Posted by Terry McCall on 11/06/09
Last updated 11/06/09

Hi all,

I wanted to follow up on some comments made at our C4L meeting last night. Brad Johnson, SD35 Chair, talked about working together on the issues that unite us rather than focusing on where we differ.  I could not agree more.  To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, 'Someone who agrees with us on 80% of the time is not a 20% traitor.' We need to keep this in mind in politics.

Rep Mark Buesgens gave us sage advice as well. Mark could not be more of a Liberty guy. Yesterday he was working with David Bly (DFL) 25B to protect the property rights of MN citizens. This is why Mark is such a great example of leadership. The overly partisan would never get over that he could work with a liberal; yet what Mark was doing was for our principles. It's not about left or right. It's what is right.

We are all frustrated with Washington. A couple people have focused that anger on Rep John Kline. I was pleased today that they have changed their rhetoric to be the 'Committee to Educate Rep Kline'. This is more useful. Those of you who joined us in the HF1207 effort in April will remember that we were treated courteously by Rep Kline's staff. We were encouraged to bring our issues up with Mike Osskopp so he can discuss them directly with the Congressman. John did side with us and is now a co-sponsor of 1207. The Congressman listened to us and did as we requested thanks to all of you.

We have an invitation to share our knowledge on important issues with the key person at Rep Kline's ear. We thus have the responsibility to do just that; rather than to merely get angry. We must use our persistence and not squander our passion. Nothing poisons persistence, nor dissolves determination like hopeless rhetoric. Let's remain hopeful and determined. As Rep Buesgens said, "We are the power", that will restore the Republic. It's incumbent on us to do our part to educate our Congress without giving up on our principles.

A few points about the resignation of Janet Beihoffer as CD2 Chair. The consensus last night was that Janet has done a fine job as Chair. We may have quibbled on a few issues but we owe her a debt of gratitude for her long hours and especially for her GOP Poll watcher program. Included here is her email. It would be great if she heard a note of thanks from all C4L'ers.  jtnassoc@frontiernet.net

Some folks have asked me where I come down on the two CD Chair candidates we know of so far, Bonn Clayton and Mike Lindsay. The election for Chair will be done by the CD Executive Committee on 11/12.  Both are capable people.  I'll give my two cents, but know that each of you will make your own decision.

Full disclosure, I was Judy Lindsay's campaign Mgr. for the last part of her run for HD37B rep last year. Mike has chaired the last two conventions and has been fair with and defended Ron Paul people. That's why I worked for Judy and one reason that I support Mike for CD Chair. Mike committed to me tonight that he will serve until our 3/20/2010 CD2 Convention and then face an election by the body. Our Constitution is mute on this point. So the person elected next week could argue that we the delegates would not get a say until 2011. My understanding is that's Bonn's position. Thus another reason I like Mike. I ask that those of you on the Exec Committee support Mike Lindsay too.

In Liberty,

Terry

Posted by Terry McCall on 11/06/09

From: bay@teamamericapac.org
To: hwind111@aol.com
Sent: 10/12/2009 2:42:26 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Beware the Republican Establishment

Dear Friends,

This column of mine, published in Human Events on 10/6/2009 (see below), has received a great deal of attention -- as a thank you for your continued support, I wanted to make sure you received a copy . . .

10/06/2009

Beware of the Republican Establishment

by Bay Buchanan

Between the town hall meetings and the tea party rallies, millions of Americans are taking to

the streets to protest a government gone berserk. They are angry and determined to take their country back. But there are snakes in the grass intent on using this movement to return to power, not the people, but the Republican establishment. If this happens we lose everything, including our country.

To succeed, the rebellion must produce candidates with fresh faces--populists who share our outrage for the arrogance of Washington, individuals who will fight for American workers and American families. We need primaries to nominate candidates that aren't owned by party leaders, powerful special interests, nor Corporate America.

Last year, seventy-five percent of Americans believed the country was headed in the wrong direction and they threw out the bums -- Republican bums. Obama and his comrades misinterpreted the victory, believing it was all about them, and proceeded to impose a big government leftist agenda on a conservative nation. Now voters are ready to throw out this new set of bums.

