Independence Day 2020
Happy Independence Day 2020!
This weekend we remember the 244th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. May everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
If you have not yet watched President Trump's speech at Mt. Rushmore, you must do so. It may be the best speech he has given, both in content and presentation. To see it in full go to this link.
From his speech:
"It is time for our politicians to summon the bravery and determination of our American ancestors...we must protect and preserve our history, our heritage, and our great heroes. Here tonight before the eyes of our forefathers, Americans declare again, as we did 244 years ago, that we will not be tyrannized, we will not be demeaned, and we will not be intimidated by bad, evil people."
In just 120 days we will elect the next President of the United States. Here in Chatham County we will also elect a Governor, Cabinet of State, Supreme Court and other justices, county commissioners and school board members. This election will, like all elections, determine the fate of our country, our lives, and those of our descendants. There is a clear difference between conservative and constitutional government and that of the socialists, leftists, and anarchists who would destroy the system of government for which so many have fought and died, and for which we owe our gratitude.
Americans could once be defined as a nation of people who held Liberty to be more important than their own lives. Those Americans pledged their Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor to achieve Liberty, or to die in the attempt. Not for their own sake, but for the sake of their posterity. We who now dare to call ourselves Americans have big shoes to fill.
I'm asking of you a few things.
First, if you are not registered to vote, do so now. Right now! Go to https://www.chathamncgop.com/register
Second, everyone should request an absentee ballot. We cannot predict how conditions in October and November will impact your ability to vote. One can always choose vote in person, but one cannot vote by absentee if that request has not been made. You do not have to vote absentee even if you have an absentee ballot, but that gives you an opportunity to do so. Then learn about the candidates and make your selections. Here is a link for more information about the candidates. Do not let yourself be unable to vote this fall.
Third, please consider how you can help. We need volunteers to work in our campaign headquarters, to make phone calls, to knock on doors, to assist outside voting locations, to observe ballot counting, to write letters, to provide advice, to donate funds, to speak with their neighbors. We need to be brave in the face of adversity, especially here in our home county. If you are able to volunteer time or funds, please let us know at https://www.chathamncgop.com/volunteer_2020 or email me at chair.ccgop@gmail.com.
Lastly, pray for our Country, for our Leaders, for our military, and for our law enforcement officers.
Terry Schmidt
Chair, Chatham County Republican Party
July 05, 2020
Cross-country travel
I recently drove from North Carolina to Kansas on family business. Along the drive there were a lot of signs about the upcoming presidential election - and, except for one Biden bumper sticker beneath a Hillary bumper sticker on an old Volvo, the enthusiasm was all for re-electing President Trump. I guess that shows the national news networks may have it wrong on who is leading in the hearts of the electorate. It was also great to see all the American flags along Highway 64 (unfortunately only once you get out of Chatham County).
We observed some people wearing masks, but a lot more not wearing masks. In the Kansas county we visited almost no one was scared of the coronavirus, AND there have been zero cases of COVID-19.
Businesses are hurting because of shutdowns. My favorite Steak-n-Shake along the highway in St. Louis is closed permanently, and grass is growing in the sidewalk. Stores may never reopen. Hotels along the way seemed to be staying open but with much less business. Take-out fast food seems to be the rule, although the only restaurant in the town we visited was doing a booming sit-down business.
I think if you are concerned about the coronavirus for whatever reason, then stay home and try to stay safe. There is no absolute safety in life, though. Otherwise, take prudent precautions and lets get the country back in business.
Opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect the Chatham County Republican Party official position.
July 02, 2020
Statement on Racism
Racism is evil. Period.
We do not support any group or cause that is based on racial stereotyping, racial characterizations, or racial origins. The race of an individual should not be a consideration. To call a person a "racist" is a very serious charge of heinous behavior and conduct.
As the Party of Lincoln, Eisenhower, and Reagan, we resoundingly believe that all citizens of the United States of America have the inalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, and that these rights should be protected. And we fully understand that the rule of law and equal justice for all is the foundation of our civil rights.
Chatham County Republican Party
June 2020
June 18, 2020
Statement on Statue
We strongly believe that the decision to keep or remove the statue placed on the Pittsboro Courthouse grounds by the Daughters of the Confederacy in memory of fallen Confederate veterans of the War Between the States should reflect the will of the people of Chatham County, and be in accordance with current law and the Constitutions of both North Carolina and the United States of America.
In our representative Republic, elected government officials at all levels should consider both the will of the People and the laws of the Country in all decision-making processes.
In some cases, the will of the People may be over-ridden by the rights and protections afforded all citizens under the law. In other cases, the will of the People will prevail as expressed by their Representatives, provided that all laws are followed and rights of all people are preserved.
We do not approve of the process used by the current Board of Commissioners to reach a decision, as that decision does not appear to follow the law as currently written with regard to public statues on government property as described in a 2015 North Carolina State Law (G.S. 100–2.1) Neither are the Commissioners complying with state laws regarding public meetings as they are refusing to release summaries of minutes for closed meetings during which the statue’s fate was discussed. Elected officials work for us, We the People.
The Chatham County Republican Party believes, based on what official documentation that the County has permitted to be released and on the issues presented in the Poyner Spruill memo to the County Attorney as updated on August 19, 2019 that the statue belongs to Chatham County, and that it is protected by the laws of North Carolina as a historical monument.
We believe that the statue should remain in place to remind all citizens of the terrible war that was fought to maintain the United States of America. This statue, along with thousands of others in courthouse squares, battlefields, and roadside markers across the United States, presents a silent testament to the price of civil war and the value of our Country.
In the words of President Lincoln at Gettysburg: “…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Chatham County Republican Party
September 24, 2019
September 29, 2019