by Josh Elkins
So I attended the GOP convention on Saturday April 30th as a guest. Let’s say I had higher hopes than what I experienced.
For starters I just want to say I was shocked and appalled but the amount of adult children who are our representatives for the Republican Party in Vermont.
I have never seen a worse display of division in my life, other than watching our federal government display their circus. I had initially thought everyone was voting on things that might affect voters. But I then, I realized this was just trying to figure out what the Republican party stands for. How could our representatives expect any voter in Vermont to support a group that can’t even agree on what they believe and stand for. I heard many times that there needs to be compromise if, ” we want to win in the next election.” Is winning more important than standing with integrity and following the parties printed platform “In God we trust ?”
I saw no faith, no hope, no trust. I saw that winning the majority is more important than having a backbone and principles. I have always thought the Republican party was a conservative, at least some what Christian-based party. Granted there were a few that displayed this, but most would bend to appease their voter base, trying not to offend anyone.
I heard for over an hour, “that so and so would be relieved of their position if they had to stand for something controversial.” So be it, most of the people I saw, either had nothing else to do with their time, which is why they are in office; or had been in office for some many years, they probably should let others take their place whom will take a stand! The smartest thing I heard one person say was, “If you’re worried about people not coming on board with the party, or losing support for the way you vote, there’s the door.” This was in regards to standing up for the sanctity of life in the platform statement that was voted on first.
I had said I would like to possibly run up here in Franklin County for representative. But, after what I saw yesterday, I would be ashamed to say I am a Republican in Vermont.
I hope Chair Dame shares this with everyone that was there on Saturday. I will stand by what I said, and believe. If the party is not in unison on even the simplest bible principles, which this country was founded on, they’ll never truly win anything. Only the illusion of succession and a falsehood of defeating the Democrats. There needs to be certainty, a clear, and concise baseline which the whole party agrees on. No compromise to win, no gray area, that’s the way things have always been and why no one believes any politician. It’s believed they will eventually succumb to scrutiny and change their position, usually know as being bipartisan. Stand, stand, stand.
Republicans in Vermont want people to believe in, let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no, stop bending. And for God sake, stop fighting each other, agree on something together, or replace the ones who can’t.
Categories: Commentary
Well said. Bravo! My sentiments exactly.
After reading Mr. Elkins commentary, my only take away is that he did not like what he experienced at the GOP Convention. Based on what he has written, its not possible to come to any conclusion about the Republican Party in Vermont other than Mr. Elkins doesn’t like it.
Not liking what he experienced is fine. He has a right not to be happy…….And then comes the decision of what to do about it……Here’s where I think Mr. Elkins fumbled the ball. If he is really interested in the successful operation of the Republican Party, an alternative to bomb throwing would be getting to work to chance things for the better in the Party…….Bomb throwing is not a good strategy for improving things.
At this very moment, I’m reading a book written by former US Congress Speaker of the House John Boehner entitled “On the House”. When Boehner was first elected two Congress in 1991 and arrived in Washington DC he found the Republican Conference in a state similar to what Mr. Elkins perceived in Vermont…….Instead of throwing a bomb in frustration, John Boehner when to work to make the Republican Conference a better operation and was ultimately rewarded by being elected Speaker of the House.
If Mr. Elkins is really interested in the welfare of the Vermont Republican Party, he may want to read the John Boehner book, eschew bomb throwing and get to work making things better for the GOP in Vermont.
Mr. Yankowski,
Your perception of my explanation, is a bit off base. I was mearily trying to express what I experienced, by way of seeing whom I believe we all put our faith in; to be a bit more morally sound, than so easily able to compromise. Im sick of hearing the excuse of bipartisanship, as a reason to turn on moral grounds. Many Vermonters have voted these men and women into office. And in my opinion, should be very disappointed in them as well. I’ve never truly believed any politician, yes even Trump had his flaws, but he was a straight shooter. Unfortunately, I can not run at the current time, believe me I would love too. But, I will be doing all I can to try to get candidates who will stick by their word, and their moral beliefs.
From what I understand from my local GOP party, Dame (and others such as our RINO governor very obviously) are anti-Trump.