Enter the Republican establishment. They sold this country out when they were in power and can't ever be trusted again. But they see an opening and are setting the stage for their own return. They are handpicking candidates -- Bush-likes and Bush-lites -- to run against conservatives in primaries. Many are retreads, all are available for purchase. Then the party elite endorses their candidate early in the primary, fills their coffers with millions from corporate PACs and special interests, pressures party regulars to get in line, and sends word to the grassroots candidates: "Drop out -- you can't win".

Their game plan: shut out the conservative populists. But if candidates running for office because of love of country are marginalized by the party elite, in favor of career politicians beholden to party leaders, we are lost -- and so is America.

Look at the Senate races. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), led by Sen. John Cornyn, has already endorsed in half a dozen Republican primaries, with more to come. Solid conservatives with great credentials -- new faces, future leaders, threats to the party elite -- were already announced candidates in many of these races. But Cornyn and his cronies aren't about to let the rank and file choose the candidates -- too risky. A man of the people might slip through and too many of them could lead to government by the people.

In Florida, the NRSC endorsed Gov. Charlie Crist, an Arlen Specter Republican, who is running against a young conservative Cuban-American Marco Rubio. Rubio was a long shot but the NRSC endorsement so outraged conservatives nationwide it breathed new life into his campaign.

In Colorado, District Attorney Ken Buck, a tough prosecutor of illegal aliens, was gaining traction in his campaign for U.S. Senate. Enter John McCain. He calls Jane Norton, former Lt Governor and state chairman of his presidential bid, and convinces her to run against Buck, promising the NRSC endorsement, plenty of money, and a lock on the nomination. Le Moine Dowd, a grassroots activist, summed it up perfectly: "Do we want the NRSC deciding our candidate? Does this action by the NRSC make the primary election irrelevant? Does it make the Colorado Republican Party irrelevant?"

In Ohio, Rob Portman, a former pro-amnesty congressman and Bush trade rep, announced his bid for the U.S. Senate earlier this year. Then Tom Ganley, a conservative businessman from Cleveland infuriated by the massive uncontrolled spending of Washington, decided to run. Mortal sin, declared the party, which told this self-made successful businessman to get out of the race, that "the U.S. Senate isn't an entry level position." The NRSC endorsed Portman and are in full campaign mode. (Do these nitwits really think one of the architects of the Bush policy that sent our jobs overseas is going to win the general election in a state with 11% unemployment?)

This same scenario is being repeated in a dozen other states. The political bosses are adamant that our candidates look and talk like them -- the kind that will get in line behind them. Leaders that rise up out of the rebellion and run for office will be a problem for them. So the snakes are out to stop them.

The rebellion must start to focus on producing candidates that will do represent the American people in Washington -- then we must rally behind them and defeat the establishment candidates in the primaries. If that doesn't work, we must field candidates to run as independents in the general. The country is too important to let the establishment of either party continue to have their way with her.

________________________________________

CONTRIBUTE NOW

Paid for by Team America PAC

501 Church Street | Suite 315 | Vienna | VA | 22180
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Posted by Terry McCall on 11/05/09

Minutes - Campaign for Liberty & RLC Meeting
Wed. November 4, 2009
Attendance - 17; Guests 3

I.Greeting - New guests: Brad Johnson, SD35 Chair; Rep Mark Buesgens HD35B
First Meeting: Emily Reese; Nathan Schmitt and friend

II. Invocation - Thank you Harold Schudlick

III. Pledge - Thanks Greg O'Connor

IV. MN GOP Health Care Coalition: Greg reported on the progress of this group of business people and health care providers. Greg represents small business on the coalition. He's preparing a white paper on Health Care. The first meeting was presided by a Dr from the Mayo Clinic. The group is looking at possible solutions to issues like health insurance. Only 3 or 4 providers are allowed to offer insurance in MN. This type of government restriction must be changed to allow greater competition and lower costs.
Don Lee suggested that the group look at what the state of MS has done on this issue.

