Say what?

Our letters-to-the-editor: Reactions to what you've read here at Offenburger.com & elsewhere, and a place to tell us what else is on your mind.

Ronald N. Langston, Des Moines, February 2, 2012 — The writer is referring to Chuck Offenburger's ''Out in Greene County, Iowa'' column of February 2, 2012, about the resignation of Matt Strawn as state chairperson of the Republican Party of Iowa.

Chuck, great article! As an Iowa GOP moderate and African American, I took interest and concern in the resignation of Matt Strawn. First, he was competent. Second, he represented the image of Iowa with great skill on the national scene. Third, he made GOP moderates and progressives welcome and did not threat them as aliens from a foreign planet or what church they belong.

I share the undercurrent but broad concern of many that are now asking more openly, ''Who anointed the Christian evangelicals with the role of clarifying the choice in an election or the delegate process?'' As a moderate, fiscal conservative and military hawk, I resent the characterization that moderates or the politics of moderation are openly scorned by Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum. I do not except the premise that ''only a Conservative is qualified to run for President or elected office.''

There is nothing uniquely noble or majestic about being a conservative. Conversely, there is nothing inherently evil or sinister about being a liberal or progressive. We are being forced fed to believe that conservatism is a religion of political faith.

The true purpose of conservatism as written by Edmund Burke is ''to conserve, to seek balance, make correct.'' The radical right, evangelicals are not conservatives in the classical definition. They are ideologues caught up in their sense of what is right and worth fighting for.

Unless GOP moderates, progressives and economic business conservatives re-engage and purposefully participate in Lincoln's Grand Old Party, the GOP will continue to move toward the party of anger, anti-intellectualism, and anti-pluralism in thoughts, geography and demographics (the national GOP is 87 percent white). The party will continue to be led by the the Lords of the Dark Side.

As a party we have a ''moral obligation to be intelligent.'' Instead we sound like political neanderthals grunting ''We want our county back,'' ''we want America to be America again.'' This is code, and frankly not too subtle a reference to President Obama that ''he is not one of us.''

Again, moderates, independent Republicans and economic conservatives must return and re-engage the current GOP. Let's get out of the Country Clubs and backroom hideaways and the comfort of our flat-screen TVs complaining about the evangelicals and radical right, and make anew a commitment to fight for the heart and soul of the GOP.

Nelson Carman, Jefferson, Iowa, January 24, 2011 — Several writers of messages below here are referring to Chuck Offenburger's ''Out in Greene County, Iowa'' column of January 16, 2012. In that, Chuck wrote about how the Greene County Republican Party Central Committee this week would be considering ousting him from the group, because of his support for Democratic candidate for the U.S. House Christie Vilsack. The story has drawn lots of reactions, especially on Facebook. Below here are several of the responses that have come directly to Chuck.

Greetings Chuck, my thoughts on this situation -- I would defer to Ms. Vilsack's opinion: Friendships first. It's a pretty easy fix for a difficult situation one that is easily backed out of for the above reason.

I was first made aware of the issue last week, excuse my ignorance, and after a couple of hours of contemplation, I came to the same conclusion that Christie articulated.
Friends are hard to come by, especially TRUE FRIENDS.

I want to thank you for your diligence toward this county's Republican Party. It was falling on its face and a change was needed. Thanks to you and some others, it now has regained its strength and vitality. But politics are politics and friends ARE friends.

I might add that when our son Ben was killed in action, Gov. Tom Vilsack was there for us, both as the state leader and also as a friend. They're wonderful folks. I haven't met up with him as of late. Last time was when the state dedicated the Veterans Cemetery down by Van Meter. He knew me by my first name. He also has a Ben Carman T-shirt. Hope he wears it!

God bless you and you family.

Your friend -- I hope!

Michael Mumma, Jefferson, Iowa, January 18, 2012 — Chuck, hang in there. Just a couple of quotes here. From Newt Gingrich: ''If you seek to be a perfect minority, you'll remain a minority.'' And, from LBJ, when he was asked why he tolerated an opposing senator being part of his committee: ''I would rather have him inside the tent p*ssing out than outside the tent p*ssing in.'' Stay in the tent bro'!

