Dakota Beacon

Now more than ever it is important for us to stand up for the right of the people to be heard. And I have a confession to make. While I’ve always believed in this fundamental tenet of the founding documents, I have not always been the most vigilant to act on it. I have let my own bias and opinion get in the way.  

With what’s been happening in North Dakota politics, I feel compelled to speak out…My battle cry?  

Let the people Speak. 

As North Dakotans have shown up to district meetings in record numbers across the state to participate in the endorsing process for legislative candidates, people are speaking within the parameters of the process put in place at the precinct, district and local levels to protect our most precious commodity—the right to free speech. As a slate of candidates emerge from pencil marks on crumpled papers, it is evident that traditional values and conservatism –sticking close to the script is what the people want. 

They are exercising their rights in an orderly, respectful manner. They are in support of the Republican party platform. This is the expression of the Founder’s description of the informed electorate and the consent of the governed.

This is not, primarily, the Tea Party or the Ron Paul Revolution, Libertarians or the Bastiat Caucus. These are the people who are voluntarily associated with a political party because it best represents their view of the best operating system for life. These are the names and faces of the grass roots who are best qualified to make the decisions that provide the government guidelines to run their lives.

Let the people speak. 

There have been voices of leadership and power heard in the hallways which, if heeded can hinder this process. Leaders giving opinions about certain candidates and philosophies and even inappropriate endorsements that should be left to the will of the people. Without naming names or calling out the culprits of these offenses, I repeat—

Let the people speak.

The old saying in politics (and other activities) is “Money Talks.” Unfortunately, in the last election cycle, this was true. Let’s put our money where it belongs—in the party coffers in solidarity with the majority’s choice-- the individuals who worked behind the scenes, garnered support and earned our confidence and ultimately our vote.

Let the people speak.

No duly elected party official should be supporting candidates outside the party’s endorsed slate of names submitted in the and manner spelled out by their districts. That is how Republicans are assured and insured that they are the ones selecting their own candidates with an opportunity to see the names they have selected on the general election ballot in November.

It seems the Rockefeller Republicans with their reliance on the power and money want to thwart the will of the people.

We have a legitimate vehicle to choose the one who best represents our wishes—among fellow Republicans in a private association of like-minded people.

This is the best placed to discuss and debate our differences of opinion and to fine tune our approach to the issues on the larger stage.

Maybe it's time for the GOP to adopt rules confirming the convention as the ONLY vehicle to select their candidates.

Governor, NDGOP Chairman, District Chairman unite and encourage each other:

LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK!