MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN Nov. 2016 It all started with an insult. During Andrew Jackson's 1828 presidential campaign, his political opponents labeled him a "jackass." Stubborn as he was, Jackson co-opted the insult and began putting a donkey on his election posters. For the rest of his career and even into his retirement, newspapers and cartoonists continued to represent Jackson either as a stubborn ass or struggling to control one. Almost 40 years later, the donkey was used to represent not just Jackson, but a larger group of Democrats. In 1870, Thomas Nast, the German-born political cartoonist who gave us the versions of Santa Claus and Uncle Sam we know today, drew a cartoon for Harper's Weekly titled "A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion. "The donkey was a stand-in for "Copperhead Democrats" (the Northern Democrats that opposed the Civil War), and the lion represented Edwin M. Stanton, Abraham Lincoln's recently deceased Secretary of War. Nast thought of the Copperheads as anti-union and believed the Democratic press's treatment of Stanton was In 1874, the New York Herald loudly opposed the possibility of Ulysses S. Grant running for a third presidential term and cried Caesarism: (Political rule like a Roman dictator.) Nast, a life-long Republican who'd become frustrated with his party, thought Republicans might fall for the scare tactic. He drew another cartoon for Harper's, again using a donkey to represent Democrats and adding an animal to symbolize Republicans. The cartoon, titled "The Third Term Panic," showed a donkey (representing the Herald and the Democratic press) wearing a lion's skin (labeled "Caesarism" in order to frighten a group of animals. Among those animals are an elephant (labeled "Republican Vote" and awkwardly fleeing towards a pit labeled "Inflation" and "Chaos") and a fox (labeled "Democrats" and backing away from the pit that the elephant is about to fall into). The Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives that November, and Nast bemoaned the defeat in another cartoon. It showed an elephant caught in a trap set by a donkey, and the lumbering confused behemoth of the Republican Party undone by the Herald's scare tactics. Cont d pg. 2
Page 2 Page 2 Nast continued to use the elephant and the donkey in his cartoons, eventually having them represent the whole of his party and the opposition. In March of 1877, after Republican Rutherford B. Hayes' controversial victory, a Nast cartoon showed an injured elephant ("Republican Party") kneeling at a tombstone labeled "Democratic Party." An 1879 cartoon (pictured) showed a politician grabbing a donkey labeled "Democratic Party" by the tail to keep it from falling into a pit of "financial chaos." The Republican elephant ("the sluggish animal") is lying on and blocking the road to an election victory. By 1880, other cartoonists had picked up the symbols and spread them across the country. Over a century later, their continued use in cartoons, party literature, campaign buttons and all sorts of political merchandise and propaganda has cemented the association between the parties and their animals. The Republicans have even adopted the elephant as their official symbol (the Democrats have yet to do the same for the poor donkey). Editors Note: We have seen numerous Republican members of Congress decide their personal ambitions outweigh their support for the Party s candidate for the most important political position in the nation. These same politicians ran as Republicans and asked Republicans to support their bid for political office. A most notable defector is our own Thomas J. Rooney, representing the 17th district of Florida, in Washington. Most interesting is the letter of a fried, recently converted to the Republican party, he directed to Congressman Rooney. Dear Congressman, Only a few months ago both my wife and I were registered Democrats. We knew we could not possibly support Hillary Clinton (we voted for Bernie, not because we believed in him, at all, but as a sign of protest). As we knew we could not support the candidate of our Party we were forced to make a difficult decision. It came to our attention that every county in the Florida 17 th voted for Trump in the primaries. As both Joann and I, even though Democrats had voted for you we decided we needed to both switch parties and take a hard look at Mr. Trump. Yes he is flawed, very flawed, but what is the alternative? You have stated you will not support the candidate your Republican constituents said they will support. We the voters are fed up with the Washington establishment dictating to us. Don t tell us what s best for us. This, Sir, is exactly why Mr. Trump is your candidate. Your stated rationale is your three sons growing up under a president like Donald Trump. I get it. Mr. Congressman, please consider the kind of Supreme Court your sons will grow up under with a Clinton presidency. As you are aware such a court will be better recognized in Europe than in America. My wife and I BEG you to reconsider your stance on Mr. Trump. I assure you if you hold to this position we will not vote for you again, even though we are now Republicans. Sir, in the privacy of the voting booth do as you please, BUT please support the nominee of your District and your Party. As flawed as he is, he sure beats the alternative.