Jason Schaufenbuel, Waverly, Iowa, January 19, 2012 — Chuck, when are you going to run for public office? You seem to be a true moderate, which is something we are missing. I'm with you -- pro-choice, in favor of gay marriage, support health care insurance reform, but still consider myself a Republican. (I cannot find many of us moderates.) And when you decide to run, I'll campaign for you. Good luck! Chuck responds: Thanks, Jason, but I want to be clear that I am pro-life. Otherwise, I think we agree on most issues. But don't expect me to be running for public office. I'm too old.

Jerry Triplett, Winterset, Iowa, January 19 — I enjoyed reading the article in the Des Moines Register yesterday. My wife and I totally agree with you about Steve King's politics. Of course we are a little more liberal than you, but appreciate you going against the grain and stating your opinion.

Will Emley, Slater, Iowa, January 18, 2012 — Several writers of messages below here are referring to Chuck Offenburger's ''Out in Greene County, Iowa'' column of January 16, 2012. In that, Chuck wrote about how the Greene County Republican Party Central Committee this week is considering ousting him from the group, because of his support for Democratic candidate for the U.S. House Christie Vilsack. The story has drawn lots of reactions, especially on Facebook. Below here are several of the responses that have come directly to Chuck.

I am Will Emley, a Republican from Story County. I agree with you 100 percent. As a former county chairperson, it disgusts me in the way that the cliff jumpers are dragging the party. I am a Teddy Roosevelt Republican.

I have told people that I will not vote for Steve King. I hope that there are thousands of us that feel the same way on Election Day.

I could think of stronger words than ''abhor.''

Thank you.

Tim Frank, Spencer, Iowa, January 18, 2012 — Good article and I see the Des Moines Register picked it up too.

I am a Bob Ray Republican, too, but I have strong convictions about what happens when the Democrats control the checkbook.

I understand friendship and I even more understand that people who don't take stands on tough issues are leeches on society. So I affirm you.

You were voted in, they knew your stand. The Central Committee is stuck, however; you should bow out of the meetings when they talk strategy, which I'll bet will never happen.

Bob Modersohn, Des Moines, January 18, 2012 — Chuck, you button-pusher! I love it! Don't ever let them pigeonhole you. And as far west as you are in Iowa, just think what those poor Iowans way east in that new Congressional district, like in Charles City, think about King.

Susan Judkins Josten, Des Moines, January 17, 2012 — I enjoyed your column about the Central Committee's dilemma, and will be interested to learn the outcome. Thanks for including the thoughtful responses of both Christie Vilsack and Matt Strawn. I am encouraged that they both took time to share their views. And I am not one bit surprised that you haven't heard from Congressman King.

I worked with former State Senator King on a number of issues while I was lobbying on behalf of the Iowa League of Cities. Like you, I feel that I get along with him just fine and appreciate his intelligence. I simply do not believe that the ill will he espouses represents Iowa appropriately.

Bill Blackburn, Long Grove, Illinois, and Thurman, Iowa, January 17, 2012 — I was happy to hear you are supporting Christie Vilsack in her race against Steve King, whom I find to harbor values at odds with the majority of good Iowans I know. Many times I find King to be an embarrassment to the state and to folks like me who are still Iowans in heart and blood. My foreign friends somehow come across his more extreme views and comments, and are puzzled that we could both be from the same region! I would be happy to provide Christie some support if you can direct me in that regard.

Mary Weaver, Rippey, Iowa, January 17, 2012 — Iowa Boy, U go! Just reading the Des Moines Register on line, and way to go. (You are standing for) all the free speech principles and not being muzzled by anyone or Party.

Tim Craig, Eagle Grove, Iowa, January 17, 2012 — Good luck with those pesky Republicans!

Andrew Gettler, Jefferson, Iowa, January 17, 2012 — Chuck, you have my full faith and support. If there is anything my wife and I can do to help you retain your position of leadership, don't hesitate to let me know.

Bob Cochrane, St. Paul, Minn., January 17, 2012 — I about split a gut reading your column about your upcoming potential banishment from the Greene County GOP. What the hay? What happened to compassionate conservatism and expanding the big tent? Apparently if you have friends or family that might lean a bit left of Attila the Hun, you get put on an endangered species list in your party. Nice going? Not sure Iowa politics is always the most noble profession. Or as a former WHO radio sportscaster named Reagan supposedly remarked, “It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.” Looking forward to reading your Chapter 2 in “How Greene is my GOP valley.”

