Palm Beach County GOP Newsletter - May 2011

Republican Party of Palm Beach County Page 1

WE GOT HIM! Local GOP leaders respond to the

death of America’s Public Enemy #1

SID DINERSTEIN, PALM BEACH COUNTY GOP CHAIRMAN “Obama Got Osama”--Seldom in our political world does an event come along that is 100% good, no ifs, ands or buts. The death of Osama bin Laden is one. There are no losers here. The world is a better place. Congratulations are in order for President Obama and his well conceived, perfectly executed plan. Congratulations are also in order for all the men and women under President Obama’s command who played a role in

this mission. We are Repub-licans. Country comes before Party. I remember the 9/11 hearings. The purpose was to make our country a safer place. The Demo-crats had another agenda. Their goal was Bush Blaming, culminating in their famous “Bush Knew” mantra. I swore

we would never be like them. And we’re not. President Obama deserves his victory lap. And Republicans retained their grace and dignity. Maybe the Democrats can learn from us.

CONGRESSMAN ALLEN WEST: “The week ended with the master-mind behind the 9/11 attacks finally meeting his maker and paying for the consequences of his decisions to attack the United States and kill thousands of innocent victims. The United States military served ultimate justice on this evil individual. Osama bin Laden did not die of natural causes. He died because our military led by General David Petreaus and assisted by our Intelligence Comm-unity, hunted him down and then took him down in a special operations attack at his compound in Pakistan. We must acknowledge President Obama for giving the order and commend General Petraeus and the Special Forces who carried out this critical mission, as well as all of the Men and Women in uniform. Former President George W. Bush stated, "America has sent an unmistakable message... no matter how long it takes, justice will be done." Osama bin Laden is Dead... Justice has finally been served! Long live the United States of America!”

REPRESENTATIVE BILL HAGER:

“[A]s Americans across the country unite in cele-brating the news of bin Laden being brought to justice, we must continue to keep the families of those that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice in our

thoughts and prayers. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have served and continue to serve our great nation. God bless America.”

ADAM HASNER, CANDIDATE FOR U.S. SENATE: “Tonight’s extraordinary news marks a significant victory in America’s war against radical jihadists. Osama Bin Laden was the very personification of evil, and the terror network and attacks he masterminded were responsible for the death of count less innocent civilians across the world. He waged war in pursuit of a warped and evil ideology that is incompatible with the hopes and desires of free people, and his death sends an important message to our allies and enemies alike… Americans, and all who wish to live in freedom, should take this opp-ortunity to reflect on the lives lost because of the war that Osama Bin Laden started, and the men and women who worked tirelessly to bring him to justice. Our thoughts and prayers tonight should be with the victims of Bin Laden's attacks, and those who sacrificed everything to bring him and his accomplices to justice. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the military and intelligence men and women, not just from the United States, but from our allies who continue to support the mission in Afghanistan and military theaters across the world to deny Al Qaeda a base of operations. Their fight is not over tonight, nor will it be over for many long nights to come….”

Newsletter of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County, Florida – May 2011

DECEASED


May 2011 issue of the Newsletter, published monthly by the Republican Party of Palm Beach County. The views and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial staff, REC Board of Directors, or the Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee. Letters to the editor are welcomed but should be no longer than 500 words and may be edited for length and content. All submissions are property of their respective authors and may not be reproduced without prior permission of the author. Any comments, questions, or other feedback should be directed to [email protected].

In This Issue…

Rep. Club of the Northern Palm Beaches……………………………………….……..….………2 The Greatest American……………………………………….……..….………The Commissioner’s Report……………...……………..……….......3 I’m A Republican Jew...And Proud!…………..……....……….…...4 What’s Happening in Palm Beach County.……………...………...5 Club Elections Update……………………….………….……..……..3 January Photo Feature……………………….………….……..……..3 A Citizen’s Advice to the Governor..……………………...………...5 Letters to the Editor………………………………..

