A Few Minutes At the Salon.com
Posted by Jacob Roecker on November 3, 2009 under Commentary | 
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Since I was asked to dip my toe in the waters of political commentary, and I’m naturally a high-self-monitor, I figure it’s worth a minute to share some thoughts. Today is election day, and as we watch the hard work of good citizens in various races and parties participate in the process, I think of our servicemen who are risking their lives to defend the liberty to choose your government. I believe that participation, from whatever perspective, is an expression of gratitude directed at these fine men and women.
912Candidates.org has gotten some internet attention recently when someone “tipped off” a rather prominent blogger. Then the article got the attention of another blog. This lead salon.com to include my humble opinion on the subject of the NY 23rd race where 9-12 Candidate, Doug Hoffman is showing a lead in the polls. I’d recommend reading the full article, but before you do I’d like to comment on the author, Mike Madden. Mr. Madden was a consummate gentleman while conducting the interview. I was impressed by his professionalism. His article reflects his skillful mastery of the art of journalism that he has honed over years of practice, patience, and study. Should he ever call on my again, I would be happy to contribute to any piece he writes.
In his article he uses my perspective to help present his understanding of the situation. The following paragraph appears:
Other activists say they feel like they’re just coming into the height of their influence. Jacob Roecker, the founder of 912candidates.org, one of the groups that endorsed Hoffman, said other Republicans could be in trouble next year — look at Florida, where conservative Marco Rubio is picking up energy the way the movement that powered Hoffman did, or Roecker’s own Oklahoma, where conservatives hope to challenge longtime Rep. Tom Cole, a member of the GOP House leadership. “It’s not the third-party candidate spoiling the race — it’s the traditional candidates who are spoiling the race for those who actually believe in something,” Roecker said about Hoffman and Scozzafava. Though the name of his group was inspired by Beck’s own 9/12 Project, Roecker said it’s gotten better than just one talk show host. “[Beck] can’t put in enough hours during his week to keep up with what all of us are doing,” he said. “I don’t think it’s his anymore. We still look up to him, but I don’t think it’s his anymore — I think it’s ours.”
I may need to clarify a point in the final quote for some readers. As the founder of 912Candidates.org I represent some of the best volunteers in that movement. I represent them when making statements. Knowing that I don’t represent everyone is sort of the point behind the quote. Beck, although a great man, whom I appreciate for codifying a series of principles and values, has no more ability to control this movement then he does to stop the Hudson river with his hand. That’s no slight on him, but really, he can’t keep up with all of the different 9-12 groups doing all of their different activities to promote these principles and values. In fact, he can’t even acknowledge them! And that’s the way it should be.
If this is going to be OUR country it needs to be OUR movement, and while we are creating a movement made by citizens we need to be ever conscious to allow others with differing views to create their movements based upon what they believe in. So no, I don’t entirely agree with Mr. Madden’s take on things, but I hope our differing perspectives don’t hinder a possible friendship of mutual understanding that compliments our nation.
Thank you for allowing me to participate in your work.
Ryan Kelly said,
It upsets me that there are people out there who will try to paint the 9/12 Candidates as sheep following Beck, or as slaves to the Republican Party. At least as far as I am concerned, this has nothing to do with any one person, or some supposed movement. Personally, I am running because I am tired of watching my fellow Utahns ask for help, and receive nothing from their Congressmen. I hear that people are tired of voting for both parties, but they do so because they have no other decent option to vote for. I intend to be their alternative.
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