The John Adams Society

A. G. Chin

Chairman

Joshua R. Regnier

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Katey Haflund

Chancellor

MAY 2014

Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half.

― Gore Vidal

SMOKE-FILLED ROOMS surrounding a small voting body with restrictive entry have no place in a free and open society.  How can an antiquated caucus process, that is a complete mystery to the majority of party voters, serve as the best representation of those voters?  The elected government must be selected by the people in order to legitimately represent them; a choice limited to the hand-picked candidates of the political machines is no choice at all.  There was once a parliament elected by a faraway island, claiming to represent an entire empire, forced to relinquish its right to tax.

From the perspective of the party bosses, who wish to select the candidate best able to win, an election involving all party voters would also be the preferable method.  Instead of exhausting considerable effort in a contest of who is best able to flatter a small number of party activists, why not force them to succeed in somewhat of a trial run for the general election to prove they are able to win?

ON THE OTHER HAND, a party endorsement should only be given to someone who actually represents the views of that organization.  A closed endorsement is more likely to produce a more principled candidate, rather than a polished one, giving the voters a better choice in November.  The long-time party activists having far more interaction with the candidates are better able to discern their actual views.  It might be viewed as a remnant of the Electoral College, and the last remaining check on the populace.

THE CHAIRMAN, fearing that the mob may become privy to the selection of debate topic, has called a debate to settle the question.

RESOLVED: In The Mob We Trust

The Debate will be held on May 21, 2014, at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encourage to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures of about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 564-5185 or the Secretary at (651) 321-8414.