Posted by Jacob Roecker on November 8, 2009 under Commentary | 
Benedict Arnold
The paradigm is shifting, yet the mainstream media and politicos continue to miss the increasingly clear and bold writing on the wall. You’ll notice that folks are coming out of the woodwork on other media outlets this weekend to apply caricatures to the outcome. One article or another makes treasonous allusions to anyone who didn’t support Newt Gingrich and his NY23 endorsement of liberal GOP candidate DeDe Scozafazza.
Maybe it is time to revisit our history; Benedict Arnold made great contributions to this nation, then betrayed his core values and died the most infamous traitor in American history. Similarly, it is Newt who also has done great things for this nation, and recently betrayed his core values. Despite active re-branding efforts by some in the establishment, Gingrich is a traitor to the very principles he once proudly shepherded.
The real story of NY23 lies beyond Newt, D.C. and even Doug Hoffman. That valuable backstory will be the focus of 912Candidates.org this week, when we share the lessons and insights from the 9-12ers and Hoffman staff about how an accountant with no interest or innate gift for politics relied on decency and grassroots support to come within 5 percentage points of party picks backed by machines and dollars.
In his day, Arnold believed the patriot cause couldn’t win, and he made his choices out of a lack of faith. Many GOP advocates seem to share this same perspective. The parallel is made even more ironic because the state where Arnold made his greatest contributions, and betrayal, is the one where this political battle took shape.
At the core of our interviews are 10 volunteers from the CNY (Central New York) 912 Group who met with Doug Hoffman six weeks before the election. Doug decided at the outset of his campaign to become a 9-12 candidate, and at the meeting he displayed his contract. The 9-12ers had never seen someone actually pledge their sacred honor to these principles and values, and that was enough to garner their backing and energize them to support his campaign.
When Dick Armey endorsed Hoffman, he came and spoke to the group of volunteers. “Dick Armey was an inspiring speaker. It was great to have some of our new members join us and old members return. The FreedomWorks rep said we were one of the most organized 9-12 groups, which got a laugh out of us, but he was serious.” It says something about what you’re doing to have it validated by the ‘old pros’ in the business, according to one of the original 9-12 organizers in central NY. You’ll find that from the inside, the organization wasn’t smooth-going.
This week you’ll hear from Jennifer, Sil and others involved in this campaign. Of course, we’ll let them tell you most of the story. It’s their story to tell. We’re grateful for the access, surprised that we were the only outlet interested, and encouraged by what we’ve learned. Nonetheless with six-weeks’ notice, these volunteers raised the profile of the campaign and the 9-12 movement. As we release more information you’ll have an opportunity to discern the lessons to take back to your 9-12 groups.
We consider these folks the true patriots. In addition, they are pioneers, whose homemade tools and ideas can be leveraged forward to sharpen your craft, if you choose to use them.
Stay tuned. We’ll be releasing each article at 8 p.m. CT this week. We need as many of you as possible to help us spread the word. Articles and announcements appearing on this side can be republished, so long as a link is provided to the original source.
About the Authors:
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Jacob Roecker is the founder of 912Candidates.org, father of four, an Eagle Scout, and a 2-time veteran of the Iraq War, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal. Jacob is a graduate of Utah State University where he earned a degree in Speech Communication. While a student, Jacob committed himself to benefiting his college community and for his efforts received the University’s Robins Award for “Man of the Year.”
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Nanette Kirsch is a married mother of four and marketing communication professional in Tyler, Texas, who identifies herself as conservative. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. She currently serves as editor-in-chief for 912Candidates.org, creating and posting submissions from volunteers and guest authors about 9-12 candidates. She may be contacted at editor@912candidates.org.
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Posted by Jacob Roecker on November 3, 2009 under Commentary |
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.
Posted by Jacob Roecker on August 8, 2009 under Commentary |
Dear Ladies and Glentleman:
I take a great deal of pride in being called a Veteran. Well, after years of defending the freedoms of Americans, and having them use their freedom to watch crap TV shows, instead of participating in the functionality of their nation. Now people are speaking out. They’re exercising their rights and their liberties. They’re not sitting on the couch; they’re networking and organizing. They’re taking advantage of the liberties others have died to help preserve.
I have said before: voting is the olympics of your citizenry. It you don’t exercise all of your rights you will never have the representation that you deserve. You don’t go to the olympics for an event you haven’t trained for and expect to leave with a gold-medal.
I translate every town hall video into a “thank you.” Let me show you what these seem to look like:
Posted by styletee12 on July 29, 2009 under Commentary |
Hello, Americans
Today is my first day as the state leader. I had been assisting Dorothy Misiura here in Pennsylvania. But due to some health issues she has been called to step away from the cause. I thank her for the help she has given me and the conversations we have had. I wish you good health and God’s blessings.
So the rookie is now here. I am open to all suggestions, never hesitate to offer your opinions or ideas. We are in this together as a People, so we need to work that way in the pursuit of our goals. The time is now to act on the most local levels all the way to the White House.
Wayne H Risch Jr
Berwick, PA 18603
Posted by Jacob Roecker on June 14, 2009 under Commentary |
Here’s the official answer to principle #2 being a requirement of this movement:
The fulcrumed argument in the Declaration of Independence is that man is endowed with rights granted from God. That document argues that those rights were trampled by the king, and because they came from God there was legal justification to commit treason against the king. It’s a very well thought out argument, and it’s lead to a rather unique philosophy in self government.
I will not preach about “seeing the hand of God” in establishing this country in this post. I will tell you that legally we have no argument for being our own nation if God did not exist. So, principle #2 will remain to solidify the candidate’s relationship with God. If they deny the existence of a Deity, then they may very well be denying the legal argument for our nation’s existence.
Since we ask candidates to pledge their “Sacred Honor” I do take the time with each contract to address specific concerns. We have had candidates who have differing religious beliefs want to sign this contract in good conscience. One man in particular was Buddhist. He asked that the contract could express this principle as a “Teacher” instead of God. After some conversation we agreed to make the change. It’s appropriate to respect the candidate’s reverence for a higher power. It’s their conscience they’re committing and if the capacity of their conscience doesn’t accommodate God, the way I understand Him, then it doesn’t mean that what they do understand should be disregarded.
A basic belief in God is required–because it allows for the legal justification for our nation. The details of that belief are the responsibility of the candidate.
I hope this helps. This is the current approach we are taking as an organization. We expect each candidate, after signing to go through each principle and value, and publicly discuss them. We call this, The 9/12 Platform.
