Recently, I have attended several regional Republican Party meetings. For the most part, I have found these “meetings” at best entertaining, but for the most part a waste of my time and energy. My opinion may not be as a result of the Republican Party organizers, but may be a misunderstanding on my part. I attend meetings with an objective in mind, to bring forth positive advancement by collaborating with others through intellectual thought processes and physical efforts. The “meetings” I have attended, after the treasurer’s report and the vote on the prior meeting’s minutes, have all seemed to be lecture sections, where there has been little open exchange of thought processes put forth, other than those of the scheduled lecturers. Therefore, my idea of the benefits of attending a “meeting” may be in total conflict with theirs. I have been left with the impression that they feel I should pay them money, sit there keeping my mouth shut, think in the manner of how their politicians tell me, and be grateful.
None of this comes as a surprise to me. For many years I have been lobbying the United States Congress for objectives that are of benefit to the citizens of our nation, such as needed changes in Title 10 United States Code § 2572. It is a long tiring uphill battle, because the first thing that always must be overcome is being dismissed by the twenty-year old congressional intern who answers the telephone. It is not their fault, they are instructed to act and speak nicely, but get rid of almost every American citizen who calls. If a person knows the correct things to say, they might actually get to speak with a legislative assistant (LA), who is a bit older than the intern, but for sure is so much smarter than the rest of us. It then takes an act of God for that LA to actually bring what is being presented to the member of Congress. However, it seems, if somewhere along the way you have given your email address, within a blink of an eye you will start receiving emails from the member’s campaign office asking for money. To explain all of this in another manner, the members of Congress act in a way that marginalizes and treats us as only a funding source.
Note: Texas Senators Cruz and Cornyn run offices that behave in a manner that is beneficial for the people of the United States of America. I have had considerable positive interaction with both offices and have never received a campaign solicitation from either.
Going back to the discussion of the “meetings”, one observation I have is the clear lack of involvement by minorities and younger generations. If I, an elderly white male, feel marginalized and dismissed by the dodo birds of the Republican Party, it is not hard to understand the contempt that others would have after being the recipients of similar treatment. The time has come for the Republican Party to take a good introspective look at itself and the ways of its unadaptable archaic leadership. They must learn how to clean their house and make it an understanding, welcoming place where the input of all is sought, truly considered and appreciated.
