From The INBOX: Long Live ResidualForces!
Posted by Andy on June 18th, 2007
I have received scores of great messages and words of encouragement from people the last week or so as I ponder my political future, but this one seems worthy of posting. (more below)
Hey Andy,
As a liberal, I read your blog on a pretty consistent basis, I even agree
with you on occassion.Those at the forefront of change are always harassed and attacked Andy. I
read your blog because it’s well written, sticks to your core values, and
offers a level headed perspective on some of the inside baseball politics
in Minnesota.I think you are a valuable member of the Minnesota political blogging
community and definately want you to stay, even if your hard work keeps
people I won’t vote for elected.You’re a true conservative blogger and not a sensationalist like other
bloggers like MDE and the such.No ruse here Andy, I like your blog,like what you have to say about issues,
and think you should stay.
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to reach out and say something positive about this blog and my political involvement. I also want to clear up an issue, this blog will not be stopping if I do take a leave from active politics.
The idea is that I am far too busy to perform the duties as SD51 GOP Chair and Anoka County Vice Chair in CD6 to the level they should be. Work and my new found desire to have some form of a real life is stretching me pretty thin. Blogging can come and go at the pace I decide or have time, and the blogging is, as it was when I started, therapeutic for me. It allows me to vent in ways that I can’t anywhere else. (with out driving my co-workers, family, dogs, and even girlfriend a bit nuts with the 10 minute monologues about how liberals (sorry emailer) suck, oh and RINOs too. I really should just do podcasts or get a radio gig)
Will I take a leave? Well tomorrow is a big night for that decision as I will be meeting with some folks at those levels politically to get their input on just how much of me will need to be there to do the job to their satisfaction. then i will decide if I can do them to my own. (hint: I am already doubting myself of that, but still look at it as a challenge worthy of trying)
But this blog, oh it will keep going, so sorry to disappoint some. I learned a lot last election of how blogging can matter. I learned a ton how it does matter following the ‘06 elections and during the MNGOP leadership election. And over the last 2 plus years, I learned how it took this college drop out who is full of ideas and opinions but no clue how to use them to levels no one could ever imagine.
If I do leave active GOP politics, will this blog have it’s same impact and meaning? I don’t fully know.
But will it free me up from feeling bound by other’s mandates and orders? You bet your arse, and oh boy is that a tempting thing.
In the waning weeks of the ‘06 elections I wanted to go back to be a conservative first and Republican second. I wanted to stand on the issues, not behind the candidates. That’s not a commentary on the candidates I worked and blogged tirelessly for, but rather the party side of things.
I “sold my soul” as many people said, most of whom I respect deeply. I wanted to go back to being a conservative pundit on the net telling you how I think it is, then the spin happened. I disagreed, and picked a fight I ended up not winning. In the end, I look back and have to say that if I hadn’t raised questioned and had the cajones to speak out, none of the potential reforms or debate would have taken place in the MNGOP.
Again I lost, I was defeated by the powerbrokers, but I was able to leave the Prom Center knowing I tried, and that matters more than you may understand.
The amount of work required by politics over the next 2 years is unending and frankly I need a break. I thought I could do it, but well, the paying gig (IE my day job) has gotten crazy and needs my undivided attention. All work and no play makes AAA a crabby asshat. I do still have the desire to do it, but I just don’t know if I am up to it after being treated so crappily by those I had trusted the last few months.
I’ve always believed that the way to win in politics is to convince people to think like you do, not disagree with the other guy. I think the sensational stuff has it’s place, but can’t be the sole angle of attack. When time permits, I do try to go out of my way to explain why I do or you should support or oppose someone or some issue, not just partake in the oh so popular gotchya crap.
I speak my mind, no matter the consequence, and that makes many people nervous, but others respect my courage.
As my Dad used to always say, “I am just telling it like I see it.”
I believe in true transperancy. that means putting your name on what you write, and standing behind it. Politics would be better if the debate would get there. I will continue to do that here on RF until …. for as long as I can.
I have some plans up my sleeves that may take poli bloggin to the next level. Me and a few other conservative bloggers have been debating on taking the MOB or parts of it to a whole new level. I think all this pondering the last week or so is for not, and I will stay involved. And frankly it is the people who reached out like the emailer above, despite the party affiliation, to rekindle my passion and desire to keep pluggin away doing my little part.
To let you know that it is not just DFLers who want RF to keep keeping on, here’s one from a high ranking GOPer.
