CFL Member Running for Florida GOP Chairman

[Matt Collins]

http://campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=6294


Here's one of the latest press releases from Interim State Coordinator (and Ron Paul 2008 Florida Coordinator) Mark Cross.

Contact: Mark Cross

www.CrossForFlorida.com

Office: 407-944-4242

Fax: 407-933-4242

Cell: 407-908-2749

For Immediate Release

December 1, 2008

MARK CROSS ANNOUNCES RUN FOR REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA CHAIRMAN

Kissimmee---Osceola County State Committeeman Mark Cross announced his candidacy today for the position of Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. During the coming weeks Cross will be traveling across Florida to visit with members of the State Committee about the future direction of the Republican Party. Cross is a traditional conservative from the Ronald Reagan wing of the party in sharp contrast to the current party leadership.

In announcing his candidacy, Cross called for a return to "principled party leadership". "We have to get back to the principles that made this Republican Party grand...less taxation, less government spending, fewer government regulations, and more personal responsibility. We have to offer the voters more than just lip service. We have to deliver."

Cross has promised to re-open the party to all Republicans. He pledged to end the blatant discrimination and infighting that has recently characterized the party. He recommended more financial assistance to smaller counties, recommended giving the RECs and the grassroots more local autonomy, and promised increased infrastructure for local elections. He pledged greater funding of the party's federal account with better coordination and seamless integration for federal candidates.

He then challenged the other candidates to debate the issues. "Anyone can talk about Republican Party successes and ignore the losses," Cross said, "but it takes "principled party leadership" to talk about specific setbacks and make the necessary course corrections. Debate denotes openness and self confidence and is a sign of health for the party. When people are afraid of openness, we lose."

Cross has an extensive Republican activist background. In Florida, he served as a delegate to Presidency 3 under the Chairmanship of Tom Slade. He served as Chairman of his local REC under RPOF Chairman Al Cardenas and served on Chairman Carole Jean Jordan's transition team. During his last term as County Chair, he led his REC to 100% Republican victory in a blue county. Cross is currently an enrolled agent, licensed by the US Treasury Dept. He is also a real estate broker.



Mark Cross

State Committeeman
​

As a 501(c)4, Campaign for Liberty cannot endorse candidates. This post is provided as an informational service to our supporters.

 

[Matt Collins]

http://www.jaxdaily.com/2009/01/04/...ss-candidate-for-chairman-of-the-florida-gop/

Visit www.crossforflorida.com and make a contribution for new Republican leadership.

 

[Ladiliberty]

Pathetic to endorse one that tried to keep us out!

Below is my news story on what transpired. I was trained in college as a journalist and to the best of my ability I'm going to write it as it might have appeared if the media had covered it.

Nick Egoroff
Orange County, Fl. Campaign For Liberty Organizer

Yesterday Mark Cross, Florida State Coordinator for Campaign For Liberty, surprised many supporters of Ron Paul with a sudden endorsement of Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Chairman Jim Greer. Greer had been locked in a contentious three way contest for another two year term of the Party.

Greer won the contest with a lopsided majority.

Cross said that he was not going to win the race so he decided to throw in with the current incumbent, "to better help the chances" of Ron Pauler's to be included in intra-party organizations. Cross later said that "he felt comfortable with his decision."

Cross pointed to "shaking Florida Governor Charlie Crist's hand" afterwords. "Lots of Republican Executive Committee members told me I had done the right thing, and invited me to come speak at their club meetings on how to get more Ron Paul people involved."

Nick Egoroff, Orange County Campaign For Liberty Organizer, had reservations. "Mark is taking a very dangerous course in suggesting that Ron Paul supporters would support Greer." Egoroff has had many run-ins with RPOF brass.

"I've talked with a half-dozen Campaign for Liberty leaders around the state of Florida and all were shocked and repulsed at the idea of supporting Greer. One said Greer stands for everything that is wrong with the Party. There is no way I can support that--it's a matter of principle."