Like him or not, and I as well as many other Vermonter’s very much do, HE is the leader of the present GOP & yet these “party members” openly bash him & other true Conservatives which is why, presently, I will not involve myself in the State of VT’s GOP.
Unless and until they are ready & willing to cease from auditioning for a “popularity” contest, fight for VT as strongly as the left fights to destroy VT, and nix the anti-Trump blather – they will never win squat, sorry.
Trump invigorated the GOP nationwide & did so through courage & truth. None of you have, correct?
I presume the ads running for GOP candidates in the media will, yet again, be namby-pamby, “don’t offend anyone”, weak nonsense that doesn’t address how & why Vermont is being decimated by democRATS.
Trump’s voice & his message ROCKS!!!!
Sorry, boyz.
Your gentle, gentile manner hasn’t cut it, and will never cut it.
FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE & WISE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What I like about the Republican Party is that we are a diverse group and because there are many different opinions, it covers the real spectrum of Vermont. What I know about politics is that nothing ever stays the same. Whatās here today is gone tomorrow and because we are so diverse, we are always informed. Please remember that there are other parties that would not allow you in their ranks because you just didnāt think like their core. You would have no voice in a party like that. We may not always agree but at least you are free to tell everyone what your thoughts are. And better yet, listened to. We have a great opportunity to capture more seats in this coming election cycle. Our numbers are growing because we are diverse and not narrow minded. Letās continue to move forward together as a family.
Dear Russ Ingalls,
You are EXACTLY describing THE BIG TENT, ALL ARE WELCOME dilution of the Republican Platform that STANDS FOR NOTHING.
No one is seeking to have robots that all think and act alike, but why is it wrong to expect those in office and/or running for office to be accountable to upholding their Oaths to support and defend the US and State Constitutions? The subjects of LIFE and LIBERTY are basic.
It seems the majority in attendance Saturday care more about being liked and
inclusive to everything and everyone than REALLY STANDING FOR BASIC PRINCIPLES AND CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOMS. Why do you call yourselves Republicans?
The present GOP Leadership thinks they can’t win if they require certain agreement and accountability. I believe they have it backwards. Most participants in the State Party are BIG TENT RINOS, because that’s what they have promoted and displayed for many, many years. They attract what they are.
The TRUE REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVES show up occasionally trying to wake up the RINOS, just like at this past Saturday’s Platform Meeting.
We are at a crossroad in Vermont. We are about to Vote on whether the murder of an innocent human life can further be promoted and solidified by adding this heinous act to our State Constitution.
People are watching, they are not fooled. They know that a genuine and principled State Republican Party would STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT AGAINST THIS.
I agree with, “It seems the majority in attendance Saturday care more about being liked and
inclusive to everything and everyone than REALLY STANDING FOR BASIC PRINCIPLES AND CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOMS. Why do you call yourselves Republicans?” Good statement and a good question.
Hello Russ,
I respect you very much for your outspokenness and your own willingness to decent, however, I, much like the article’s author & so many Conservative Republicans in VT who have been very vocal in telling the state GOP that they no longer bother to vote because the Republicans they send to the state are so wishy-washy once they arrive – want Party COHESION.
Let us face it, Russ: There is a reason why so many in the GOP are termed “RINO’S” and one of the reasons why Trump lost a second term due to influences & decisions created & then administered by the “swamp”.
D.C. is a corruptible mess thanks, in part, to the GOP swampers who acquiesce to the left’s insanity and never take them on using the exact same “rules of the game” that they do daily. This doesn’t work, has never worked, & within certain “swamp” circles is never actually meant to work. Most appreciate & benefit from their long term corruption.
I’m sorry, but until the national GOP & the VT GOP is ready & willing to begin to call out sheer INSANITY where it exists – many VT GOP’ers will continue in their apathy & not bother to vote, hence, we will not win elections here.
As but merely a couple of examples:
Legalized prostitution has been PROVEN (even within other countries) to INCREASE sex trafficking & to INCREASE violent crime. This is a serious crime against ALL women!!! Where is the VT. GOP’s outrage against this? Will this topic be included in election ads for GOP candidates??
How about the State’s Attorneys who were funded by Soros & now routinely do not prosecute crimes against criminals of color? Any mention from the GOP?
