Why It’s Important to Take a Stand:
An Open “Thank You” Letter to CCR Members
by
Peter Coe Verbica, President
California Congress of Republicans (“CCR”)
Whatever your party, chances are you admire those who take a stand for what they believe in. One of the most notable examples is Winston Churchill, a Brit. The specter of Nazi Germany seemed unstoppable, and Blitzkriegs rolled through France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In the face of the Axis’ aggression, Churchill eloquently urged his countrymen to:
“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
Gandhi took a stand against imperialism; Martin Luther took a stand against discrimination; Reagan took a stand against Communism; Washington, Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin all took a stand against an oppressive monarchy. Christ took a stand against orthodoxy. On June 5, 1989, an anonymous student stared down a tank in Tiananmen Square. Lincoln took a stand against slavery. Anthony, Stone and Stanton took a stand on the right of a woman to vote.
As I say, chances are you admire those who take a stand for what they believe in. As a member of the California Congress of Republicans (“CCR”) — through one of our statewide chapters — you are taking a stand. CCR holds particular prominence in the landscape of California Republican politics: we are one of those rare organizations officially chartered by the California Republican Party (“CRP”). Therefore, we are a powerful voice. Whether you’re a member of the South Peninsula Area Republican Coalition, Republicans of River City (Sacramento County), Republican Club at the Villages, East Valley Congress of Republicans, Santa Clarita Valley Congress of Republicans, Orange County Congress of Republicans, Republican Club of Ocean Hills, Hemet-San Jacinto Congress of Republicans, or others, you’re taking a stand.
At CCR, we may think differently than the CRP. We’re independent and operate outside its structure. At our 2017 Endorsing Convention, we backed a number of statewide candidates who didn’t receive the endorsement of the CRP. In the primaries, we endorsed a different candidate for Governor, a different candidate for Lieutenant Governor, a different candidate for Treasurer, a different candidate for Attorney General, as examples. In the primaries, we endorsed candidates whom our delegates felt were more representative of our state’s changing demographics. We backed a populist candidate rather than one who was better bankrolled. We’re a different voice. We’re willing to take a stand. As CCR members, your delegates and officers speak for you.
Poets revere and immortalize those who take a stand. Tennyson’s “The Charge of the Light Brigade” is one shining example:
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered.
Honour the charge they made!
And, as a member of one our statewide chapters, you are a part of that stand. For that, on behalf of our Board, and our organization, we want to say, “thank you.” You can bet that we’ll be at the 2019 California Republican Convention in Sacramento, so be sure to look for us. With your help in continuing to keep CCR vibrant and viable, you’re ensuring that our glory will not fade. Next time you look in the mirror, don’t be bashful. Congratulate yourself!
Like those in history whom you admire, you’re taking a stand.
CCR Proudly Supported
“Pizza and Soda Night” for Vet Groups
November is a special month when U.S. military veterans are acknowledged and honored for their service and sacrifice. The California Congress of Republicans (CCR) and the SPARC Chapter volunteered to support for the Military Care Committee of the Rotary Club of San Jose’s November 12 event. CCR members’ roles at this event were as servers of the meals and beverages, to interact with the service members, Vets and their respective families, and to help clean up after the event.
The dinner was held both at both the Fisher House and Defenders Lodge that support veterans and their families next to the VA Hospital (VA Palo Alto Health Care System). The Military Care Committee Chair, Rodney Neils Mayr, is also Treasurer of one of CCR’s active chapters, the South Peninsula Area Republican Coalition (SPARC); another committee member, Leslie Mayr, is also a VP with SPARC.
For more information about the Defenders Lodge: https://www.paloalto.va.gov/services/defenderslodge.asp.
For more information about the Fisher House: https://www.paloalto.va.gov/services/fisherhouse.asp
For information about the Rotary Club of San Jose Military Care Committee: http://sjrotary.org/MilitaryCare.html