Cross's announcement came at the end of a speech made on the floor of the Quarterly meeting of the RPOF. They were in the middle of nomination speeches when Cross's turn came to speak.

His speech centered on the positive aspects of Ron Paul's presidential campaign. The people involved in it "were kind of like a family," he said. "Each of us was free to help the campaign any way they could or wanted."

It was towards the end of the speech when Cross peeled off a lapel sticker that said 'Mark Cross--UNITY Candidate for Chairman.' "I think everyone got one of these on their chair today. And in the spirit of unity I wish to withdraw my name from nomination and instead give my support to Chairman Greer."

Egoroff said that the Ron Paul supporter he was sitting next to said, "What the f--- is that. Ron Paul would have never done that."

Also hurt by Cross's sudden change of mind was Eric Miller, another candidate seeking the chairman's position. According to Egoroff who knew both candidates, Miller was a traditional Ronald Reagan conservative.

The two candidates had worked together sharing advice and information on the race for months. Each had promised the other that should either be eliminated in early balloting they would endorse each other.

One person that saw the interaction between the two as both left the ballroom where balloting had taken place described it thus: "Eric (Miller) yelled out to Mark (Cross), 'they told me not to trust you, and now I know why."

Egoroff talked with Cross afterwords and asked why the sudden change of mind. "I knew I wasn't going to win and neither was Eric, so I tried to make the best of it."

Cross went on to explain that now he will have much more access to Greer and hopes to help end the factious fighting that has broken out across the state between Ron Paul supporters and the Party leadership.

Egoroff also reminded Cross of other 'gentleman's agreements' that had been made between RPOF officials and Ron Pauler's. All were broken to the detriment of the Ron Paul people who made them, said Egoroff. Cross answered, "We'll just have to wait and see."

Egoroff said that once Cross decided to give up, "We had the chance to stand with someone (Miller) that wanted to reform the RPOF. Eric had flatly stated that what the current state party leadership was doing was hurtful to Ron Paul Republicans."

"If Mark didn't want to run that's fine. Nobody pushed him into it. But it is questionable that he asked for donations and volunteers from Ron Paul people and got it, only to end up supporting the candidate that they were opposing."


Post Script. I'm very good friends with Mark Cross and know that this post will no doubt strain our friendship. I've worked with Mark for a year and a half on the Ron Paul campaign. We've had our differences over strategy and tactics. Never have I doubted Mark's support of liberty.

I wrote this in such a forthright way because the issues involved are so central to ones that we will have to face in the years ahead. They revolve around 'to what extent do we compromise and make alliances to grow the liberty movement.'

I'll leave it to the readers to decide.

--
Nick Egoroff
Orlando Campaign For Liberty Organizer
Check Out My New Blog at
http:// nickegorofforlandopoliticalact ivist.blogspot.com/

 

[tonesforjonesbones]

yes this is not good...tones

 

[heath.whiteaker]

Me personally. I think what Mark Cross did borders on Treason. Breaking his word and falling in with the snakes that were and are part of the problem. I liken him to Benedict Arnold for the simple fact that Arnold was a great General in the Revolutionary War but then betrayed his friends and the same people he was fighting next to.

Mark Cross has done the same thing. While he was a great Ron Paul coordinator in Florida... he has betrayed us. He has fallen in with the same people who force the Ron Paul people out of local REC groups.

I really am at a loss of words for this.

 

[JS4Pat]

It appears Mark either doesn't understand what this movement is really about or he doesn't care.

Either way he shouldn't be in a C4L or RLC position of leadership.

 

[Matt Collins]

I love Nick Egoroff's writing style.. I read every e-mail he sends out..

 

[Ladiliberty]

Cross just sold his ethics loyalty and freedom to Comrade Greer. A man or woman is only as good as the company they keep. I have lost all respect for anyone that would endorse greer AKA Dictator of RPOF

 

[JS4Pat]

Just to give others around the nation a better idea of just how rotten it would be to align yourself with someone like RPOF State Chairman Jim Greer I have copied below an e-mail forwarded to me by a Republican State Committeeman in Florida. Of course my opposition to Greer has less to do with what is contained in the letter and more to do with the fact that he actively worked to exclude Ron Paul Republicans from the RPOF while running around the state talking about being a more "inclusive party".

