,,912ers if we dont stand at the door steps of those who make changes for us,we can not expect change.When is it time to go to Harrisburg and demand that they change or be impeached.Time is running out fast.How much damages should we see before we take action.Post time and dates I,ll have a car full or 2 or 3 or 4 or more who are ready to go for change.
Action Before Motivation .They need a push.Freedom we must demmand NOW !!!..
I look at my grand kids and see such a bright light that shines in there eyes.I refuse to let that be snffed out by those who wants to destory that.Iam ready to fight for freedom .Lets get the Tea Baggers Rolling
What are we waiting for???