WHY did the Governor cave to the left who DEMANDED he make public who he planned to vote for in 2020? Voting is a personal, private matter – NOT something he had ANY obligation to disclose…he yes, has any right to vote for ANY candidate on the ballot he chooses – but he INSTEAD chose to demean the President & the HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of his supporters all to retain his “power” as Governor of VT.
C’mon Russ, last evening on Fox – I learned that there are now four States approving or on the verge of approving Tampon/Napkin dispensers for the boy’s bathrooms in public schools. I will just take a wild guess VT is next….let us see.
Insanity is insanity. DNA is DNA. And acquiescing is sheer cowardice under THESE circumstances.
Keep up the good work that you do, but I calls ’em as I sees ’em, and if Republican VT candidates truly believe that abortions “empower” women & are simply “healthcare” or if biological males should usurp women in athletics – let them alter their party status to democRAT.
There are reasons for Party Platforms.
People are largely sheeple. Democrats are NOT independent thinkers & are largely IGNORANT of all their party is engaging in on our state level. And not calling out these wrongs is:sheepISH.
What a spirited debate! I attended the Republican Platform Convention this last weekend and I saw the same things the Josh Elkins saw – but I interpreted them very differently. We have two major parties in the country and a whole lot of reasonable people are divided in what they think about each of those parties.
The article condemns the attending republicans as childish for their healthy debate on changing the republican platform to be a mandated loyalty test. As evidenced by the majority vote of the republicans in attendance, most of us believe that it is okay and sometimes even necessary to make compromises and hold a variety of opinions on social issues and still be a valid republican.
To demand that a republican agree with every other republican on every social issue is a childish point of view. This has nothing to do with a big tent, or achieving a majority at any cost. This has to do with accepting that legislators may need to compromise in order to move the republican agenda forward. And that voters can hold opinions that sometimes conflict with the party and still be part of the party. That is the way the world works, and the way it should work.
As for my part, I celebrate that healthy acceptance of diversity and I will continue to work to ensure the republican party is a vibrant, growing and healthy representation of all Vermont republicans.
Mr. Northrop,
Do those who hold office as Republicans take an Oath to uphold the US and Vermont State Constitutions? Is that a loyalty test? Does taking an Oath still mean making a promise to do something or have the RINOS diluted and changed that too? Why run or hold office if you don’t believe in the very Foundations, Freedoms and Supreme Law of our State and Country or our Constitutional Republic Form of Government?
Your reference to agreeing on “social issues” is a ruse. RINOS have been using that line for years and years to avoid having to talk about morality. Let’s look at some of where that has led our culture.
Murder of human babies on demand before and after after birth, free to kill yourself if you desire, legal prostitution, legal mind altering drugs and now being forced to lie and tell boys they are girls, girls are boys or whatever they want to be for the day and adults teaching very young innocent children about sex and giving some of the same innocent children sex change drugs.
Let’s just keep focusing on the “fiscal issues” and ignoring those pesky “social issues” hey Mr Northrop. After all, when humanity has fully destroyed itself through all kinds of perversion and immorality, you’ll be proud, because you and the other RINOS focused on “the healthy acceptance of diversity.”
What has happened to all the strong moral men in our culture?
One thing they want for sure is the knock down drag out fight and diversion on Abortion.
Here me out.
As a Christian, we are supposed to follow the example of Christ. These people have been lied to; they didn’t know what (many) they were doing. They were told by the world at large it’s ok, it’s your right, it’s just tissue.
They need to be forgiven, just like David was forgiven. They still have the consequence of their actions, they have to live with that.
In the meantime, we could be supporting every possible option to lower the events of unwanted pregnancies, something everyone can agree on. And if you are a woman and you find your self in the position of having made a mistake, truth, compassion, love and alternative answers are what is most direly needed.
So, they put out the debate that could propel us to civil war. The chaos they are going to create by this is the plan. Because when everybody gets so churned up, when the riots start, which is their plan. Guess who will have to come in and save the day?
Biden. He’ll have to declare martial law to quell the unrest. Which will be the quick trip to over throw the government.
When they look to subvert a country, they call this phase “normalization” I believe.
they want us rabidly, uncontrollably defending the lives of the unborn so they can overtake the country when it goes into civil unrest.