I was able to ask him a question at a forum following the election and he actually responded with the following:

"Ron Paul supporters need to focus on other issues besides the Constitution".

Yup the leader of the Republican Party of Florida thinks the US Constitution is just an "issue".

Dear Republican National Committee Member:

I've done advance work for Republicans like Governor Ronald Reagan, Vice President George Bush, Senator Jim Buckley, Governor George Pataki and now, Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin. At Senator McCain's request, I took a leave from my job to handle advance work for the McCain-Palin Campaign.

I was responsible for advance work and preparations for numerous trips to Florida by Senator McCain and Governor Palin, as well as Senator Lieberman and Senator Fred Thompson. In the thirty years I have been doing political advance work, I have met and dealt with many local politicians who have big ideas about using my candidate's visit to the state to benefit themselves politically-but I have never met a more difficult, ego-maniacal, incompetent and self-aggrandizing person in politics than Florida Republican Chairman, Jim Greer.

The man's childish outbursts, threats, and demands just about wore me out! As Chairman of RPOF, he was quick to pay for limos, charter jets and hotel suites for him and his entourage, but couldn't come up with any more money for McCain-Palin state ticket collateral, including yards signs which the RPOF could pay for under federal law.

When he turned his request in at the last minute and was not seated on Governor Palin's plane when she campaigned across Florida, he screamed he'd "have my job" before hanging up on me on the cell phone. I guess he didn't know that John and Cindy McCain have been friends of mine for 20 years and that my "job" expired on November 5th. Greer also threatened several other McCain staffers that he would have them fired when he was told he wouldn't be boarding Palin's plane.

Greer went out and leased a jet so he could arrive before Palin at every campaign rally and position himself near the podium to get in the TV shot. I understand it cost the Republican Party of Florida $12,000, yet I don't see how it got McCain-Palin any votes.

Then there was the rally in Orlando just before early voting. Senator Fred Thompson was alone on stage speaking for a satellite TV hook up for Republicans across the state. Greer climbed on stage and positioned himself over Thompson's left shoulder. He then started mugging, nodding and leading applause for the TV cameras. Even Greer's own staff was embarrassed by his antics.

I have worked with probably 40 Republican State Chairmen in my political experience. I worked with former RPOF Chairmen Tom Slade and Al Cardenas and found them to be co-operative professionals. I have never seen a Republican State Chair with an entourage like Jim Greer. He has two bodyguards, an advance team, two assistants and a full time driver for a limo. This seems excessive to me.

Like a celebrity, he demands certain brands of items be in his limo and plane at all times. These include: certain brands of light and imported beers, six bags of chocolate peanut M&Ms, four bottles of Zephyrhills water, six Canada Dry ginger ale (must be Canada Dry), four bottles of Perrier, one bottle of Ketel One Vodka, and a bottle of Jack Daniels. This is all to be loaded in to two coolers of a certain size in the back of the limo the Chairman uses when he hits town.

This man's ego is out of control. He actually told me he was the de-facto Lieutenant Governor because he said Lt. Governor Kottkamp was "retarded." He demanded that I do not communicate with Governor Crist or George LeMieux directly- that I must go through him. The hell with that. Both Crist and LeMieux were very helpful to the McCain campaign in Florida.

I decided to write this because I read in the Washington Post that Jim Greer is talking about running for Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Jim Greer has no discernable political skill whatsoever. I respectfully urge Republican National Committee members to carefully research Jim Greer's record, including his incessant spending before considering him as a candidate for anything!

Because I am not interested in threats from Jim Greer's goons, I've decided to sign this......

The Old Advanceman

 

[heath.whiteaker]

Good Post John. Thank You.

 

[Matt Collins]

Rregarding Mark Cross, I understand what he was trying to do, but I don't
think he made the right decision. He is absolutely right that he'll have the ear
of Greer now, but he definitely did NOT follow the example of Ron Paul. Ron
never dropped out and endorsed McCain just so he could have "access" later on.
Cross shouldn't have either.