Page 3 Page 7 Are You Active In Politics? Robert R. McMillan www.bobmcmillan.net For some forty-five years, I have had a paper weight on my desk with this quote from President Dwight Eisenhower Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen. Notice the phrase used the words part time. I do not advocate giving everything up to get active in politics no matter what political party you consider. With 24/7 cable news coverage, mostly focused on government and politics, we all can tend to cut off even thinking about being active in the political process. We do get turned off. Now, let me comment about a regular experience I find as I speak in New York and Florida. It hardly matters what topic I am presenting, but there are generally questions with complaints about government. That is when I ask this question. First, I say do not raise your hands, just think about my question. The question is, How many of you have attended a political party meeting or event in the last six months? Generally, people squirm in their seats and look expressionless. From that point, I go on to say express myself by saying, How can you complain when you do not even participate in the process? What I mean is that if you do not participate, how can you complain about the results of government? Believe me if more of us were involved government would be different. In today s world, we are all very busy. Between work, our families, and social relationships, we find it hard to attend political meetings. But, again, I submit that even if ten percent of us got involved, we would find better government at the local, state, and federal levels. Getting involved goes beyond political action. We all have local civic associations, business organizations, churches and synagogues, and other organizations where all of us could make a difference if we showed up once in a while. When you get down to it, life is really all about showing up. The challenge in today s busy life is where do you show up? Why not start by taking the time to go to at least one or two local political meetings as a part of your 2017 New Year Resolutions? Or if it is not a political meeting, go to your local civic association or even school board meetings. The challenge is not just go. You have to get involved as you attend each meeting. Remember, complaining alone, does not make anything happen. We all have to be better participants at home and in the rest of the world. ********************************************************************************
Page Pg. 4 4 It s time to renew your CCRC membership for 2017. We will be happy to collect dues by mail, Pay Pal or at any of the CCRC events from now to 2017. John Hitzel will be sending out reminders later in the year but why wait. Dues may be paid by cash, check or Pay Pal at any CCRC event or by Mail to the address shown at the bottom: Pay Dues According to Your Status: Charlotte County residents: Single membership: $20.00 Family membership: $30.00 Non Charlotte County Resident Single membership: $10.00 Family membership: $20.00 Make all checks payable to Charlotte County Club (CCRC) Contact: John Hitzel, CCRC Treasurer: 941-286-6281 johnhitzel @yahoo.com The term for all Board positions is one year. Nominees are announced and elections take place at the general meeting, Wed. December 14. We have Board members and Committee chairs who have served in their positions well beyond one year and are much in need of a rest. There is a particular need for candidates for the positions of Treasure and Hospitality chair. We ask that you consider the need for this club to continue to have committed Board members. Be willing to step up to serve if you are able to do so. Please contact Claire Phelen of the nominating committee with any ideas or suggestions: at 941-575- 0734 or clairephelen@comcast.net. The current Board is. President Charlie Counsil 941-575-8997 ccounsil1@comcast.net Vice Pres. Tommy White 941-628-9037 tqwhite1@comcast.net 2nd Vice Pres. Linda Mc Greevey 717-805-7236 lmcmgreevy@gmail.com Treasurer John Hitzel 941-743-4286 johnjack@yahoo.com Secretary Mary Ann Hughes 941-661-1218 jcmaflfl2@comcast.net Past Pres. Jererry O Halloran 941-205-2277 jerry@pgdflyers,net Hospitality Chair Claire Phelen 941-575-0734 clairephelen@comcat.net Newsletter Publisher & Editor: Charlie Counsil
Page 5 Editors note: Notwithstanding the recent Filegate 2 many pundits believe Clinton will take the White House and in doing so will change the balance of the Senate, where democrats need a net gain of 4 seats to retake control. Chris Cillizza, who writes The Fix, a daily weblog for the Washington Post analyzes what this means for the Republi- That prospect is looking more and more likely of late - thanks in large part to the Trump collapse at the top of the ticket, which appears to be dragging down the likes of Richard Burr in North Carolina, Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire and Joe Heck in Nevada. What few people talk about - but should - is that this could be a very short-lived majority for Senate Democrats, as the 2018 playing field is remarkably bad for them. The raw numbers are stunning: 25 Democratic - or Democratic-affiliated independents - are up for reelection compared with just eight Republicans. That's as