We have to decide if we want to play their games or lead. We can’t fight another day if the country is taken over by NWO pimpns in the name of Martial law and peace.
DONT TAKE THE BAIT———- GO LONG TERM———
DON’T LET THEM DEFINE THE BATTLE FIELD
Nearly every candidate President Trump has endorsed is winning their primaries – 22-0 in Ohio and Indiana primaries. The VT GOP appears at odds with a majority of their brotheren across the nation. Will the Vermont GOP find the guts to stop denying what the People really want and voted for in 2020 – what the rest of the nation is voting for now? Or is the plan to continue to play footsie with the Left and hold up candidates we donāt want or canāt trust as far as we can spit?
Dear Randall – The “okay and sometimes even necessary to make compromises and hold a variety of opinions on social issues” should not pertain to the sanctity of life. This is a non-negotiable issue in my opinion. Can we really trade unborn children for favors or swing votes? We started off the meeting with a prayer asking God to bless and guide us and then pretended that it wasn’t our business that Republicans are voting pro-abortion. Someday we will all be judged on what we did or didn’t do, said or didn’t say pertaining to this injustice. “I knew you before I formed you in your motherās womb. ” Jeremiah 1:5. God is watching and listening.
IF the party want’s to be New World Order light, vs. New World Order lemmings (those who’ve taken over the Dem VT party)
Then of course you’ll get into office.
If getting into office for power, money and control is your goal, then yes this is the path, and quite honestly, it’s demonic, there is no truth, no love.
So yeah….there is a problem in the VTGOP, big tent means welcoming all. It doesn’t mean having leadership that welcomes all ideas, that’s chaos, precisely what we’ve got. Nobody with any success or brains would join this party or donate any amount of money, because they know it would be a complete waste.
We aren’t even entirely American centric for God’s sake. Our leader of the VTGOP supports and voted for
THEY WILL OWN NOTHING AND BE HAPPY
BUILD BACK BETTER – WHICH NOT THE CAMPAIGN SLOGAN FOR BIDEN BUT THE NWO
BIDEN – THE POSTER CHILD FOR SOROS PUPPET
That is not a big tent that is pimpin’ for the new world order….HUGE difference.
At least make the minimum you love and support America, we don’t even have that!
With the VTGOP divided…..Unitparty wins, uniparty is NWO/Marxists/Socialists….not America
It’s part of the plan, some really , really like and benefit from the current status quo
“…the simplest Bible principles..”? New Testament or Old? Maybe we should leave religion out of politics, use the principles to guide your life? Sure! But you need NOT shove one’s beliefs onto others to prove what, exactly? One can lead a good, moral life without being in ANY organized religion. All the party need do is show the insanity of the “other” side, shoving sex at elementary kids,punishing success, choking prosperity, a “Green New Deal” when the OLD “New Deal” failed, open borders, more foreign wars, etc., etc..You don’t need religion to tell right from wrong, put your state, country, & neighbors best interests forward, that’s all. There’s a reason Freedom of Religion (& FROM it) is the 1st Amendment, better to keep that private & work for the PUBLIC interests & people WILL follow good ideas. And I don’t see ANY good ideas coming from the other side, period.
Mr. Merrill,
Would it make sense to say, the more God is removed from things, the worse they get? Look around you and tell me we are doing a great job by not basing our decisions on biblical principles. Believe or not, the day is coming when individuals, counties, states, countries, etc. will not have the luxury of including God anymore. That hand will be removed, and I pray for those whom have mocked or pushed him to the side. We, this state, this country, this world are nothing without him being included in all things. One more note, moral principles, are biblically based, right and wrong. Without there would be chaos, everything would be acceptable, just as we are seeing in our culture today.
God bless my friend, pick your side!
I disagree that people can tell right from wrong without being taught. Whole groups of people are being taught today that they are entitled to the fruit of others’ labor because of some perceived historical wrong — a wrong which has been perpetrated against every race and nationality on the planet.
From whence is right and wrong determined? These days, experiencing the chaos of wrong decisions only serves to think up better excuses and others to blame for their “inequities”.
Thou shalt not lie, steal, kill, etc.
Rome fell when debauchery and corruption ran rampant, when honor was no more. This is a road travelled before.
AMEN!!!
We are now poised & destined to repeat history.
