December 7, 1941, a day President Roosevelt said will live forever in infamy. The next day, he addressed Congress and the nation. He asked for and was given a Declaration of War. He called upon our parents and grandparents to come together. He asked them to pray with him for victory over our enemies. They did pray and share and serve and sacrifice and die, lest we ever forget.

This year, December 7, has another special meaning. Two months later, on February 7, Republicans will assemble all over Colorado in precinct caucuses. Those who attend will elect a Chair and Co-Chair. Then, in most places by show of hands, a process that will decide the future of our towns and Counties, our State and our Nation begins. Candidates will be cursed or blessed. Delegates to County Assemblies will be chosen. Some of them will go on to become District, State and National delegates. This is pretty heavy stuff.

So why is December 7 important? The answer is that unless you are a registered Republican not less than sixty days before your precinct caucus, or December 7, you will have no say in this process.   One would think that the GOP would be running ads in newspapers, that there would be public service announcements on radio and TV, that the GOP would be urging independents and disillusioned Democrats to join them in caucus. Instead, the silence is deafening.   The State GOP calendar of events doesn't even mention either date.  You might ask why? What was all that hoopla last summer about reaching out to include more people? The answer may be that those who play Party Power Politics for fun and profit don't want you there. That way, they decide who they can depend on to play ball with the GOP.

Are you registered? Do you have February 7 marked on your calendar? Do you know what precinct you are in? Do you know where your caucus will meet?

I will be at my caucus so that I can support Brita Horn for Commissioner of Routt County. Brita has decided to share her vision for the future of Routt County with the voters and ask them to allow her to represent them. In order to get to the voters, she must enter one of the dirtiest arenas on earth, GOP Party Power Politics. If they can't find dirt on a newcomer, they make it up. I pray for Brita, and all those across the Nation who have had enough and are stepping up to serve. Look at what Herman Cain and his family endured. This is the price candidates pay when they haven't "paid their dues" to the GOP. Then look at the disastrous results this system has created. Precinct caucuses, February 7, be there or be square. Find and support candidates who care more about the Republic than the Party. 

As Paul wrote the Thessalonians, thank you for your work produced by faith,  labor prompted  by love, and  endurance inspired by hope. 

Keep the faith,

Bob McConnell

beawatchman@aol.com