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers

Sid Dinerstein, Chairman Margi Helschien, Vice Chair Michael A. Barnett, Secretary

Ira Sabin, Treasurer Fran Hancock, State Committeewoman

Peter Feaman, State Committeeman

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

3 4 4 5 6 8 9 10

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Mission Statement

The Republican Party of Palm Beach County iscommitted to promoting Republican ideals andprinciples; recruiting and electing qualifiedcandidates for public office; developing agrassroots organization that will motivate theelectorate to vote; and raising the fundsnecessary to complete these objectives.

www.pbcgop.org

America’s Melting Pot ………………………………………………………..……………………....…. 3 Update from State Committeewoman Fran Hancock…………………………………………………………………………….…………….…………………………4Fundraising Update from Treasurer Ira Sabin…………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………………….…….…..5 Understanding the Union Threat…………………………………………….....…..6 April Photo Feature.……………………………………………………………………………….…..…..…..7 Repairing Our Broken Education System…….…….…………………7 Kebreau Dazzles Local GOP……………………………………………………………………..8The Grapevine……………………….……………...…………………………………………………………………...….8 Letters to the Editor…………….……………...………………………………………………………………… Profiles in Conservatism………………………………………………………………………..………..9 Just What Exactly is the REC Anyway?…….……………………

In This Issue….

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4

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© 2011 REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY Regions Financial Tower, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, Suite 210, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401-2301

Phone: (561) 686-1616 Fax: (561) 686-1898 Email: [email protected]

Assistant Vice Chair Sherry Lee examines the unions’ influence on our ever-expanding government. --Page 5

State Committeewoman Fran Hancock previews this year’s highly anticipated Presidency Five Straw Poll and Debate. --Page 4


AMERICA’S MELTING POT

by Margi Helschien Vice Chair, Republican Party of Palm Beach County

Winner of the Jean Pipes Award, 2011

America’s Melting Pot is more of a sticky, thick, gooey stew that is no longer melting. When my great grandfather Hyman came to America there was no welfare, no unemplo-yment, nothing in his language from the country he was from. Hyman came over with nothing. He found a job making shoes and doing construction at first. Hyman knew he had to eat and so he had to WORK. He had to LEARN to speak ENGLISH as everything was in English if you wanted a job. There was not a lot of free time, hours were long at work and everyone worked hard. So, when work was over family time was very important. Dinnertime became a time to finally sit with your family and friends. Everyone could talk about their day, their problems, their ideas; they shared things together. Life was hard and they helped each other. There was no TV time at night, no telephones, and no computers, so people had no choice but to talk to each other. People felt bonded together

through this common everyday experience of communicating. Everyone was from somewhere, Ireland, Germany, Russia, etc. and yet they were all striving for the same goals: to be American! The many languages, customs, and ideas that people brought with them from different countries blended together into a melting pot and they were PROUD to call themselves Americans! Over the past decade the nation’s racial and ethnic mix shifted, driven by Hispanics and Asians. The census statistics released from the 2010 count show that Hispanics account for more than half the nation’s growth. Asians experienced double digit increases. And although many people come to America for the right reasons; economic success, religious freedom, etc., a lot of people are not coming to America to be American. They are coming to America to bring their customs and language to change America. We are not all Americans anymore. They come for many reasons, but they expect our freedoms to be given to them. A lot of people feel it is their right to get money if they cannot work; it is their right to have money for food. It is their right to have a place to live. It is their right to be handed things from the government. But, look around and the funny thing is they are never satisfied. You see, satisfaction comes from productive work. Hyman knew this, and after a long hard day, he was always proud. Hyman knew that he was making his dreams come true every day. He was in America, he was with his family, and he had the ability to pursue his happiness. And Happiness was being in America. We need to stir the pot, so that we may have success tomorrow.

When? Friday 7:30:AM 05/06/2011

Where?

Frenchman's Reserve 3370 Grande Corniche Palm Beach Gardens, Florida United States 33410

Phone 561-686-1616

What? Golf Outing Who? RPPBC Golf Outing

Why?

