Did You Think They Would Give It Up Easily?

By Timothy F. Johnson

Over the past three months, I have seen the rapid growth of Republican social networks and a great deal of conversations taking place around the country. Young and old, new and seasoned Republicans have become engaged on sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Ning and a host of other social networks. Even more astonishing is the number of people who are writing about their individual challenges around the country. From my friend Akindele in Michigan, to Jamal and the Hip Hop Republicans in Washington DC, and even myself in North Carolina, it is apparent the “Old Guards” are seeing the writing on the wall.

For far too long they have held the party hostage through intimidation, limited access to party activities and a disregard for inclusion. The “Old Guards” have enjoyed the power, prestige and positions without being challenge. At the same time, they have publically said they want to bring more people into the party, increase youth involvement and create an atmosphere that uses “We” versus “Me.”

Immediately after last year’s election, the pundits and the rest of the “Old Guards” admitted we have to do something different. But what was different about last year from any other year? A person of color was elected to the presidency. Oh, that wasn’t supposed to happen was it? While there are many who say they rejoice in the election of the current president, you and I know that there are a number of other individuals who didn’t believe it was going to happen last year or anytime in their lifetime. As a matter of fact, they were more prepared for Hillary.

So, what does this have to do with the present “negative and resistant to change” environment many of us are dealing with today? The “Old Guards” are dealing with a backlash like never before.

Long-standing tactics that limit who gets to sit at the table and speak to the media are being dismantled. Young and old, new and seasoned (who get it) are redefining the Republican Party without waiting for Michael Steele, or state and local party officials to do it for them. Local citizens, trained and untrained, are taking the bull by the horns and saying enough is enough. No longer are we willing to wait for those in power to work out their deals with the other side and then tell us how we are supposed to act.

No longer are we willing to sit in our cubicles and let them manipulate us, to tell us how to think, when to speak and what to say. Today, like never before, the ground is swelling with enthusiastic people who are disgusted by what we are leaving behind for our children and grandchildren to deal with. And the old guards are finding themselves not only on the outside, but being blamed from within for the demise of the party, its shrinking base and the betrayal of our core principles.

It is not the lifelong politicians or party operatives that are calling them out, but new, aggressive, mad as hell “Joe the plumber” citizens. These are young professionals, stay at home parents, and urban conservatives to name a few. They are Black, White, Hispanic, Asian and a multitude of other groups who care deeply about this country and their communities.

You see, my friends, the grassroots efforts to rebuild our party, to reaffirm our beliefs and promote our core principles has begun to lift itself up on its own instead of waiting for a great messiah. After reviewing our core party principles this morning, listed below, I am more confident than ever that we are taking our party back, re-establishing who serves who, standing up and speaking out.

So, as you are going through your own challenges in your respective communities, know that you are not alone. There are many of us in the struggle with you. Know that you can always tap into the vast online social networks of concerned citizens who are experiencing what you are experiencing. Let’s learn from each other and strengthen our party from within. Know that you are child of God: strong, determined and destined for success. Don’t let the name callers, the self righteous, the self absorbed and especially the “Old Guards” deter you from your mission.

Republican Party Fundamental Principles:

· We believe that the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.

· We believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability.

· We believe in free enterprise and that encouraging individual initiative will continue to bring this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.

· We believe government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.

· We believe the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least.

· We believe the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.

· We believe America must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.

· We believe in American values and that we should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.

· We believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.