Our Independence, Our Freedom, Our blessing...

Most of you are probably beginning your holiday celebration for the Fourth of July. I have been very concerned about our precious Republic and her future.  So many of elements of our society, the loud and progressive, have brought about significant changes in our Republic's landscape.  Certainly there really is the landscape, the environment and all that it encompasses.  But I am also speaking to the social, political, and the sacred familial freedoms that we have historically enjoyed.

I do not wish to be political here. However, let's just say that I am looking at Candidates that I may have never sought out before in regard to the Presidential campaign.  I still believe the honor, integrity, wisdom, respect, ethics, and  righteous principals are necessary tools in the toolbox of any President.  I have tried to vote with these ideals in mind my entire adult life.  I see no reason to break away from them now.

I have to admit, I have been a bit discouraged about the course of our beloved Republic.  I have determined that I have been gathering my information from TV and Radio sources that tend to discourage and exploit for ratings despite their political leaning. 

Thus, I was so grateful to find this breath of fresh air....Elder D Todd Christofferson who was a keynote speaker at the Freedom Festival (held annually in Provo Utah).  I am again hopeful and thankful for the many gifts the almighty have given.  I vow again to look forward with hope and faith in this blessed land, and will participate and work to do what I can to ensure Her safety.  

I encourage you to put up your feet, and listen to the amazing speech. (Start at minute 2:09). I hope it will warm you heart during this Holiday weekend as we remember those who sacrificed so much to keep us free.

There Is A Lot At Stake.....

There is a lot of stake. I would strongly, strongly encourage you to please prayerfully make a decision...and certainly VOTE! This is such a critical time...there is no room for anyone to be a spectator. If you don't know about the candidates.....you are in luck! By viewing this post, you show that you know how to use the internet and can search to find all the information you may need. 

Be a patriot....use your sacred voice...and VOTE! 

This is The "Little Red Hen"  and I approved this message!

  

Also, for those who live in HIghland Utah, you will find a discussion and information on Proposition 6 that you may want to take into consideration here.  I particularly found this video of interest from someone who is not of the "majority faith" in this area regarding the Sunday Closure proposition.  See what you think.  

Before you roll you eyes.....

Now, before some of you roll your eyes to the back of your head....take a moment to think. Are you feeling great satisfaction when you talk back to the TV and Radio....especially when your leaders take action you agree or disagree with?

No matter what State you live in, you can be a part of the process to nominate good and wise people to represent you.  You can do as much as you feel comfortable with....and you really should.  Our children and grandchildren are counting on us to protect and lead them. We all should work toward making their future as unencumbered as we can....we owe it to them. 

In Utah, we have an inspired Caucus system.  I am planning to run as a State Delegate.  If you want to know more about what Delegates do, please see this link to our local Precinct Blog.  Consider running yourself.  Who is in a better position to determine and vote for the needs of your area....than a neighbor you know?

The First Presidency recently had the following read over the pulpit in Utah:

On Tuesday, March 13, and Thursday, March 15, 2012, political parties in Utah will hold precinct caucus meetings. Precinct caucuses are the most fundamental grassroots level of political involvement. They are best served by a broad representation of Utah citizens. Those who attend play a critical role in selecting candidates for public office.

We are concerned with the decreasing attendance at these caucus meetings in Utah in recent years. We therefore ask that local leaders not schedule meetings on these Tuesday and Thursday evenings so that members may attend a caucus meeting of their choice. The locations of these meetings can be found on the websites of the respective political parties.

Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of the various political parties. We encourage members to attend their precinct caucus meetings

In Highland, and particularly in my area, the following information applies to HI02. However, if you wish to find your precinct, please see the Lieutenant Governor's website.  

HI02 (Republican) Precinct:

• March 15, 2012
• 7:00 to 8:30. Registration begins at 6:30
• Meet in Conference Room Adjacent to the Highland City Library, 5400 W. Civic Center Dr., Room A-1, Highland, Utah 84003

Democratic Caucus:

• March 13, 2012
• 6:30 p.m.
• American Fork High School
  510 North 600 East, American Fork
  
  
  Make a plan to attend your local Caucus.....you may be surprised at how much more satisfying the Caucus is than to talking back to your TV and radio!
  