Friday, May 6, 2011 7:30 AM Registration/Continental Breakfast 8:30 AM Shotgun start (4 person scramble) 1:30 PM Awards Luncheon/Raffle Drawing Please make check(s) payable to: Republican Party of Palm Beach County 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 210 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-686-1616 • Fax 561-686-1898

For prices and additional details please visit http://www.donationpages.com/donationpages/ecard.asp?guidE

vent=5E5F5857

11th Annual Golf Outing at Frenchman’s Reserve


UPDATE FROM STATE COMMITTEEWOMAN

FRAN HANCOCK:

“PRESIDENCY FIVE” www.RPOF.org

The Republican Party of Florida is having the "Fifth" Presidency Convention at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando September 22-24, 2011, and it is shaping up to be one of the absolute best! This one includes voting in a "straw poll" for your favorite Presidential candidate, which makes for excitement similar to a Republican National Convention. The Convention kicks off on Thursday evening, September 22, with a FOX News nationally televised live debate of the

candidates, and will only be open to registered delegates and alternates to the convention. All day Friday, the Presidential candidates are expected to host functions/events whereby you will be able to mingle and get to know the candidates on a more personal level. Who knows, with Palm Beach County being one of the largest delegations, you may see them right here "wooing" your vote. On Saturday, the candidates will be allowed a total of 20 minutes each for speeches, rallies, etc. followed by the voting. Results will be announced by a roll call of individual Counties. In order to be considered as a delegate to the convention, you must have been a registered Republican in Palm Beach County prior to February 1st of this year, and APPLY ON LINE prior to JUNE 10TH AT www.Presidency5.com. Palm Beach County delegates/alternates will be chosen by a lottery drawing

on Saturday, July 16th, 10-12 AM, at the County Governmental Center, 301 No Olive, West Palm Beach. If your name is selected you must immediately pay the $175 registration fee (check or credit card). Alternates will pay $125, and if moved up to delegate status, they will pay the additional $50 at that time. Official hotel information available only after you are selected. Please be aware that the convention space is limited so guests will not be allowed into the debate or convention floor, so if you have a spouse, friend, etc., they should apply on line, also. They may or may not have a large screen television in the hotel for guests. For all you political pundits, activists, etc., this is something that you do not want to miss! Remember to apply by June 10th!

FUNDRAISING by Ira Sabin, Treasurer

Republican Party of Palm Beach County

As you are aware, Patriots 1000 has become a major force in fundraising efforts of the REC. Patriots 1000’s over 40 members, in addition to receiving 2 tickets to Lincoln Day and having their picture taken with Speaker Newt Gingrich, have had private meetings with Representatives Michelle Bachmann, Colonel

Allen West, and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. In continuing our fund raising efforts, the REC will be having silent auctions at all of our upcoming events. Additionally, at the silent auctions the REC will offer items for sale on Ebay.

We are looking for items to include in our silent auction or on Ebay. If you have that item that you have wanted to sell and have not had the chance, please consider

letting us do the work for you. Remember that Patriots 1000 and the Auction program are open to all, not just members of the REC. For details please contact: Greg Langowski – (561) 686-1616, [email protected]


UNDERSTANDING THE UNION THREAT

By Sherry Lee, Assistant Vice-Chair, Republican Party of Palm Beach County

Our nation appears to be gripped in a battle for its soul. We want to be tolerant and generous people, but this tolerance and generosity has put our country in a deep financial hole while elevating government workers to a protected class. As their numbers and incomes grow, their union bosses collect dues and contributions using the government payroll system, and use that money to apply pressure on politicians and policy. But our government is supposed to function for the people and by the people. Not just for and by government worker unions. The chart below provides an answer as to why our government is expanding so quickly and has become so massive, inefficient, and so liberal. The largest expense for government operations is Payroll. Salaries, health and retirement benefits, paid holidays and sick days are the number one cost of government. With large portions of these people being controlled by unions demanding larger payouts and collecting more dues, using those dues to persuade public policy and pressure or “purchase” public employees, it’s easy to see how the cycle has taken hold. Two phrases come to mind; Self-perpetuating and exponential growth. The union bosses are not fools. They support candidates who vote for higher wages and benefits for their workers, who, in turn, pay more dues and donate more money to political action committees and campaigns. In 2008, federal workers earned an average salary of $67,691 for occupations that exist both in government and the private sector, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The average pay for the same jobs in the private sector was $60,046. These salary figures do not include the value of health, pension and other benefits, which averaged $40,785 per federal employee in 2008 versus $9,882 per private worker, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Chris Edwards, director of tax policy studies at the libertarian