Hey, the worst thing you can do is to quit. You keep doing what you believe in and don’t stop. I know you don’t like John McCain, but he does the same and so do I. That unsigned letter really urked many of us.
You are a useful person in the party. Everyone can’t think the same and you have the courage to stand up for what you believe in…something that Minnesotans have a hard time doing….the old MN nice thing. Stay in touch with me and I will be there for you and will many others.
Remember the vote was not an overwhelming majority and in two years, it things aren’t good….,who knows. You are young with a lot of years to go yet. There are many people who respect your work. Evil men prosper when good men do nothing!
Thank you again to everyone who reached out and who I have had the honor to have an impact on or for along the way.
AAA
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June 18th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Amen to that, brother!
If nothing else, the status quo was challenged, and kept on its toes.
June 18th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Andy, I want you to make a liar out of me. I said that the problem with Joe Repya’s supporters was that they believed a new chairman could do all the “work” of the party and that most of the “activists” wouldn’t have to work any harder or smarter than they did last year. Prove me wrong.
I also said that many of Joe’s supporters would “take their marbles and go home” after the vote, further dividing a party which is too small as it was. Please prove me wrong again.
No, I don’t expect you to burn the candle at both ends or to mangle your personal life and devote yourself to politics. You can’t, and it’s not healthy. “Throttle back” if you must, but please don’t quit. We need all the good Republicans we can get this cycle, for whatever they can give, and you are much appreciated.
June 18th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
I know you and I have talked about this already, but I just have to add…
“Ditto what JEwing said!”
LL
June 19th, 2007 at 7:02 am
Andy, since this isn’t full time paying gig like for those working for Soros. Post when and if you want. You have good ideas that challenge the MNGOP leadership.
JEwing, as a Repya supporter, I carry my marbles in my truck. I will start throwing them at the MNGOP leadership if they get off course.
I will support all Conservative candidates; former members of the Democrat party need not apply.
June 19th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Andy,
Personally, I would hate to see you pull back entirely from the party. Maybe resign some duties and keep enought to stay involved without beating yourself into the ground. That said, I know how easy it is to get over committed and lose sight of your own well being. You have to look out for yourself and those around you first.
The beauty is that if you do pull back completely and find yourself missing it, with an election and a convention coming in ‘08, it won’t be hard to get pulled right back in.
I’m glad you are maintaining Residual Forces. It is your thing. Not only do you provide a viewpoint not covered by many others, but it is your personal pressure valve as well as your art/passion. I think your Party work and influence within the Party are an even bigger boost to the total cause than the blog (I know we differ here). However, both are a great service towards implementing conservative policy and you have to focus on where your passion lies.
June 19th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Am I the only one who sees the convention coming as an actual detractor?
Sorry, but when that thing is going on, and the weeks leading up to it, is when every Minnesota Republican should be out pounding signs and doors, not solely focused on that thing.
Not to mention the, what, tens of millions of dollars that need to be found for the thing. I sure to heck hope that isn’t going to hurt our local candidates who need every available dollar for their own races, not see it funneled into the two big cities for this party that I don’t think will help Joe Blow running for the MN House in outstate or the Suburbs for that matter.
I know everyone is thrilled about this thing coming here, but it will take months of our attention, and then leave everyone drained as they race out of the state. People will be more concerned about being at the big show, rather than doing the real work. And then too tired to help out afterwards.
I am very concerned about this thing coming here. It will be a freak show outside, and unfortunately the commie mayors have twisted enough arms to make sure the commie pinko protesters will get to share the stage and likely overshadow the inside goings on.
I am greatly concerned that the RNC is going to pull the strings here in MN up to the convention, then roll up the carpet and leave us all scratching our heads while we figure out wtf where we are supposed to start. In other words, it will be up to the BPOUs and local candidates to fight for their volunteers, as the number being sought is something like 20,000 or so I have heard.
That being said, thanks to everyone. And yes I know that is why we need strong voices out there. But when no one is even remotely concerned like you, you wonder if you are alone.
June 19th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Actually, I agree. The convention will get people excited and may bring some volunteers out of the woodwork, but there is a big risk of a burnout or letdown factor. You can only expect so much from volunteers.
The biggest benefit likely to come from the convention is the boost we will get when the people of Minnesota see the extreme lefty-nutter protesters in all their lefty-nutter glory.
June 20th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Mattma, so long as you stay active and engaged, whatever contribution you make will be appreciated (by some, at least, if not all). I must, however, urge you to moderation in your marble-hurling. If you lose all your marbles, you become a Democrat.