When will we ever learn…….when will we ever learn, as the song goes.
After reading Mr. Elkins commentary, my only away is that he did not like what he experienced at the GOP Convention. Based on what he has written, its not possible to come to any conclusion about the Republican Party in Vermont other than Mr. Elkins doesn’t like it.
Not liking what he experienced is fine. He has a right not to be happy…….And then comes the decision of what to do about it……Here’s where I think Mr. Elkins fumbled the ball. If he is really interested in the successful operation of the Republican Party, an alternative to bomb throwing would be getting to work to chance things for the better in the Party…….Bomb throwing is not a good strategy for improving things.
At this very moment, I’m reading a book written by former US Congress Speaker of the House John Boehner entitled “On the House”. When Boehner was first elected two Congress in 1991 and arrived in Washington DC he found the Republican Conference in a state similar to what Mr. Elkins perceived in Vermont…….Instead of throwing a bomb in frustration, John Boehner when to work to make the Republican Conference a better operation and was ultimately rewarded by being elected Speaker of the House.
If Mr. Elkins is really interested in the welfare of the Vermont Republican Party, he may want to read the John Boehner book, eschew bomb throwing and get to work making things better for the GOP in Vermont.
Except…….the Vermont GOP is supposed to be working to make things better for the constituents of VT – NOT the other way around.
How many candidates/elected/foot soldiers of the VT GOP were forcibly coerced into involving themselves in public service? I’m betting ZERO & if it’s a figure greater than that, that’s gotta be one tall tale over beers one night. It’s also gotta be B.S.
Now, again, the VT GOP ought to get to work making things better. They volunteered for this job. Just as I did when I served on a VT Planning Commission for over 7 years – as the ONLY dissenting, incorruptible (you know, like with some of those long-dead Saints) member on it.
Now it’s other folks’ turns.
Dig them heels in!!!
And it’s a no brainer, BTW……Abortion is the cessation of the life of a human being. Be a proponent if you will, just don’t be a Republican proponent as so many now are.
Remember the Pro-Life Democrats from decades ago? Try getting elected as one today. Same thing here…..they’re just vote fishin’.
John Boehner, the other orange man. He resigned after Pope Francis came for a visit, which led to Paul Ryan taking over after Kevin McCarthy bowed out. I’m sure his book is an interesting read. Did he happen to mention a September 18, 2008 meeting with Nancy Pelosi, Ben Bernancke and Hank Pauslen? Apparently, he promptly cashed out his equity mutual fund the same day? All Hell broke loose shortly thereafter. What did John know and when did he know it?
I have read the various comments and opinions here. When I moved back to Vt. 15 years ago, I asked some of my R friends “what is wrong with the VT. GOP?” There seemed to be so much diversity and lack of unity. Well, it has just gotten worse during the past 15 years-IMO. I was very actively involved initially, but soon became aware that I really wasn’t welcome (locally) and resigned from the position I held. Since that time I have encountered some very unpleasant situations, esp. with the election of Trump. I respect the opinions of others, but I also expect to be treated with respect. I am still very much a Republican, but I have to admit that I am having difficulty becoming active again. I do have some very good R friends that are respectful, which I appreciate. I am intentionally making a long story-short because I don’t want to get into “you know what” match. BTW- I am not alone in this arena, and one friend has actually left the party and become Independent. I’m not there quite yet, but___.
Well, we pretty much can see all around us here how the case for being a Milk toast, impotent “R” is – the State of VT is on the brink of legalizing prostitution, drug use & death from illicit use has skyrocketed, & violent crime is sky-high – particularly for a State that was only recently the safest or the second safest in the nation.
Republicans aren’t gaining in favor because of their “midland” approach to try to please everyone but have failed miserably because they refuse to represent their conservative base and take on the insanity of the leftist’s policies vocally & effectively.
Let’s see how this typical tact works for them this year; I bet we’ll still remain with our nearly super- majority dem/progressives in the legislature.
You know, when you are repeatedly knocked out by a dude with boxing gloves – you should NEVER continue to attempt to finger wrestle them in turn.
Speak up or give up, fellas.
Better put some starch in those upcoming candidate ads!!!