Cato Institute, has studied the discrepancies between federal compensation and that received by their private sector counterparts and concluded that federal government workers are vastly overpaid. Edwards said his analysis of Bureau of Economic Analysis data clearly shows that wage increases for government workers have far exceeded those of workers in the private sector. “Overall trends are really dramatic,” said Edwards. “Over the last 9 years, average private sector wages and compensation in the U.S. have risen about 30 percent, but average federal wages and compensation have risen about 60 percent.” In Palm Beach County, our problem is compounded by the fact that the largest employers are in educational, government or health care sectors. All are completely or largely funded with taxpayer dollars. The School District of Palm Beach County, with 21,718 employees, is the largest employer in the county followed by Palm Beach County with 11,381 employees, and other various government agencies and municipalities. Three healthcare corporations (Tenet Healthcare Corporation, Hospital Corporation of America, and Bethesda Memorial Hospital) and The Veteran’s Administration employ over 13,500 workers. With all of these workers belonging to politically and financially powerful – and left leaning - unions, it seems reform will be difficult. It may be unrealistic to expect politicians to identify government unions as part of the problem when so many of them are elected to office with substantial help from union money and manpower. For decades, no one has dared upset this dynamic. But every dollar our government spends; it must first collect from someone in the form of a tax, a fine or a fee. And taxes have been on the rise for 235 years. With the mortgage market meltdown and housing market crash, millions of people became aware of how destructive their own debt was, and awakened to the growing debt problem of govern-ents here and around the world. Ordinary citizens took to the streets carrying signs reading “Taxed Enough Already” and the Tea Party movement was born. They helped sweep Republicans into power in the November mid-terms, but it was a rejection of

big government that got us there and not so much a roaring endorsement of Republicans. Going forward, we should be proud of our accomplishments in the last election, be mindful of the message, and boldly embrace the opportunity to represent the people, as Democrats have so clearly represented the government unions. We have municipal elections in November and next March and November 2012 to focus on. Some elected officials will be vulnerable and opportunities will be available to both sides. We owe it to ourselves, to the voters who supported us and to our children, to honor the message that sent us back into power.


(Above) Congressman Allen West addresses constituents at the Mae Volen Center in Boca Raton at his April 27, 2011 Town Hall meeting. West answered several questions on Medicare and received a mostly positive reception from the crowd. There were, however, several angry hecklers who attempted to disrupt the meeting and were promptly escorted out of the room by Boca Raton police officers.

REC Vice Chair Margi Helschien, with Former NM Governor and U.S. Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson at the Boca Raton Republican Club meet and greet….Bash of Boca on April 14, 2011. Johnson, a former handyman business entrepreneur turned New Mexico

chief executive, addressed a meeting of the Republican Executive Committee the previous night. He spoke on his record, having vetoed numerous pieces of legislation, stated he favors legalization of marijuana, was opposed to the war in Iraq from the start, and is opposed to “nation building”. Although he is clearly unafraid to take positions contrary to those in the mainstream Republican establishment, Johnson

did come out against Obamacare, favoring repealing the law and leaving the administration of health care to the states. April 20, 2011, BOCA RATON. U.S. Senate Candidate George LeMieux visited the Contemporary Federated Republican Women’s Club at the Broken Sound Country Club. Club President Bonnie Re, pictured below, introduced LeMieux, who stated his reasons for running for the Senate—that he’s not interested in title or to be called “senator”. LeMieux stated that we must “save our country from our govern-ment. Because if we don’t, we will be the first generation of Americans who turns over to our children a diminished America, a country where there are less opportunities than we inherited from our parents and grandparents…I don’t want that to happen…” LeMieux stated that he has a solution to tackle the debt/deficit issue, and that he filed legislation while in Washington. He proposes that the U.S. government go back to spending what we spent in 2007, which he said was the last good year of the economy when

tax receipts were high.

April 7, 2011, ATLANTIS COUNTRY CLUB Franz Kebreau, left, the nationally renowned speaker

and Tea Party activist exposing the progressivist lies and attempts to divide our country based on race, with State Senate Candidate Mike Lameyer at the Republican Club of Central Palm Beach County meeting. Other notable guests included Pam Wohlschlegel of the South Florida Tea Party and Palm Beach County GOP Chairman Sid Dinerstein.