V. Election Results: Brad Johnson reported that Conservative candidates did well in Scott County. Unfortunately the 3 Conservative candidates for school Board in ISD 196 (Dakota Cty) did not win. The closest one came within 600 votes. Mpls candidates did not fare well although Kris Broberg gained about 25%. There was a spirited discussion of the Congressional race in NY23 which appears to be a wake-up call for GOP Nat'l.

VI. Audit the Fed - HR 1207 & S604: Go to campaignforliberty.com to get the latest on this important effort. Two Senators are trying to water down the language in S604. Sign the petition and submit it to our 2 Senators.  Rep Mel Watt(D) is trying to strip HR1207.  Our job here is contact especially the Democrats on the committee to demand that the original language remain in the Bill.  You can find their names on the C4L Home page.  Contact them.

VII. Other business:

weselectthecandidates.com: Harold gave an update on the progress. He has presented at 3-CD's and about 6 BPOUs. The basic thrust of this program is to raise awareness of the importance and responsibility of the delegates to make the selection of candidates. Sign up at the site. Request the presentation at your BPOU. It's 10 minutes for liberty.

Resignation of Janet Beihoffer: The CD full committee will meet on 11/12 to select a new CD2 Chair.  Rep John Kline's choice is Mike Lindsey who has served as Deputy Chair and has treated Ron Paul people fairly at the last 2 conventions. Brad suggested that Mike would only serve until the 3/20/2010 Convention when the body will elect the new chair. Bonn Clayton, a former chair of CD2 and CD3, is also seeking the position. Those present who sit on the full committee will request that the role only be filled until the next Convention (e.g. we select the candidates). All agreed that Janet has done a good job. We thank her for her service to CD2. Janet was one of our first guest speakers.  She has done especially great work in developing the CD2 GOP poll watching campaign.

Josh Regnier and Michael Neitzel have formed a group born out of frustration over some votes taken by our Congressman, John Kline. A discussion followed about some ways
to address the concerns. They will formulate this further and meet with Rep Kline's staff.

MN CD2 Republican Liberty Caucus

VIII. Special Guest - Rep Mark Buesgens (R) District: 35B: Mark was introduced by Brad Johnson. Brad gave a challenge for all to stay involved as many of our SD35 C4L'ers have been. Speaking on the theme of delegate responsibility, Brad's goal is making sure that all elected delegates show up or at least that all positions are filled by alternates. The SD35 Chair role is the first elected position that he has held in the GOP. He sees the importance of our focus being on where we agree rather than on issues that divide.

Rep Mark Buesgens gave a stirring address about the battle that we are in for the sake of our children and grand children. This is a long term fight and one that he has led during his multiple terms in the house. Mark is one of the true heroes for Liberty in the legislature. He has a Barry Goldwater quote in his office and he has used it on the house
floor. It's in Latin but translates to, "Don't let the bastards grind you down!" Mark reminded us that we are the power of the party. Power does not reside in Washington nor in St Paul. It's right here, where free people associate and plan to re assert Liberty.

Mark's first house run was underfunded against an incumbent DFL'er who'd beaten a relative of the richest family in Scott county. It was Mark's focus on what could be done along with hard work and a passion for our principles that carried him to victory. We can't allow the specter of whom or what opposes us to prevent us from action. Our job has only started, and as one of Mark's mentors says, "A job begun is only half done."

Rep Buesgens mentioned the fight going on in the house today over eminent domain. MN was one state to up hold property rights, however one key loop hole in the law is that public service companies (e.g. Utilities) are exempt. Thus people's land can be taken by large entities with the help of government. Mark reminded us that the framers
debated whether the Declaration would read, Life, Liberty, and pursuit of happiness, or
Life, Liberty, and Property. The protection of a man's property is critical to freedom. Thank you Mark for all that you do for Liberty. We love your passionate persistence.

Norann Dillon: Norann dropped by to announce that she has filed papers to be a candidate for Senate in SD43 (Plymouth and Minnetonka). Interestingly once she filed she received a call for Sen. David Senjen explaining that there will likely be a "big name" candidate running against her for the endorsement. 'Pity the fool', as Mr T would say. They obviously don't know Norann! Her web site DillonforSenate.com will be up soon.

