From the Chair
April 30, 2008

Friends:

 I attended an annual Apple Blossom party this past weekend at a friend’s home. While most people at the event discussed topics that did not include politics, a couple decided to chide me for my support of our President. While we had never met in person before,, they had heard me speak on the radio. Their  criticism of me and the Republican Party was overwhelming.

As anyone who has met me knows, I will fight to my death for your right to disagree with me. Being able to discuss our difference of opinions in a civil manner is what makes our Country the greatest Country in the world.  After 9-11 my son (then 9 years old) wanted to know why we were bombed.  My response was: there are groups of people who do not understand how an atheist and a christian, a muslim and a jew, an elderly and a youth, an educated and a non-educated, people of all different colors and backgrounds, even a republican and a democrat, can live next door to each other, watch each other’s animals, mow each other’s lawns and have lunch together without hating each other. 

I have a problem with people who argue without knowing the facts of the issue being discussed! 

This couple firmly believed our President should be impeached.  When I tried to tell them there was no evidence of wrongdoing to even start impeachment proceedings, they strongly disagreed. They also discounted the facts I presented that led Congress to move forward with the decision to go into Iraq. I believe this couple is so blinded by their hatred of our President and those of us in the Republican Party, that they believe the false stories they were told.  This couple would not even believe me when I told them President Clinton was impeached.

The point of sharing my story of the party with you is that we (the Chelan County Republican Party) will continue in our efforts to give you solid political information on our website.  Being informed will help you carry on discussions with others in a dignified, educated and honorable manner. The good news to my story is that several at this party I attended (including democrats), came to my rescue and let this couple know President Clinton WAS impeached.  They left the party without even saying goodbye to the hosts.   

We have a great year ahead of us.  Working as a team will benefit us all. 

~fredi simpson

PS: Please view this video which will show the broad support from both Republicans and Democrats regarding the concerns that led to the Iraq war. http://www.bercasio.com/movies/dems-wmd-before-iraq.wmv