April Photo Feature

Republicans in the Spotlight

Photos courtesy of Mort Kuff, 561-374-9330, and Lisa Macci


A Citizen’s Advice to the Government:

Repairing Our Broken Education System Part Two: Solutions to Ameliorate The

Crisis By Nevin Gussack

How can political and educational leaders repair this dysfunctional problem as discussed in part one of this series? The following ideas address the some honest, common sense solutions that can help remedy and revitalize the face of education in Florida and the nation:

Ideological Re-Generation

1) Inculcation of patriotic nationalism in all social studies curriculum.

Classroom Improvements

1) Mandatory instruction in high school regarding common life skills such as handyman work, basic personal finance, and cooking. This would supplement what the parents should be teaching at home.

2) Increase the focus on reading comprehension, research skills,

evaluating information sources, writing, and developing conclusions based on information provided i.e. critical thinking skills.

3) Abolition of high stakes testing (FCAT) and replacement

with school level end of course exams that are crafted purely as content based instruments of assessment (e.g. New York State Regents Exams). Project based and other hands on learning approaches should be stressed as methods in conveying concepts and skills.

4) Return of the philosophy of the teacher as the conveyer of

knowledge and skills and not as the parent.

5) English language only instruction. Non-speakers of English are placed in mandatory language immersion classes in order to master our native tongue.

Realistic Personnel Policies

1) Evaluations of teachers based on: observations by the principal or assistant principals, results of end of course exams (no more than 25% of the teacher’s evaluation, with allowances made concern local demographics and potential challenges of the school community i.e. lack of level playing field classrooms), effort put forth, knowledge of the subject area, and advanced degrees. Reduction In Force (RIF or layoff) policies would be based on evaluations and number of disciplinary actions of the staff member, and not merely years of service. Governor Scott Walker’s five point teacher evaluation plan should be held up as a

190 Atlantis Drive, Atlantis, FL 33462 561-602-3777

rccpbc.gopclubpb.org President: Tami Donnally

Kebreau Dazzles Local GOP With Uncovered History

April 14, 2011, Atlantis – Promising a scintillating sixty minutes from the onset, April’s PBC Central Club guest speaker Frantz Kebreau did not disappoint, and how. The National Director of the NAACPAC (National Association for the Advancement of Conservative People of All Colors) riveted a throng of listeners with gems of American history, capriciously stolen, long concealed, and intentionally banned from newspapers and school textbooks. Their luster either highlighted long-accepted misconceptions on racism, or illuminated long-repressed Republican virtues while tarnishing misbegotten Democratic accolades.

Kebreau’s shower of meteoric revelations included:

Early slave codes were based on religion and faith,

not skin color. The first documented slave was owned by a black man.

Anti-miscegenation laws reflected the early elite’s need to design a society palatable and more importantly, controllable.

Uncle Tom, of HB Stowe cabin fame, was no white man’s bootlicker but rather a courageous and devout Christian. He dies a martyr’s death in the internationally acclaimed book, yet his story is not taught in a single American classroom.

The 1860 Republican Party Platform was built on a strict plank of anti-slavery. The Democratic agenda promoted wider bondage for an ever-expanding United States.

The Constitutional Amendment outlawing Slavery – the 13th – was enacted by a Republican Congress and passed with 100% Republican support. Congressional Democratic support faltered at 23%

When Mississippi’s elected officials returned to Washington in 1870, it was a black man, the Rev. Hiram Revels, who replaced Jefferson Davis in the Senate.

The 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to freed slaves, garnered 94% Republican support in Congress to zero Democratic support.

Democratic Progressive President Woodrow Wilson officially returned segregation to the Washington governmental workplace, where integration had been

-- A Citizen’s Advice Continued on Page 8

-- Kebreau Dazzles Continued on Page 8


the norm. The Republican Party ended public discrimination in

accommodations with passage of the 1875 Civil Rights Act. Tragically, it was overturned by the Supreme Court eight years later.

And finally, in the history of American Civil Rights legislation, Republicans have voted yea 94% of the time to the Democrats 35%.