Velda DeMoss, Rippey, Iowa, January 17, 2012 — Hey Chuck, we will make a Democrat of you yet! We are just like my Methodist Church, we take anyone!
Stick to your guns, you should be able to support whomever you wish. It should be a great meeting on Thursday.

Dale Hanaman, Rippey, Iowa, January 17, 2012 — Velda DeMoss forwarded your website to me. I was intrigued to read your dilemma with the Greene County Republicans. I also read some of the responses to your article. I thank you for standing for Christie Vilsack, not because she is a Democrat but because she is your friend. I think friendship is important. I do hope you will continue to serve on the Green County GOP Central Committee. I currently serve on the Greene County Democratic Central Committee. I appreciate your friendship and your forthrightness.

John McCracken, Aurora, Colorado, January 17, 2012 — Good for you for sticking to your guns and doing all you are and will be doing regarding your position on the Greene County Republican Central Committee! I commend you highly for this. I am a strong Republican in Colorado and have been for over 50 years, having served many of those years as a delegate to our county conventions. That same issue came up many times during the convention meetings. And I have been in the same boat when some Democrats whose politics and issues I felt were stronger than Republican candidates. I will be looking to your next column, following the Thursday meeting of the Greene County GOP Central Committee. You cited some strong arguments defending yourself in your column.

Jack Lashier, Des Moines, January 16, 2012 — The following writer is a native of Jefferson wno now lives in Des Moines and is the executive at the Iowa Hall of Pride there.

Chuck, just read your article about your dilemma or rather the dilemma the Republicans in Greene County are facing. Roger Olhausen volunteers at the Iowa Hall of Pride and I have known him since my dad hired him to teach in Jefferson in 1966. He is a good man and so are you. I think the Republicans are lucky to have you serve them in Greene County and I can’t imagine you all won’t find a workable solution to this problem. My heart goes with you, good luck as you work your way through this hurdle. There is no doubt this is going to garner way more press if they remove you than if they stand by you. I admire you supporting your long-time friend Christie Vilsack. Friendship is always more important and lasting than politics.

Tim Heisterkamp, Jefferson, Iowa, January 17, 2012 — The writer of the following message has recently been on the GOP Central Committee in Greene County but did not seek re-election because of other commitments on his time now.

Chuck, after reading numerous posts to your Facebook page, I thought I would respond. However, I decided to respond directly to you.

I am respectfully asking you to resign your position on the Greene County GOP Central Committee and not push this to the point where there is a vote on your removal.

I am one to celebrate the diversity of our country. I think it is what makes our country unique among the nations. It is interesting, though, that as much as we are diverse, we have still formed ourselves into smaller sects of people. These groups have formed because of like-mindedness. The Democrats and the Republicans have exercised their rights by forming into their own group. While we celebrate our rights, we must do so with respect to our fellow citizens and with responsibility to our community.

In regard to you publicly supporting Christie Vilsack, I have thought of several analogies that may explain how I feel about it.

I am an Iowa Hawkeye fan. How would it go over if I joined an Iowa State University fan club and then appeared at a Cyclone gathering donning my Hawkeye appare? I imagine I would be physically abused!

What if I joined the Catholic Church and then every week after mass, I told everyone how great the Baptist Church was and they should consider going to that church instead. That is just not respectful.

What if I joined a vegan group and then showed up to their meetings with a sack of beef jerky and constantly talked about how good steak and prime rib was to ea? It just wouldn’t fly, and it would be downright disrespectful.

Bottom line, I respect your right to support and campaign for Christie Vilsack. I am asking that you don’t support her as a member of and from the platform of the Greene County Republican Central Committee. I imagine if I signed up for a Democrat central committee and then publicly supported Steve King, the Democrats wouldn’t like it, either. And they certainly wouldn’t think I was celebrating diversity.

When this election is over, we will still be Greene County citizens who are working together to improve our community. And your voice and support for our county is recognized. Chuck, I feel if you push this to a vote, you will lose the respect and credibility of many of your fellow Greene County citizens.

With that, I am pleading with you to resign and not allow this to come to a vote.

Julie Porto, Des Moines, January 17, 2012 — So love your articles and Facebook postings. In response to the discomfort you are creating in your political committee, Dems fall in love, Repubicans fall in line. Hmmmmm, what a concept -- supporting a candidate because of her ability to make policies that might just work as opposed to voting strictly on partly line! Good luck!

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