lopsided an election cycle as you'll ever see. What few people talk about but should is that this could be a very short-lived majority for Senate Democrats, as the 2018 field is remarkably bad for them. A look inside the numbers makes the Democrats challenge in 2018 all the more daunting. Fully 20 percent of the 25 Democratic seats are in states that then-republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney carried in 2012 (and even Trump is likely to carry on Nov. 8): Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota and West Virginia. All five Democratic incumbents in those states are expected to run for reelection, a prospect that gives Democrats a chance in each. But with 2018 looking almost certain to be the first midterm election of a Hillary Clinton presidency, it s hard to see how her party avoids major losses in red states. Some important historical context: In the first midterm election of President Obama s term, in 2010, Democrats lost 63 House seats and six Senate seats. In Bill Clinton s first midterm as president, in 1994, Democrats lost 54 House seats and eight Senate seats. George W. Bush was the exception, with his party gaining eight House seats and two Senate seats in 2002, although that election was heavily influenced by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. While those five states are deeply endangered for Democrats in 2018, they are far from the only possible Republican targets. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) has said he plans to run for reelection, but retirement rumors still swirl. Even if he stays put, he could face a very competitive race. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) cruised to a victory in 2012, but the Buckeye State s natural competitiveness suggests he will face a serious Republican opponent. Wisconsin, too, where Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) is in her first term, could see a real race. Then there is the wild card of Virginia. Sen. Tim Kaine s likely ascension to the vice presidency will force Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) to appoint a replacement. That person will serve until November 2017, when he or she Rep. Robert C. Bobby Scott is the leading name will face a special election for the remaining year of Kaine s term. Whoever wins that special election will have to run again for a full six-year term in November 2018. While Democratic problems are everywhere on the map, Democratic opportunities are few and far between. Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) is an obvious target given the state s competitiveness at the federal level. But after that, the pickings get very, very slim. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) might be a Democratic opportunity, given the state s increasing competitiveness in 2016. But Flake has been one of the most outspoken anti-trump voices within his own party and will not be easily caricatured as a Trump Republican. In short: Even if Democrats win the Senate in 2016, it could be a blink before they are back in the minority. Which means that a President Hillary Clinton will have two years to work with a friendly Senate before things get much, much tougher for her in Congress.
Page 6 4 /5 DAYS, WITH AN OCEAN FRONT BALCONY YOUR CHOICE OF CRUISE LINE. YOUR CHOICE OF ITINERARY. YOUR CHOICE OF TIME OF YEAR* The value of this award may be applied toward the purchase of an upgraded cruise or trip. TICKET PRICES: $20 ea. / 2 for $35 ONLY 200 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD! REMEMBER OUR NOVEMBER DINNER MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED TO NOV 16, 2016 Guest Speaker: Jerry Jones; Charlotte Harbor Film Commissioner to present An update on tourism and other happenings in Charlotte County as relating to the Charlotte Harbor Visitor and Convention Center ********************************************************************** SALAD: ENTRÉE: Dessert: MENU Artisian Lettuces with tart apples,, cranberries, candied walnuts Seared Chicken Breast w/ wild mushrooms ragout & brandy cream Grilled Mahi Mahi w/ rock shrimp salsa Pumpkin pie w/ maple cream. $26.00 pp
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SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS 12 Page Page85 experience in Punta Gorda City government Proven fiscally responsible leader Small business owner for over 20 years Dedicated to maintaining the city s small town character while promoting common sense economic growth Committed to being a responsive voice for the citizens Paid by Lynne Matthews, Candidate for Punta Gorda City Council District 4 www.lynnematthews.or www.facebook.com/lynnematthewspgcitycouncil A Charlotte County Republican Club Member Daedalian Financial Services Retirement Specialists Jerry O Halloran, MBA Offering Financial Advice since 1982. 150 W. McKenzie Street, #111; Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 Jerry@DFSinvestments.net Tel: 941-205-2277 TF: 866-587-2276 Fax: 941-205-2276 Jerry O Halloran is registered with, supervised by and offers securities through Kovack Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC (954) 782-4771 6451 N. Federal Hwy, Ste 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 Printed by: RapidGraphix.net-941.639.2043