Respectfully submitted,

Terry McCall - CD2 Campaign for Liberty

Posted by Terry McCall on 10/05/09
Last updated 10/05/09

Here's some Links from YAL and YouTube: "The event received incredible media attention, including a front page story from the Minneapolis Star Tribune!"

http://www.youtube.com/user/YALiberty

Star Tribune: Big turnout for the little Texan: Ron Paul at the U

http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/61590702.html?page=1&c=y

Minneasota Public Radio: Paul, Bachmann seek common ground at U of M rally

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/09/25/bachmann-paul/

Pioneer Press: Bachmann, Paul talk freedom vs. out of control government at U rally

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_13423772?nclick_check=1

KARE: Bachmann, Paul join forces to address U of M students

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=825125&catid=391

The Hill: Bachmann, Paul co-host town hall event

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/60425-bachmann-paul-co-host-tow
n-hall-event

Minnesota Daily: At the U, Paul and Bachmann question Washington's corruption

http://www.mndaily.com/2009/09/27/u-paul-and-bachmann-question-washington%E2%80%
99s-corruption

Before the event the campus police allowed about 100 protesters into the display area, then all but escorted them down to the first few rows before our supporters even entered the hall.  I got mad and confronted the Cop Mgr.,  telling her  1)  We are for Liberty.  We think it's fine that people are outside to protest, but why are you letting them inside and blocking what we are trying to do (e.g. People had paid money to have tables at the event.)?  2)  We would never be allowed near one of their events, much less inside.  She blew me off saying, "You have a free public event.  These people can go where ever they want to."

We were nervous that one of them would provoke an incident.  After warning our folks on stage, I found the head cop and told her, "If something happens, It's on you!"  Nothing bad happened; quite the contrary.  The lefty partisans were there to push ObamaCare.  They just didn't get it.  "Why is Bachmann here with Ron Paul?" 

Dr. Paul, as usual, totally disarmed them.  He said that, "We have been in Afghanistan 50% longer than WW1 & WW2 combined", and "They are now at the G20 planning on going to war with Iran."  So much for the anti-war candidate Obama and his mistaken minions.

More interesting is that some of these people came out scratching their heads and actually started to listen to what we were saying about the dangers of the Federal Reserve.  It was an amazing evening.  Heck, we may have made some converts on the left.

Posted 10/06/09 justinb Oklahoma City, OK

Good deal. It's impossible to argue with the sound logic and practical approach that Ron so clearly articulates.

Posted by Terry McCall on 10/05/09

Most within the MN GOP are aware that Nathan Hansen, a Ron Paul Delegate to the 2008 GOP National Convention from MN CD4, made some outrageous and unfortunate comments about Joe Repya, a US Army veteran of multiple conflicts back to Vietnam.  While Joe is not a Ron Paul supporter, he was quick to attack MN GOP leadership for it's mistreatment of Dr Paul and his supporters at the 2008 MN GOP State Convention.  The Party's June 13th State Central election, choosing the current leadership vs the Liberty candidate for State GOP Chairman was the last straw for Lt Col Retired, Joe Repya.  

Joe wrote a principled rationale for his decision to leave the GOP which appeared in a local newspaper (St Paul Pioneer Press on 6/24).  http://feelingthepainyet.com/?page_id=22

Hansen then wrote a scathing attacked on Mr Repya with words not to be repeated here but are available elsewhere:  http://feelingthepainyet.com/?page_id=29

Joe came to our August 5th MN CD2 Campaign for Liberty meeting so we could hear directly from him without filters.  He feels that the MN GOP is badly disfuctional and that little has changed in Party leadership.  He gladly accepted Dr Paul's book, Revolution with our thanks.

Nathan has now felt the wrath of veterans and their families for his remarks.  The next salvo was the formation of a web site:  http://nathanhansenmustgo.info, after the new State GOP Chair Tony Sutton named Hansen to Chair the Constitution and By Laws Committee for the State Party.  Hansen had given the endorsement speech for Sutton at State Central.  This weekend Veterans groups picketed the GOP State Convention demanding censorship and or removal of Hansen'.  Part of their renewed anger was due to Mr Hansen, an attorney, suing the individuals, a veteran Joe Salmon and his wife Kris, who host the above mentioned website. 