Kebreau pointed to a NY Times editorial from 1880 which noted that “America’s youth will grow into Republicans as long as the Civil War and Slavery linger in memory.” For the Democrats to circumvent this, he credited them with changing the nation’s textbooks, obliterating the Republicans’ role in Civil Rights, and deluding the masses in general, and the black community in particular, with revisionist storytelling. This rising star in the GOP firmament makes no bones about his outrage over the continued Democratic theft of honor stolen from Abolitionists and Republicans. He lambasts the Progressive Left’s control of the educational system as injurious, and Obama’s Socialist philosophy an anathema. He is a comet on the move.

realistic plan for Florida’s lawmakers to consider. See: http://www.scottwalker.org/issues/education

Competition

1) Charter schools run by credible educational entrepreneurs

who place the education of the students above all other interests. These institutions also need to have the maximum resources to ensure student and operational success.

2) Support vouchers under the condition that such a program

ensures the continued sovereignty of private schools from government control and allocates a sum of money based on the division of the total public school budget by the number of enrolled students. For example, the total 2009 Palm Beach County Public School budget was $2.7 billion and number of enrolled students in the same year numbered 169,328. If you divide those two numbers, the true number of the cost per student was $15,945. Hence, if this amount of taxpayer money is redistributed to parents and students, then more middle and working class families will have the opportunity to enroll their qualified kids in the best private schools in Broward and Palm Beach Counties and not accumulate debt as the price to enroll their children in a high quality private school.

3) A well funded public school system where resources are

managed properly, with publicized accountability to the taxpayer/parents and the teachers. Students and teachers will

be the primary beneficiaries of the taxpayer funds directed to the public schools.

4) Home schooling, with tax refunds provided to the parent-

educators. Community Outreach

1) Political, business, schools, and media need to utilize all

resources available (bully pulpit) to encourage parental accountability and involvement.

2) Private businesses would be encouraged (not forced) by the

Governor, Legislature, and local governments to increase donations to private schools to ensure that qualified kids from poor and middle income families can attend these schools without their families incurring massive debt as a trade-off for high quality education. Donations would be based on financial capability and economic conditions of the individual enterprises providing these monies.

3) Outreach and cooperation with private sector business to

provide real world experience to make curriculum regarding science, math, and writing to become alive and relevant for students. Internships and apprenticeships will assist students who are not academically inclined for four year universities to become members of the great American middle class and business community.

Other

1) Schools appointing only individuals with business or

accounting experience from the private sector to negotiate contracts for supplies, services, and construction from outside vendors. This would hopefully maximize savings to the School Boards and the taxpayer, thus freeing up resources for investments that would benefits the students and teachers.

2) Conservatives need to not only capture the electoral

positions, but also develop powerful alternative voices in the interest groups such as the teachers’ unions to challenge the socialist Left.

3) Swift abrogation of all educational agreements and exchanges

with communist, fascist, and Islamic dictatorships who seek conquest of the United States through convergence, terrorism, or military attack. All Islamic and Communist Party type schools are to be outlawed as subversive agents.

If the above-mentioned policies are implemented and all special interests that seek to profit from the status quo are marginalized, then the end result will be the blossoming of high quality education for all classes of citizens. Teachers will be empowered, free of political correctness, bureaucracy, and over testing; students will enjoy school and be intellectually enriched; and the taxpayers/parents will see a return on their investment. I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank Sid Dinerstein and Mike Lameyer for the invaluable knowledge and experience they kindly shared with me in the research and preparation stages of this paper.

--A Citizen’s Advice continued from Page 7…

-- Kebreau Dazzles continued from Page 7…


THE GRAPEVINE --by Rosetta Bailey, Correspondent

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the town where my father worked in the steel mill; J&L Steel to be exact. I remember as a youngster when the steel mills would go on strike for months on end,

sometimes as long as nine (9) months at that time. We never had much money and there was no unemployment compensation or food stamps to supplement our family, so my Mom would go out to work until the strike was over. My dad would tell me that the company would stock pile the steel just before the union

negotiations so the company could wait out the months of non-production. He said that the steel coming in was from Japan; it was a period in time when workers could not purchase foreign cars and could only drive American made cars, which I can only assume were probably made in America back then. The unions did not do such a good job for the laborers; all they did was collect their union dues. Nevertheless, the unions still were mostly viewed positively, and their purpose was seen as keeping the company in line regarding wages and benefits. It was a no-win situation for the steel companies and the workers. In time, the steel mills went out of business in the Pittsburgh area. I was glancing one evening through an American History schoolbook from 1995, a book I used to teach homeschooling history to my grandson. I came across a poem dating back to 1832, and it fits quite nicely in with what’s happening across the country. Lord Alfred Tennyson was praising England for their freedom of speech, political stability, and justice, as he was in great fear for his beloved land:

