A Few Minutes At the Salon.com

Posted by Jacob Roecker on November 3, 2009 under Commentary | Read the First Comment

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.

Contracting & Endorsements

Posted by Jacob Roecker on October 9, 2009 under Updates | 3 Comments to Read

There are hundreds of 9/12 groups across this great country.  Many are local, some are state/regional level and a few are national level organizations.  912Candidates.org seeks to provide a contracting process that can be respected by each of these groups.  We have raised our standards and clarified our contracting process.  You can see a link in the upper right hand corner to “contracting.”  These endorsements are from 912Candidates.org and they do NOT limit any existing 9/12 group from operating according to their by-laws, and their conscience.

I hope this clarifies some of the questions people have been posing via email.

It’s no excuse, but I’ve found myself with less free time and have been putting more effort into spending time with our (now) 4 children.  I have felt a great deal of weight on my conscience to process the 17 contracts I have pending.  I will try to find more efficient ways to use my time, and continue to provide this service to the 9/12 community.

Thank you for your patience.

Jacob F. Roecker
Founder, 912Candidates.org

9/12 Candidates’ Convention Announced!

Posted by Jacob Roecker on September 12, 2009 under Updates | 5 Comments to Read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12 September 2009

Jacob Roecker
912Candidates.org
165 NE Coyote Drive
Fletcher, OK 73541
jacob@912candidates.org
580-695-4769

CANDIDATES’ CONVENTION PREPARATION
912Candidates.org announces convention location

FLETCHER, Okla. — 912Candidates.org has chosen Oklahoma City to host the first 9/12 Candidates Convention in late February 2010. Since March 23, 912Candidates.org has been operating as a Kitchen Table Organization (KTO) of volunteers scattered across several states dedicated to finding those who support the principles and values of the 9/12 Movement.

Today more than a million citizens who identify themselves as “9/12ers” gathered from all 50 states to a rally in Washington D.C.. In the coming months these citizens will look to find representatives in government who reflect the principles and values of their constituents. The Nine Principles and Twelve values of the 9/12 Movement are:

Principles: 1. America is good. 2.  I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life. 3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday. 4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government. 5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.  6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results. 7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable. 8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion. 9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me. Values: 1. Honesty 2. Reverence 3. Hope  4. Thrift 5. Humility 6. Charity 7. Sincerity 8. Moderation 9. Hard Work 10. Courage 11. Personal Responsibility 12. Gratitude

Each 9/12 Candidate is required to pledge their sacred honor in representing their constituents and upholding these principles and values. More than 45 9/12 Candidates have stepped forward from 22 states running for local, state, and federal offices. The current collection of candidates includes Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. The attendance of these candidates at a political event will display to the American people the willingness of a new generation of representation to unify around basic principles and values.

The convention’s subject matter will be targeted to meet the needs of the various participating campaigns with events open to the public in the evening.

Members of the press will be welcome to cover the event and have access to the candidates in attendance.

912Candidates.org is now recruiting individuals willing to participate in organizing the convention. Applications should include a brief introduction, available time to work on the convention, and be emailed to info@912Candidates.org. There are no paid positions. The convention will be organized entirely by volunteers the head of which will be known as a “Quorum of Nine.”

The United States of America is a Republic founded on principles and values. Without these values our Republic will not survive. This convention will help return these values back to our government. In 1776 among a population of 2 million, 56 citizens pledged their sacred honor and stood up against the most powerful nation on earth to declare their independence. Among our current population good men and women are stepping forward, pledging their sacred honor, and committing to the principles and values that will restore this nation for posterity.

We should expect the people who represent us to represent the values that are important to us.

- Dr. Rand Paul