Nathan Hansen apologized to the Veterans at the convention.  Not all were moved, and much of the last hour of the convention devolved as angry veterans and their families put forth a motion to censor Hansen.  CD2 Delegate, and husband of CD2 Chair Janet Beihoffer, put forth and amendment which praised all veterans and their families for their service but did not mention Nathan Hansen.  The Beihoffer's had just this week, been to their son's first deployment to Iraq ceremony at Fort Bragg.  The Beihoffer amendment past.  The censor did not, still leaving many Veterans and their families with a bad taste for the GOP.

A number of people have been working behind the scenes in an attempt to heal the rift between those directly hurt in this whole affair.  Peter Zidek has been very instrumental in trying to resolve this mess.  What follows is a letter that Peter sent to Nathan which started some dialog that has helped at least to start some negotiation between the offended parties.

Thank you Peter for your leadership.

"Nathan,

According to the below copy of an email I received recently from some RP and CFL veterans it seems you submitted the following to the St. Paul Newspaper.
I presume it was about Joe Repya.

If so, I think you've committed a grave and thoughtless error without checking all the facts about Joe and the reasons for his departure from the Party. Additionally by writing the piece as you did, you also subtly slammed other veterans including RP'ers and CFL'ers.

I myself am a highly decorated combat Vietnam Veteran, a Ron Paul advocate, lifelong contributing Member of the Ludwig von Mises Institute, an Objectivist, and a semi-retired Theoretical Physicist that does not often volunteer the fact of my reluctant military service. In fact I was drafted, pulled out of my University studies to face the involuntary specter of killing or be killed. Is this "blood lust?"

I have always been anti-war unless it was for defense of the USA.

I, and in fact any veteran, that has actually experienced the horror of war first hand, is anti-war. I as they, would never send our kids into an insane meat grinder for dubious purposes!

Joe Repya was one of the lone few that condemned the sham proceedings of the
2008 Republican State Conventions and the unpardonable treatment of Ron Paul and his followers. In particular the semi-criminal behavior by Ron Carey and his ilk in shoving though the bogus slate of candidates for the RNC convention. Joe also has appeared at CFL meetings in Burnsville and has gradually become attuned to the Liberty movement. His conversion to our side would be very beneficial.

However, by implication, in your posted piece, anyone that has served in the military, has children or relatives in the military, must be Neocon, RINO, war mongers, communists or members of the Military industrial complex. This is patently unfair, simplistic, and in many cases untrue. By doing so, you alienate many potential traditional MN Republicans, those that have children and relatives in the military, and veterans. It will NOT convince them to our side and it clearly is not a formula of success!

Yes, I and many veterans are anti-war. However, do not condemn the military and be grateful we have them to defend us. Condemn the policies of our politicians and their irresponsible squandering of our military resources on illegal, unconstitutional, immoral wars, world hegemony, and empire maintenance.

Military personnel are bound under oath to obey orders from their superiors and to the US Constitution and are under penalty of Court Martial. Our Politicians are also bound by oath to the defense of the Constitution and yet transgress against it at very opportunity with apparent impunity.

The one elected Republican that would better fit your label as a Neocon would be Rep. John Kline. Also a retired Coronel, war monger, former member of the armed services committee, and a voter for the Republican Tarp bill despite 50 to 1 phone calls and faxes to his office not to do so.

In summary, Nathan, I think you made a tremendous faux pas, a bunch of enemies, and I don't know if you can somehow mitigate this to your benefit down the line. At the very least I think you should offer a personal apology to Joe or perhaps a retraction of sorts.

Please see a copy of the email I received below to understand why I'm writing this to you.
Your passions are certainly in the right place, but your condemnation was ill targeted to the wrong person. Uncorrected, it will no doubt come to haunt you in your future political activism.

Please fix this!

Peter R. Zidek
PhD Theoretical Physics, Mathematics, Economics"