REMEMBER ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 8TH 2022 TO VOTE OUT THE LIBERAL DEM SWAMP RATS š š PERIOD FOLKS!!
PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT RINO REPUBLICANS THAT CROSS PARTY LINE PERIOD AND VOTE IN TRUE AMERICAN PATRIOT REPUBLICANS THAT HOLD THE LINE PERIOD FOLKS!!
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE AUGUST 9TH IN THE PRIMARYS!!
YOUR SAFETY AND LIVELIHOOD DEPENDS ON IT PERIOD FOLKS!!
Make sure to read that platform that was voted in. Its very good. I hope that those making the negative comments helped some of the 100 or so candidates that ran for the VT House in 2020? Well only 46 of them won – and it wasnāt because they were rhinos. Its easy to complain and publicly insult others who are working hard to save the state, but coming alongside and helping could actually make a positive difference. And if you are a follower of Jesus, I ask that you would sincerely pray for our elected office holders, our party workers (its volunteer you know, we do this because we care), and any who would dare to step up as candidates in this critical environment. So thereās only 6 R senators out of 30 and 46 R Reps of 150. Where are all these conservatives candidates who are eager and able to replace those you want to condemn? Iām a conservative and a Christian and I appreciate very much the hours of effort the members of the vtgop pour into helping get the needed R majority elected. And yes, that is a critical goal. The only way to have leadership of committees. If we donāt, the state is lost. The globalists may succeed in their āresetā plan before we can do it, but letās try at least.
There are going to be 150 seats up for re-election in the house and 30 in the Senate. We need to pick up 10 house seats to safely be able to hold a Veto. There are 7 Republican Senators and we are losing two. So we are down to 5. There are at least 10 seats coming up that are open as far as we can tell. I urge everyone in our party to run. For the ones who have commented here, I do appreciate it. And I encourage you to throw your name in. The more people we have out there campaigning is better for our Party. With 10 open seats in the Senate, we could have 15 Republicans in the Senate for the first time in 20
Years. Be sure to have 50 signatures for a house seat and 100 for a Senate seat and have your applications in to run at your county Courthouse by 5/26. That is a firm date with no exceptions. The last election had over 115 uncontested races where we had no Republicans running between the house and senate. Iām thinking we have many more people who want to run. Iām hoping so.
This is one of the foundational problems Theresa. The Vermont GOP thinks just because they get people in positions of Vermont Government they are saving the State and/or doing good things. How is that a measure of success?
The Vermont GOP won’t deal with or take a stand on “social issues” because they think they will loose people. The State is legalizing ALL types of moral depravity and child abuse with the help of some who claim to be Republican.
We also have the highest drug death rate in the Country. We are on a path to add an amendment to our State Constitution to legalize the murder of human babies after we have already promoted that people are free to kill themselves and legalized helping others to die if you want to as well. How can you even wonder why the suicide rate is so high?
Look around and ask yourself, what the State GOP is focused on and talking about in the midst of all this death culture and human tragedy. They are dusting the mantle while the room is flooding.
Their lack of taking a stance on social issues has failed year after year after year yet, they stick their heads in the sand and justify it continuing on doing the same. They coddle the RINOS in Office and have no expectation they will keep their Oaths. Most of them suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome, so they helped Biden to get where he is.
So if you want to join in with their dumbed down standards and denial of reality, that’s your Freedom to do. Please don’t scold the rest of us who see the reality for what it truly is and are reaching for much higher Principles and Moral Standards than just getting people elected.
It’s almost like it’s on purpose.
Notice how National does nothing for us? Why? Because they like Vermont just the way it is.
Think about it. National Chain of restaurants, in one state they are doing miserable. Stores are run down, don’t have regular hours, serve the same stale food every day, some of it’s past it’s shelf life.
What would you do? What are they doing? Know them by their actions.
You’d get new managers, spiff up the store, hold regular hours, net work and market to old customers……
and if that didn’t’ work you’d closem’ down.
Are they doing any of that? Are they letting anyone do any of that?
We’ll see.
When Phil Scott backs Joe Biden, both before and after Biden got elected, you know you don’t have much of a Republican Party in Vermont. Phil Scott is absolutely dedicated to single party rule, regardless of the moniker. After all, it doesn’t matter what the label says on an empty bottle.