YOU ASK ME WHY Lord Alfred Tennyson

You ask me, why, thoʼ ill at ease,

Within this region I subsist, Whose spirits falter in the mist,

And languish for the purple seas,

It is the land that freemen till, That sober-suited Freedom chose,

The land, where girt with friends or foes A man may speak the thing he will;

A land of settled government,

A land, of just and old renown, Where Freedom slowly broadens down

From precedent to precedent,

Where faction seldom gathers head, But, by degrees to fullness wrought,

The strength of some diffusive thought Hath time and space to work and spread.

Should banded unions persecute

Opinion, and induce a time When single thought is civil crime,

And individual freedom mute,

Thoʼ power should make from land to land The name of Britain trebly great- Thoʼ every channel of the State

Should fill and choke with golden sand-

Yet waft me from the harbor-mouth, Wild wind! I seek a warmer ski,

And I will see before I die The palms and temples of the South.

Americans in the 21st century should be just as cognizant of the current frenzied climate brought on by union leaders in this country. Their demonstrations, the civil disobedience, and demands that taxpayers supplement their retirement and benefits are the same recycled fear tactics of old. We must therefore oppose these attempts by the unions to chill us into silence. Let us stand by our Republican leaders like Governor Rick Scott and Scott Walker who seek to restore sovereignty to the taxpayers and to diminish the power of the collectivist union mob.


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

GOP Summer Soldiers

“These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crises, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands in now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph.” “The Crises” Thomas Paine December 1776 With these words Thomas Paine helped spark not only the American Revolution but also a surge towards Liberty all around the world. In a larger sense his words have application in the daily lives of concerned citizens and their attitudes towards society. Patriotism and participation in government and community at all levels requires that each of us must be involved and aware of our environments. This means voting and educating ourselves about our democracy and teaching our children about the traditions and the spirit that has made this country the bellwether of the world. With the hope of not trivializing the eternal words of a great patriot, permit me to apply those immortal sentiments to our GOP representatives both local and national. We have all heard some Republicans say that they wish to be bipartisan and help to solve the problems, which we have faced and are going to encounter in the future. This is a drift away from those Conservative principles that made this country that “Shining City On The Hill“. Many Republicans believe that “compromise” and meeting the other fellow half way is the wave of the future. When it comes to facing the core beliefs of their constituents, they truly are “summer soldiers“. We credit that they have deep feelings for American values, but not the willingness of actual support. Many of these Republicans have been intimidated by the media and their own timid constituents into believing that their principles are less important than “getting along”. Are they “Summer Soldiers” and have they immunized themselves against reality to the point that their understanding of the “American Dream”, that their ability to transmit its historic import and relevance in modern society has faded. Will their children follow the rapidly descending understanding of our culture and its meaning initiated by their parents abstinence? Core Conservatives offer to stand by the dreams of our founding fathers even in these times that do “try our souls“. We must offer to let go of those who are ready and willing to compromise and attach ourselves to the hardy individuals who stand up for the traditions and culture, which once made Republicanism the heart and soul of this exceptional country. Our schools now teach our children alien philosophies, which have led an entire generation away from the principles that built this nation. The “Glorious Triumph” that we strive towards is for those Americans who have felt a disaffection for their roots, to cast off

the mantle of the “Summer Soldier” and to rediscover modern Conservatism and to support those principles and the men and women who adhere to the ideals that made this country great. Apathy and being separated from your core beliefs may not be “hell“…. but a return to those principles can be genuinely uplifting and GLORIOUS. --Irwin Cohn, Boca Raton

PRESS RELEASE

Constitutional Roadmap – Are We On Track?