  
  The future of your children and grandchildren depends upon what you do today. 

In Utah, Religious Leaders promote attending your upcoming Caucus.

Image courtesy of marionvermazen.blogs.com

In Utah, we have a blessed and unique Caucus system that truly encourages and actually allows true grass-root involvement of you and your neighbors. I love this system because it is very difficult to use money to influence the election of the several delegates per Caucus in Utah's approximately 2000 precincts who then represent their precinct/area and elect the candidates.  These delegates, your own neighbors who you elect, essentially vet the candidates running for office.  They are invited to listen to all of the candidates in a variety of settings, learn their views, & help made a decision that is in keeping with your local area.  These delegates can, and should, take your input into consideration and also share what they are learning with you.  In my precinct, we have a blog and a facebook page to help with disseminating information and our constituents state that they really appreciate being kept in the loop.  

This process is under attack by many special interest groups who appear to have either deep pockets or wish to promote their own ideals and candidates over the choice or choices you might make.  Many of these individuals have complained that the ordinary citizen is not informed enough to make decisions about who should run and that essentially a select group of individuals are better prepared and more knowledgeable to to make this choice for you.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Who better can know your area than a delegate who resides in your area?  In my view, the events of our last election cycle with Senator Bennett point to the effectiveness of this system.  The thousands of delegates, vetted and voted to represent their own areas and constituents.  No amount of money could have influenced all of these people to vote as they did.  In the end, the incumbent was not elected to be the candidate, and a primary was necessitated between now Senator Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater.  In that Primary, you voted for the candidate that best represented you after all of the candidates had been vetted by your delegates.  

How important is this system? Well, don't just take my word for it, see what many of our leading religious leaders are saying to their congregations. They too seem to recognize and encourage the exercising of your individual rights.  See their comments below (Courtesy of Bill Barnes from Intermountain Healthcare):

Faith communities urge participation in precinct caucus meetings

Intermountain Healthcare is encouraging all employees to attend and participate in their precinct caucuses.  The Democratic Party will hold their caucuses on Tuesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m., and the Republican Party will hold their caucuses at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday March 15.  So called "third parties" will also conduct caucuses - check their web sites for information. It is interesting to me that the leaders of several of Utah's faith communities have also issued statements encouraging their followers to attend their neighborhood political caucuses. I am sure I have not seen all the statements that have been made, but I have gone through my files and found several statements from the past few years.  Here are three of them. From a few years ago: To members of the Jewish community, Our tradition teaches: "Do not withdraw from the community" (Ethics of Our Ancestors, 2:5). We have been blessed as full participants in political life of this country, and we have a responsibility to work toward a just and equitable society. As the Torah teaches, "Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive..." (Deuteronomy 16:20) In Utah, the election process begins at party caucus meetings . . . Locations will be listed in the newspapers or you may contact the political party of your choice for the neighborhood locations. Those who attend caucuses play a critical role in nominating candidates and set the stage for important party and public policy decisions. We encourage your participation in a caucus for the party of your choice. Rabbi Tracee Rosen, Congregation Kol Ami _________________________________________________ From the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this year: Dear Brothers and Sisters: PRECINCT CAUCUS MEETINGS On Tuesday, March 13, and Thursday, March 15, 2012, political parties in Utah will hold precinct caucus meetings.   Precinct caucuses are the most fundamental grassroots level of political involvement.  They are best served by a broad representation of Utah citizens.  Those who attend play a critical role in selecting candidates for public office. We are concerned with the decreasing attendance at these caucus meetings in Utah in recent years.  We therefore ask that local leaders not schedule meetings on these Tuesday and Thursday evenings so that members may attend a caucus meeting of their choice.  The locations of these meetings can be found on the websites of the respective political parties. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of the various political parties.  We encourage members to attend their precinct caucus meetings. Sincerely yours, the First Presidency.  _________________________________________ And, from the Catholic Diocese (again, from a couple of years ago): There are some 2,000 voting precincts in the State of Utah and each will hold one caucus for each political party. . . They usually last approximately an hour. Locations will be . . . posted on the web sites of the political parties. The main purpose of the caucuses is to elect delegates to the conventions and precinct officers (who serve on the county party Central Committees). Delegates, meeting in convention, then select which candidates will be the nominees for each respective party at every level of government. Precinct caucuses are the most fundamental grassroots level of civic involvement in Utah and participants not only play a critical role in nominating candidates, but guide important party policy and public policy. They are truly your chance to be heard. In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. (See "The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" at www.faithfulcitizenship.org) Participate in public policy will enable you to read, listen, and watch the news knowing that you have done your part to make Utah a better place! ___________________________________________ It is obvious that these caucus meetings are an important part of the political process here in Utah. We would encourage you to make the time, attend your caucus meeting, and be a part of the process. If you really want to exercise significant impact - run to be a delegate! It is easy. Take a few friends and go for it. It's fun!! Call your County Clerk (number in the blue pages of your phone book) to find out your precinct number, then go to the web site of the party of your choice to locate your precinct location.

