There's no doubt about the opening statement in your post. The city of BHam is pretty blue, all over. The 4th Ward (roughly Barkley to Lakway N/S, and East from Woburn, up over Alabama Hill and wrapping around the lake) is the most conservative Ward in the city, yet Stan Snapp thumped me pretty good in the City Council 4th Ward race last year.



It might be worth noting that there is a tendency to equate Republican with Conservative. While I am a member of the Republican Party, and currently the Vice Chair of the Whatcom County Republican Party, I identify myself primarily as a conservative. It is a mistake to make the two synonymous, just as it would be a mistake to equate all Democrats with liberalism. It is true, that on the whole, each philosophy can be found primarily within each party, respectively, but such is not always the case. There has been legislation that came out of Republican administrations in recent years that has made my hair stand on end. Take the infamous highway bill as an example. Not much conservative in that!! And if you look back over history, the Republicans of today, are more closely aligned to the Democrats of the late 50s and early 60s than today's Democrats are. So the parties and philosophies shift over time.

But, back to your quote above... My initial question is "What are those "Republican ideals" you mention? I don't ask that sarcastically. I'm completely serious. Now, to a large degree, one could answer that by pointing to the local party platform as defined by the delegates to the County Convention. But, I'm thinking more of a driving mission statement or succinctly stated philosophy that drives the party. What is that "Republican ideal?" I don't believe I could answer that right now, at least not on behalf of the local party. I can tell you that this has become an issue within the party (become an issue in a good way) because another gentleman and I have made it an issue over the last 9 months, and work is underway to give definition to that.

When you walk in the door to the WCRP headquarters, there is a sign that reads "One Team. One Mission." When I asked what that mission was, I got no answer. It became painfully obvious that we don't really know what our mission is; not in the corporate sense at least. I have a sign on my office wall that reads "In the absence of clearly defined goals, we are forced to concentrate on activity, and ultimately become enslaved by it." It's a quote from Chuck Coonradt. He's spot-on correct with that.

So, I'm not certain that it is the "wrong" message coming from Republicans, as much as it is a lack of a clearly defined message overall. I don't say these things disparagingly of my fellow Republicans. Not at all. It is actually a very exciting discussion going on, for a number of people within the party; people who are recognizing the need for a vision and vision-bearer. If it comes to fruition, we will be giving a succinct and powerful definition to who we are and what we stand for. There will be more focus on it as we continue forward, but I'd be interested in hearing your response to the question, since it is a phrase you used.

My mother used to tell me, as a child, "Birds of a feather flock together." She was trying to get me to understand the value of befriending people of like-mind, and staying away from those who would tend to lead me into trouble. But the sentiment is accurate. This is why you see, even within state and county maps that the rural areas are "red" while the urban areas are "blue." Where the greatest percentage of a state can be solid red, you will find splashes of blue over the cities. Those of like-mind, have flocked to the urban areas.

I have some other thoughts on your post, but don't have time to develop them right now. Hopefully later.

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It's always good to be challenged by others. I've long maintained that there is no growth without "movement" in the mind. Sam does a good job of keeping discussion going on his blog. Some of it is fairly inane, but we need to know how to deal with that as well, even if dealing with it means ignoring it.



Being involved, and staying involved is the best way to alter any preconceived ideas. The local party is what we make it. Since I have no idea who you are (and don't really need to know), I don't really know what your level of involvement is, but I can assure you there is plenty to do, if you have a mind to work and serve in the local party. This really goes to the 2nd thing you said you're trying to work out.



There is a great deal to do that does not get done, simply because there is no one to do it. On the other hand, there is a great deal happening that is unheralded. It happens, and no one knows. All of this is symptomatic of being part of a volunteer organization. We are doing our work, simply because we believe in the cause, and the depth of one's conviction will play a significant role in the extent to which one is willing to be involved.

We saw a huge influx of volunteers during this election cycle, almost to the point that it was overwhelming at times. Despite the fact that we suffered a number of losses in the recent election, I still have a deep sense of awe and appreciation for what I witnessed. I have not seen that level of volunteerism and excitement since the Reagan years. The interesting thing will be to see how much of that carries over now that the election is behind us. The next Central Committee meeting is this coming Saturday, so it will be very interesting to see who is there and who is not. If you are there, and you don't mind letting me know who you are, come visit with me and let me know what your interests are, and what some of your ideas are for moving the party forward.

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