Noted Constitutionalist to Address Next Meeting

April 15, 2011 Atlantis - Adherence to the architecture of the Constitution as envisioned by the Founding Fathers receives a lot of lip service these days, but how many of those advocates truly know their way through the labyrinth of Articles and Sections as constructed in infant America, 224 years ago? Jupiter resident Francisco Rodriguez, Board Member of the Palm Beach-based Constitution Committee of the United States and James Madison Institute Advisor, will shed light on many of these circuitous highways and byways at the next meeting of PBC’s Republican Central Club on Thursday, May 5th, at 6:30 pm at 190 Atlantis Ave.

His talk is entitled, “A Roadmap Through the Constitution – Are Our 2010 Elected Officials Following It?” Rodriguez views our country’s guiding document as a plumb line for maintaining local, state, and national governing policies in a straight line. To participate in this most stimulating evening, please contact Central Palm Beach County Republican Club President Tami Donnally at 561-602-3777. Learn to navigate through this most amazing maze.

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Paul M. Harvey was born in Pittsburgh, grew up in Los Angeles and Orlando, and has been living in West Palm Beach, FL since 2000. He attended Palm Beach Atlantic University where he received his degree in International Business and is currently Vice President of Chumney & Associates Advertising in North Palm Beach, FL. In an effort to dedicate his time and energy towards public service, Paul became a member of the REC in December 2008 and quickly got to work. By the start of 2009 he was elected Vice President of the Republican Club of Central Palm Beach County and on April 15, 2009 he served as Co-Chair for the first ever West Palm Beach Tax Day Tea Party Protest. After the Tea Party, Paul started his own grassroots organization called Let’s Get Loud, which is dedicated towards promoting the ideals of Less Government, Lower Taxes, Personal Responsibility and Individual Freedom. More info can be found at www.LetsGetLoud.org. Paul has also spent time serving as an Advisory Board Member for the James Madison Institute and as Co-Chair of the REC’s 2010 Voter Registration Committee. “The role of government in our lives is supposed to be limited. Yet, with each day that passes, our government grows larger and larger. It is our responsibility as free citizens to keep our government in check and hold our elected leaders accountability to the jobs we have elected them to do.”

PROFILES IN CONSERVATISM

PALM BEACH COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (REC)

-Just What Exactly is the REC Anyway? By Mike Barnett, REC Secretary

My good friend Sue Snowden, the REC’s hard-working Assistant Vice Chair of Membership for South County, mentionedto me that most Republicans in Palm Beach County have no idea what the Republican Executive Committee is, what wedo, or that we even exist! Well, it was disappointing to learn that this great organization, which represents the interests ofover 240,000 Republicans in the County, is virtually unknown by most of those Republicans. There is a clear problem wehave in getting out our message. So let me start here with this article! The Republican Executive Committee of Palm Beach County (also known as the REC) is the governing body of theRepublican Party of Palm Beach County. Members of the Republican Executive Committee of Palm Beach Countyrepresent the registered Republicans who live in their precincts and serve as the Party’s liaison to those Republicans in thatparticular part of the county. Your average Republican voter knows about the Republican National Committee (RNC) andsome may even know about the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), but many do not realize there is a local Party. Manybelieve the Republican Headquarters is an office for the RNC. Each REC Member is responsible for informing thoseregistered Republicans that (1) we exist and that (2) the Party needs every Republican’s assistance to guarantee victory forour candidates in elections. REC members are expected to maintain contact with the Republicans living in their precinctsand to keep them informed as to what is going on in the Republican Party. You can do this through E-mail or other meanslike phone calls ad walking the precincts in your district. You can also send them a copy of this Newsletter and invitethem to subscribe to our email list! The Republican Executive Committee will meet the 2nd Wednesday of every other month in 2011. All REC meetingsbegin at 6:45 PM and are held in the 6th Floor County Commission Chambers of the Palm Beach County GovernmentalCenter. The next meeting will be June 8th. If you would like information on becoming a committee member, or if you would like to volunteer or contributefinancially, visit our website at www.pbcgop.org or call (561) 686-1616.


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Palm Beach County GOP Newsletter - May 2011

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