“I pledge.”
Probably no two words in the English language carry such power. Okay, maybe “I do.” But even that is the same commitment, is it not?
When you utter, write, or agree to any words that bind yourself to a specific course of action, the notion is that you will honor it. And, if not, not only are you a liar, but you have broken trust with your partner. Whether that partner is your lover or the Republican Party of Virginia.
I’m not trying to be melodramatic, merely illustrative of the ridiculousness of this oath that the party is imposing on voters throughout Virginia.
Last night, at the Republican Party of Chesapeake, I stood up in what I was hopeful was going to be an opportunity to make the case to instruct the 4th District State Central Committee members on the will of the city unit.
I was told that there was to be no further meeting of the SCC and that any such debate about loyalty oaths is now irrelevant.
Really?
When did we, the party faithful, ever have a chance to debate this issue? Have we had a real opportunity to discuss? No. The party faithful hasn’t been involved one iota in this process. It’s only been a handful of SCC members who have let power go rushing to their heads, failing to realize that it is the unit committees that serve as the grassroots backbone for its success.
They have made the decision for us because, I guess, they know better.
Look, I’m not trying to advocate for a specific candidate. But I am faithful to process, Robert’s Rules, and commonsense.
The party, while trying to placate the convention-only wing, has, in the process, ripped the right of franchise away from the Virginia voter. And stifled debate and dialogue in the process.
I failed last night. I got so frustrated that I declared I was no longer a Republican and walked out.
That was wrong. I love this party and I love our principles of being a big tent that welcomes anyone who believes in personal responsibility, limited government, and free markets.
But what I am seeing in today’s Republican party is a group of people that wants to stifle freedom and free association. That feels that the individual franchise – a freedom I fought for for two decades and have seen countless men and women sacrifice for – should be pledged to a party, not a country.
Of that pledge, I cannot abide.