Not only are religious leaders teaching and encouraging their congregations to become involved, but employers are as well.  Who better to represent the interests of local religious beliefs as well as those who are employed in our state, than you!  

Please make the date of your local Caucus a priority and attend!   You have much to protect and promote.

What is a Caucus & How can I Participate?



Courtesy of wikimedia.org

If you haven't noticed, we in the United States are in the throws of the upcoming Political season.  Utah has gratefully retained its Caucus system instead of going to a Primary.  Why would I say that? It is because our Caucus system allows the grassroots to vote for it's own representatives, who them listen to candidates and their neighbors, and then vote. 

Much has been said about the 2010 cycle, particularly when it came to Senator Bob Bennett.  Organizations with funds have inferred that the grassroots really cannot or do not understand the issues, or Senator Bennett would have had the nomination again.  In my view, Primary Candidates are funded by deep pockets.  With deep pockets come inferred obligations.  So, Primary Candidates really are not elected by the grassroots, they are elected by those willing to pay for their campaign. 

Having said all that, our Caucus system is under fire.  Just pick up a newspaper or use a search engine.  Look at what happened to Colorado in just a few short election cycles.  Their grassroots system is now gone.

So, if you are a resident of Utah, I encourage you to work hard to preserve the system that has been so sacred for so long......because it works.  How can 'infiltrators' move into each precinct, influence all their neighbors, get elected (by the thousands) and vote to 'undermine' a candidate?  It would really be a logistical nightmare to do as the proponents of a Primary system propose.

Come find out what a Caucus is and learn how to be a delegate if you choose.  This is open to everyone.  Please see the information below. 

What is a Caucus & How can I Participate?

Have you ever wondered how to make your voice heard or your vote count? You’re not alone. Come to our Caucus Awareness Presentation on January 27th at 7:00 PM in the Highland Community Center (old city hall building located at 5378 W 10400 N) to find out what a caucus is, how you can use it to make the changes you want to see in your community, and how to make your voice heard and your vote count.

Learn how the Utah’s unique election process works, how to make it work for you and your neighbors, and how you can become an informed voter. We’ll discuss the roles and responsibilities of delegates and precinct officers and how you can become one. You can make a difference!

The presentation is funded by the Utah Republican Party and sponsored by your precinct. Please note, however, this is a non-partisan political meeting! Current political issues will not be discussed, nor will candidates be endorsed. Participants will learn about Utah’s basic election structure - regardless of party affiliation. This is a safe place for all curious voters who want to learn about the purpose of a caucus.

We welcome adults of voting age, which includes anyone who will be 18 on, or before, November 6, 2012. If you have recently moved here, are a new voter, or simply want to learn more about Utah’s unique system this is for you.

Protect what is preciously  yours......learn more about this amazing gift that the Utah Caucus system has to offer.