As a state delegate I had a chance to interact with all of the candidates for the US Senate. I spent the most time with Cherilyn Eager, Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater. Each of these candidates were ones I could have supported because of their similar views on the role of governement and the US Constitution. I decided to support Tim for the following reasons:
I'm proud to be a Tim supporter and would be delighted to share additional thoughts on Tim with my fellow precinct members (ir anyone else) at any time.
Rod Mann
tel: 801-847-2051
email: mannrw@gmail
MOMENTS OF CLARITY
Miki Mann, Paramedic, Seattle Fire Department
2010 King County GOP, Lincoln Day Dinner
It was a cold and overcast day in November of 2006 when Nathan exhibited the kind of bravery only seen in an intoxicated twenty-six year-old trying to impress his girlfriend. In preparation for the deed, Nathan had consumed a large amount of alcohol and a sampling of the club drug ecstasy (A drug used to dancing and intended to improve the vertical performance of a horizontal desire). While walking along the waterfront, Nathan had decided to demonstrate his virility by removing his shoes and diving into the frigid waters of the Puget Sound with the stated goal of swimming nearly two miles to Alki beach.
Despite his overarching enthusiasm Nathan’s pace began to slow at 50 yards and, finally, at 75 yards he simply stopped and began treading water while shouting lines from Bravehart to his audience on the pier.
The fireboat dingy arrived quickly and assisted the young stallion to safety. Still brimming with bravado Nathan was placed into the back of our Medic Unit where we replaced his cold, wet clothing with warm blankets and began the process of examination. With every vital signs Nathan would emphasize how GREAT he felt; “Heart rate 90, ” we advised….”see, I’m fine;” “Blood pressure 132/84”…..”Strong as an ox!” This is the way it went all the way to the hospital.
Arriving in the emergency room at Harborview Nathan continued to bathe in the glory of attention as a whole new series of validating vital signs were verbalized. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, lung sounds. In a concluding gesture, the examining nurse announced his temperature of 37 degrees to the charting nurse on the other side of the room.
A look of sobriety descended upon Nathan as he fingered me over to his bed side. As you may have guessed, Nathan had not made the intellectual leap between Celsius and Fahrenheit when he politely asked for some more warm blankets and whispered with a great deal of concern:
"isn’t it supposed to be 90-something?"
I am a Republican because I believe that we are at war. Not at war with fundamentalist Islam, not with the Democrats, not with illegal immigrants, and not with the present administration. These simply confuse the effect with its cause. They are merely fronts on a greater war; A war which represents an existential threat to our country. The enemy, I believe, is ignorance.
In Orwellian fashion, a large portion of this generation has fallen for the lullaby of progressive propaganda. Like Odysseus they are mesmerized by the song of the Sirens yet unlike Odysseus they have failed to tie themselves to the mast.
In a world in which the government is our mother, people become immune to the hard lessons learned by the strenuous life. No longer grounded in material reality, they believe that:
One of the least enjoyable parts of our job is when we have to inform a family member that a loved one has died. Amidst the mayhem associated with crisis, these words provide a moment of clarity. History gives us other examples such moments:
Events as well as speeches provide moments of clarity, remember:
Yes, I am proud to be member of the Republican Party.
The party that invited the first black man (Booker T. Washington) into the White House!
The party of Fredrick Douglas (who attended the founding meeting of the party in 1854)!
The party of Martin Luther King (who registered as a republican 100 years later, in 1956)!
Democrats like to claim that they are the protectors of minorities of every stripe but it is the Republican Party which defends the rights of the smallest minority group; the one minority which has been the exclusive victim of bigotry throughout human history … the individual.
In 1835, when he was only 2 years older than Nathan, Lincoln addressed the Young Men’s Lyceum in Springfield, Illinois and said
“All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the world in their military chest; with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
I believe the tool of this destruction mentioned by Abraham Lincoln, is ignorance. But, like Nathan, we can awake the stuporous with moments of clarity. If we continue, like Andrew, John, and Kirby, to educate ourselves and challenge ignorance wherever it arises, we can continue to win in this struggle to secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and, perhaps, we can inspire our posterity to fight for it in their time; which they will, indeed, have to do.
We were fortunate enough to hear from Morgan Philpot, who is running for the 2nd Congressional Representative. This is a position currently held by Jim Matheson. Mr. Philpot is originally from a small town in Oregon. He served in the Utah Congress for several years, and then left to attend Law School. The following are some of the topics discussed and his answers:
He has "The 3 pillars" of his campaign.
There were other topics that were discussed as well. This is a short summary of the meeting. We want to thank Mr. Philpot for taking time to speak with our constituents.
Dear neighbors, friends and fellow Republicans:
This coming Tuesday, May 25th at 7 PM, Lorie and I will be hosting a meet the candidate reception at our home for Joel Wright, a Cedar Hills resident and republican party candidate for the Utah County Commission. Given the growth and challenges facing our North Utah County communities, I see great value in securing solid North County representation and leadership on our County Commission, and would therefore like to invite you to come and meet Joel. He will be with us to share his views and plans for Utah County, and will be available to answer questions and hear your concerns.
Please feel free to join us at our home at 5101 W. Oak Grove Lane (about 10400 North),
This year's Primary Election (June 22) is one your neighbors won't want to
miss--so make sure they are registered to vote. Deadlines are just around the
corner:
Deadline for Mail-in Registration: Monday, May 24, 2010
Deadline for In-Person Registration: June 7, 2010 (Utah County Elections Office in Provo).