 

[wizardwatson]

It appears Mark either doesn't understand what this movement is really about or he doesn't care.

Either way he shouldn't be in a C4L or RLC position of leadership.

Ahhhhh, and to go along with the "left sectarianism" I pointed out in this thread, it looks like Mr. Cross is guilty of some "right opportunism".

My oh my,

In the progress of any movement dedicated to radical social change, i.e., to transforming social reality toward an ideal system, there are bound to arise, as the Marxists have discovered, two contrasting types of “deviations” from the proper strategic line: what the Marxists have called “right opportunism” and “left sectarianism.” So fundamental are these often superficially attractive deviations that we might call it a theoretical rule that one or both will arise to plague a movement at various times in its development. Which tendency will triumph in a movement cannot, however, be determined by our theory; the outcome will depend on the subjective strategic understanding of the people constituting the movement. The outcome, then, is a matter of free will and persuasion.

Right opportunism, in its pursuit of instant gains, is willing to abandon the ultimate social goal, and to immerse itself in minor and short-run gains, sometimes in actual contradiction to the ultimate goal itself. In the libertarian movement, the opportunist is willing to join the State establishment rather than to struggle against it, and is willing to deny the ultimate goal on behalf of short-run gains: e.g., to declaim that “while everyone knows we must have taxation, the state of the economy requires a 2 percent tax cut.” The left sectarian, on the other hand, scents “immorality” and “betrayal of principle” in every use of strategic intelligence to pursue transitional demands on the path to liberty, even ones that uphold the ultimate goal and do not contradict it. The sectarian discovers “moral principle” and “libertarian principle” everywhere, even in purely strategic, tactical, or organizational concerns. Indeed, the sectarian is likely to attack as an abandonment of principle any attempt to go beyond mere reiteration of the ideal social goal, and to select and analyze more specifically political issues of the most urgent priority. In the Marxist movement, the Socialist Labor Party, which meets every political issue with only a reiteration of the view that “socialism and only socialism will solve the problem,” is a classical example of ultra-sectarianism at work. Thus, the sectarian libertarian might decry a television speaker or a political candidate who, in the necessity to choose priority issues, stresses repeal of the income tax or abolition of the draft, while “neglecting” the goal of denationalizing lighthouses.

In should be clear that both right opportunism and left sectarianism are equally destructive of the task of achieving the ultimate social goal: for the right opportunist abandons the goal while achieving short-run gains, and thereby renders those gains ineffectual; while the left sectarian, in wrapping himself in the mantle of “purity,” defeats his own ultimate goal by denouncing any necessary strategic steps in its behalf.

-Murray Rothbard, Ethics of Liberty, Ch. 30

 

[Mortikhi]

Smell that?

Smells like sell-out

 

[Badger Paul]

Don't be quick to write off Cross just yet. Keep a wary eye on him. See if having Jim Greer's "ear" is worth the price he paid for it in terms of self-respect. See if you have an easier time working within the party or is just a smoke screen. Ultimately you have to be the judge, but it will certainly be interesting see if having influence at the top is worth anything or is change best by changing the rank n' file below.

 

[heath.whiteaker]

This is Mark Cross' Statement as Posted on the Campaign 4 Liberty Site



I would like to thank each and every person who supported me in the race for the Chairmanship of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF). I was disappointed I could not win the Chairmanship but I feel very excited and encouraged by the results.

First of all this was a very difficult race to win, because there are not a lot of things that volunteers can do to help. This was a person to person race, normally decided by money and endorsements. There are 253 people who were able to vote. Each county has 3 votes, the State Committeeman, Committeewoman, and Chairman. There are 10 gubernatorial appointees, 10 Senate appointees, 10 House appointees, 15 Republican Congressmen, and 7 statewide elected officials. You must garner a majority vote to win. That means you have to contact each member of the State Committee in order to determine support. So a race like this is pretty straight forward. If a candidate works right, he will know the vote before it happens.

