RECALL DOES NOT CHANGE HEARTS AND MINDS!

I was sorry to see that my friends in the Tea Party took upon themselves the misguided recall effort. As a former member on the board of directors with Oroville Youth Soccer and a coach and grandfather of several very good players currently on rosters, I was happy to see that “our” misdirected energies failed.

The Tea Party stands for limited government and careful scrutiny over limited funds. Our Founders created a government, so their intention could never be construed to be “no government”. The fact is, limited government requires the emphasis be placed on local government.

In this case the Tea Party members who brought on this recall lost track of what the opposite of big government is. I would never presume to negate the instruments (recall as one), which are required to facilitate what can no longer be influenced by debate, law or election. However, by its very nature, recall is a strong-arm, big government tactic. It is a request for a certain population and community to war with each other, then return to harmony. Works really good at the state and federal level but not so much with the family paradigm. And listen, when you are trying to remove your neighbor, well, not so much either. You see, in that case, coming before your neighbor with a petition or challenge to expurgate board or council action where misappropriation was alleged seems ill advised from my perspective. My Tea Party members should have gone after city council that are acting like big government zealots who seem to have acquired a taste for power. In any event, at any level, but at least here in my hometown of Oroville, CA (I’m a 60 year resident), if you want to effect change at Parks & Rec, follow my example and work with the board, or get yourself elected, to realize the change you desire.

Real grassroots effort is the key to change. I use that brand of politics everyday as I try to have a conversation with my neighbors and friends on my blog, on Facebook and in letters to the editor. Yes, I am considered by a few folks to be pragmatic and contemptuous. Both very good attributes to posses in grassroots campaigns. But, I have been out of the community’s focus, as a whole, for more than a year. Nothing like a bit of controversy to get “Old Bob’s” juices going again.

My friends in the Tea Party wanted a recall. I asserted early on that it was not a good idea. I advised those substantial numbers of folks I am regularly in contact with to decline the request to sign. That is grassroots my friends and you ought to learn from your failure.

But I still love you!