KNOW THAT I WILL NOT BE SILENCED

Last week, on April 28th, at a special called Haywood County Republican Party Executive Committee meeting, I was sternly chastised by a member of that Executive Committee, who angerly approached me asking, “What compels you to write such negative things about those elected to lead the Haywood County Republican Party, you should be a shame of yourself”

The response is exceedingly simple: because, in my opinion, these individuals' personalities, past political experiences, political activism, leadership credentials, personal skills, and natural talent for leading, along with available time and sense of urgency to serve in these top positions, are highly questionable.

In the short two weeks that they have held these positions, their first and only official act has been highly detrimental to the well-being of the Haywood County Republican Party, serving only to further isolate the county party from Republican voters in Haywood County. An act pushed and supported by certain members of the Executive Committee.

Their knowledge of the responsibilities they have been elected to fulfill is nonexistent. Their sense of urgency, determination, and passion to carry out the mission of the Haywood County Republican Party is, in my opinion, at best, doubtful.

These are negative situations on their part, not mine, but exposing such negative information is perceived by them as my being negative. I understand that he and several others, who also view my posts as being very negative, would prefer I remain silent and say nothing to the Haywood County Republicans they represent. Constituents who have the right to know about these shortcomings in their County Republican Party leadership.

It would undoubtedly be far less stressful for me to say nothing and be just another silent member of the Haywood County Republican Party Executive Committee's monthly social group gathering, and, you know, “go along to get along.” Eat a couple of cookies and a cupcake, socialize with the other members, sit through a meeting that accomplishes very little, and then go home looking forward to the next social gathering.

All the while knowing that Haywood County elected Republican officials see us as irrelevant and of no use to them.

But I know in my heart that to take the easy road and remain silent would be an act of betrayal to my values, my party, and my country. Unlike those who are so quick to chastise, criticize, and denigrate my character in an attempt to silence me, know that unlike most, if not all of you, I have served my country in combat, served in elected office, consistently interacted with our elected officials, actively and persistently advocated for our Party, our Constitution, and the people of Haywood County and this great Nation.

Like I, you have a right to your opinions, but your views and attempts to intimidate me into silence and submission to "business as usual" is like spitting in the wind. It will come back to haunt you. I do not give in, I do not quit, and I do not bow or capitulate to anyone who puts their personal agendas, egos, and status ahead of Haywood County Christian Conservative Republicans, the United States of America, and the Republican party.