After talking to many people, I knew what the vote would be. I knew I would not be Chairman. My entire campaign was based upon three issues. I wanted to see RPOF give more support to local executive committees and candidates. If this happens more of you will be able to run for local office and have party support. I wanted to see RPOF invest in better technology to reach voters and volunteers. You have the technology, so you will be very much needed in the party. Most importantly I wanted to see RPOF open the doors and allow every Republican to participate. I fought for these three principles.

About 10 minutes before the annual meeting, I ran into Chairman Jim Greer. Our visit was not planned. It was purely impromptu. We talked about the issues I championed. He understood these issues and told me what he was doing to make corrections. Jim also said that he would make sure any Ron Paul Republican who wanted to participate would be able to. He complimented me for running such a gentlemanly campaign. He appreciated the fact that I did not attack any candidate, did not attack the Republican Party, and stuck to the issues. Chairman Greer was very gracious. He didn’t have to talk to me. He didn’t need my vote and support or ask for it because he was also a vote counter. He knew that he would be reelected in about an hour. I believe what he said.

It came time for nominations and Governor Crist nominated Jim Greer. The Governor asked that everyone vote for him. Many other party officials seconded the motion. Jim talked for a few minutes about the Republican Party. When it was my turn to speak, I talked about my three issues. I told everyone about the Ron Paul campaign and what a wonderful experience it was working with the grass roots. I talked about technology, money bombs, and the internet. I quoted Ronald Reagan; “The very essence of conservatism is libertarianism.” I talked about the future of our party.

My speech was not prepared. There was no podium so I was speaking extemporaneously. I noticed that the Governor happened to be sitting on the end of the first row, right by my microphone. In closing my speech I took the opportunity to look the Governor in the eye and said, “Governor, I want to withdraw my name from nomination because I am going to support your nominee. Republicans should not be fighting other Republicans. We should be fighting Democrats.” I made a call for party unity.

The Governor stood up and shook my hand. He thanked me for what I had done. I was told later that I had received a standing ovation. Jim Greer won the race 169 to 52, which was about the margin I had expected. During his acceptance speech, Chairman Greer shocked everyone when he said, “I want to make sure all the Ron Paul supporters who want to participate are able to.” There has been a lot of good will generated since.

I know there are some people who are disappointed in the outcome of this election. I am disappointed, too, because I know that I would have made a great chairman. During my campaign I stood up for three issues that have an effect on internal policies of RPOF. Jim addressed each one. I believe what he said and I will give him every opportunity to succeed. He never asked for my support or promised me anything. Even though he won the Chairmanship, I won on the issues and I never compromised my principles.

Unity is important. We need to unify behind real Republican principles. We can accomplish this by preparing for the 2010 election cycle. There will be tens of thousands of races all across the country including City Commissioners, County Commissioners, School Districts, and local boards. Many of these races require very little resources. If we plan now to field our candidates and participate with the Republican Party we can win.

But please remember, unity does not mean arbitrarily supporting any candidate who has an R behind his name. We can elevate the debate by supporting candidates who support real Republican principles. It is our job to hold the party to higher standards. With this approach we will win elections.

The bottom line is “All Politics Is Local”. A local city or county commission race might not seem as glamorous as Congress, but I guarantee you will have a better chance of success. You will also have a better chance at effectuating change within your community simply by running.

I want to issue a challenge to everyone who wants to participate with Republicans. Come to meetings. Join Republican clubs. Get to know people. Participate in a positive manner. Learn the rules. Get to know your elected officials. And most importantly, organize your precinct. Many of you have been quite successful. 2010 will be a banner year.

Once again thank you for all your support and well wishes. It is always tough to run a race, but it was easier knowing I had the support of our family. I want to salute each and every one of you for all the things you do to promote liberty throughout this great nation. In 2010 I want to be reading about you, an ordinary person who is doing extraordinary things. Thank you.