If you have moved since the last election, you need to re-register.
To register, complete a voter registration form and mail it to the Utah County Clerk's office. You can check on your registration status or download a registration form at the Lt. Gov's website: elections.utah.gov.
In Utah, incumbents must get at least 40% of the party delegate votes in order to retain any chance at all for the party's nomination and to appear on the ballot.
If the incumbent does not secure at least 40% of the delegate votes they are done...as in stick a fork in them. They would have NO chance to appear on the Republican Primary ballot and NO chance to appear on the general election ballot in November.
That's no chance as in zero, zip, nada, and "none at all."
Plus, by Utah law, the incumbent has no chance of appearing on the ballot as an independent candidate.
Tim Bridgewater addresses the convention.
Jeremy Friedbaum addressing the delegates.
Mitt Romney introduces Bob Bennett.....
Although a bit blurry, this is Senator Bennett making his plea for delegate votes....
Here is David Chui making his speech.
Although this is no picture of Leonard Fabiano, he reportedly called for the creation of of an organization entitled "Renaissance of America" It's objective would be to teach the constitution to citizens using the 5000 Year Leap.
Merrill Cook speaks to the group....
Mike Lee makes his speech....
Cherilyn Eagar speaks to the crowd...
It's all happening right now.........
Highland Precinct 2:
I thought I'd let you know what I've found as a result of attending meetings, 1 on 1's, receiving mailings, phone calls, etc.
Also, I have not forgot that I asked to be a delegate for two reasons; 1) it is absolutely necessary to remove Jim Matheson from office, and 2) to “…get to the bottom of this Bob Bennett stuff…”. I have spent the majority of my time on these two races. I feel I can look all of you in the eye and tell you I have worked hard and spent a lot of time of this.
By way of perspective, my personal concerns about this country and this state are focused on the security of my family -- both financial security and physical security. This means I have been looking for candidates to express the following as high priorities: 1) a solid assessment of, and a future strategy for fiscal policy, 2) a loyalty to the Constitution and an understanding of states rights, and 3) not just an opinion, but a strategy on immigration (legal and illegal). I do not believe these three areas are mutually exclusive; success in one area and failure on the other two most likely translates to 'We the People' are not getting control of our Federal government.
I have tried to distinguish from “listening to” what the candidates had to say, filtering out rhetoric and campaign talking points, instead “listening for” passion on issues, and career & life experiences which support a candidate's claim of being different. Most certainly I need to understand where each candidate stands on specific issues, but frankly, focusing only on where a candidate stands would be a mistake. It is important to make sure the candidates have proven they can achieve big results, listen for an understanding of preferences vs. principle, and discern motives for running for office.
With 1 week left I support the following candidates (and look for your input)
U.S. Senate
My choice is Tim Bridgewater, Mike Lee as a second choice.
Tim lines up well with me on all 3 high priority items and has a proven track record of self-accomplishment. Tim was also the first candidate I spoke with who took the conversation of immigration serious. (note, after the Arizona law was signed, all candidates were forced to take this conversation serious. Tim simply had this nailed before the Arizona law hit the press.
I hope this race comes down to Tim & Mike going into a primary election. I don’t feel this race should emerge from convention with a 60% winner, as the citizens of this state should decide this one. However, on May 8th if necessary I will swing my support to Mike Lee in order to keep Bob out of a primary fight.
I did meet Bob Bennett and listened to a couple of the Senate debates. Bob did convince me that maybe I was not fully informed on the bank bailout vote and maybe, just maybe he was right. Fair enough. However, that point is moot. Whether or not the bailout was needed, Bob takes too much money the Bank industry. At the very least Bob should have been screaming at the rooftops before the banks failed--he should have been warning the country about Fanny and Freddie. I cannot completely absolve Bob from responsibility in the financial debacle. At some point the citizens need to exercise skepticism and ask if our own candidate has been compromised thru special-interest donations. I think Bob has been.
Merrill Cook, perennial candidate. Thanks for your previous service to our state, good luck to you in the future.
All other candidates did not present a organized campaign which would lead me to believe they are serious about taking this seat.
U.S. House seat (Matheson’s seat)
Morgan Philpot is my choice. Morgan is an attorney with a great educational and work background. Morgan is well positioned in my top 3 issues and most importantly to this race, I believe he is electable.
I have personally met both candidates more than once and attended debates, etc., etc. We are fortunate to have two great Utahn’s running for the Republican seat the time around. In the end analysis however, I believe Morgan is much more electable, more articulate, and has run a more thorough campaign. (note-to beat Matheson, the ability to campaign is extremely important)
I feel strongly that we get Morgan out of convention with 60% as we cannot afford a primary fight. We need to save all funds to beat Matheson.
State Senate seat (Howard Stephenson vs. Dwayne Nielson)
Undecided at this moment -- I have not been able to meet Dwayne Nielson yet. I will get this done in next day or so. Any input from precinct members would be appreciated.
State Rep (John Dougall’s seat)
I am disappointed this seat is running unopposed from the Republican side. I believe an opponent would be a healthy check-and-balance and would result in rigorous conversation.
Governor
Gov. Herbert until otherwise convinced. Interesting, there has been little proactive campaigning to the delegates until recently from all three camps. I will be attending a debate of all three candidates this week. Stay tuned.
