The meeting started with a prayer and the Pledge of Alligiance to our Flag. A rendition of the second verse of our National Anthem by a retired Marine (received late Monday) was especially appreciated by all present.
A continuation of the discussion centered on organization finances started with recognition of the three options available -- 1. Dues, 2. Donations and 3. Fund Raisers. The Executive Committee has reviewed expenses to date and determined a forcaste of expenses in excess of $500.00 per month for the next three months. Ballots were distributed to allow attendees to vote for their choice or to make suggestions. This issue will be finalized at the next meeting.
The need for volunteers to man the both this weekend in Versailles was stressed.
Jerry Gasquez asked for and received an opportunity to speak. After reviewing how this organization got started and the steps taken to grow to this point, Jerry emphasized the need for all interested individuals to work with the “core group”, to bridge the gap between us and you so that we could become “WE THE PEOPLE”. Only by working together can we achieve the goals identified in our Mission Statement.
Jesse Leonard addressed on an individual personal basis specific items in the United States Constitution. Jesse’s knowledge level was demonstrated again to the actively participating audience. One question regarding the term Democracy was correctly answered by Jesse because it does not appear in the Constitution. Jesse is scheduled to return and continue with another session. His parting reminder was to read the Constitution.
Cindy Pike and Jim Surber had been invited to address exactly the same subject “Socialism and the United States”. No restrictions or suggestions accompanied the request to speak.
Cindy began her presentation with a disclaimer that the following items were her opinion and not that of her elected office, County Clerk or her position as the Darke County Republican Party Executive Committee Chairperson. Her presentation focused on individual action and acceptance of responsibility while using many personal examples to show that what her parents taught her were valid character factors in her life. The impression made by her speech was that her understanding of socialism was best presented on a personal basis.
Jim Surber, Darke County Engineer and Democratic Party Executive Committee Chairman, surprised the audience and did receive a sincere chuckle when his first statement was, “I agree with virtually everything that Cindy just said.” Jim went on to review facets of socialism that per Jim are and have been a part of America since 1776. Examples given were firemen, policemen, garbage men, roads built by public versus private entities, etc. Exchange of ideas and concepts regarding individuals receiving funds (such as social security, food stamps, health care, housing assistance, and others) from the government contributed to a fairly heated session when the observation that when over 50% of the population depends on this government income, the amount will continue or increase.
The Darke County Commissioners Committee Report is very informative but because of time constraint was not presented at the meeting. The information is attached to this report.
The meetings for the next three months will be every other week. The next meeting will be held on June 22, 2010.
The next meeting will be June 22, 2010. LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN CENTER, 6:00 P.M.
No comments:
Post a Comment