In Liberty,

Mark Cross

Campaign For Liberty

Florida Interim State Coordinator

 

[JK/SEA]

I wish someone would define what 'GOODWILL' and UNITY really means here, in relation to the Ron Paul Republicans. Does this mean they will take our donations, then laugh about it later?..or?

We had the same BS happen in our County re-org. meeting with the Chair position, with the same line of GOODWILL and UNITY...lip service R us.

Ask Cross to get Greer to sign a statement that supports Ron Pauls bill to End the Fed, and to support a non-interventionist foreign policy, then i think you will find out how much they are interested in having Ron Paul Republicans in the fold.

Any bets on how that goes over?

 

[heath.whiteaker]

This is nuts. Really. The C4L is sending out canned responses to emails.

Heath,

I've heard from quite a few members in Florida, many who tell me they've become more politically active and engaged as a result of Mark's leadership, and even run for and won election to local office with his encouragement and help.

From my perspective, Mark didn’t compromise his principles or the movement, what he did do was build a bridge of good will and illicit from Greer a commitment to address the issues that Mark ran on, just as Dr. Paul said he was willing to do with McCain had McCain agreed to adopt Ron’s issues.

As I understand it, in his acceptance speech Greer stated that he would make sure than RP supporters who wanted to participate wouldn’t be shut out. That’s a start and a promise he should be held to. I assure you, Mark will do his best to make sure he keeps his word.

Eating our own does us little good, particularly when it’s someone who has worked as hard and effectively for us as Mark has. If we continue to do so, there will be no one left to fight the fight. Mark is not a state committeeman, former coordinator for RP, C4L interim coordinator, a former GOP County Committee officer and RLC Treasurer by accident. He’s proven himself and I stand in full support of his interim leadership for C4L, and hope that you will reconsider.


For liberty,

Debbie Hopper
VP of Membership
www.campaignforliberty.com

 

[heath.whiteaker]

These people just don't get it. They don't give a crap at the C4L... all they care about is people signing up and becoming precinct captains. I think the C4L boat has sailed and is starting down a course that others have went. I for one will have no part in an organization that rewards someone for not keeping their word.

Mark is a great guy... dont get me wrong. He has done wonders for the movement.... but a sell out is a sell out. He should have thought about his actions.

 

[Matt Collins]

Hmmm.... this is going nuclear and is getting ugly.

Whatever happens in Florida don't let the liberty movement be derailed by ancillary stuff such as this.

 

[Matt Collins]

Sent to me in an e-mail from a Florida Meetup:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am going to stand up for Mark Cross, and everyone else who has made the decision he has made. I may well be the lone voice speaking from this position, and that position may mark me as an outcast to some, even some I may know as friends. But it is a position I believe in, and were I not to stand for my principles, even if those principles dissent from my current audience, then I would me a man without honor, and a man without honor is something I do not wish to be.

We are fighting a long and terribly hard war here, and many wish for the quick but excessively bloody victory. Such a victory is possible, but it would likely culminate in the destruction of the Republican Party, and, with third parties not being as viable as many may wish for them to be, this would leave no party strong enough to challenge the leftist Democrat Party. A victory we may have, but it would be a Pyhrric victory, and thus would not be a victory worth having.

We can also choose to fight the smart war. It will be prolonged, but if we continue forward progress, taking every step forward that we can, we will be victorious over time. More importantly, we will win the propaganda war.

It is not something that many want to hear, that we need the support of others in order to gain the position we need within the system. We like to think we can do it alone, that our sense of moral justice will win for us in the end. Such clarity comes from seeing things in mere black and white, everything as two extremes. With us or against us. The shades of grey are all around us, and they define the picture, and if you only allow yourself to see simply the most extreme of contrasts, then you will miss the beauty of the entire scene. These shades of grey produce that beauty; the ability to disagree with each other is what makes us so wonderful. We are not all the same.

I am friends with people who believe 9/11 was a terrorist act, and friends with some who believe it was a government conspiracy. I am friends with people who see Israel as simply defending itself, and friends with people who see Israel as an aggressor. I am friends with people who believe the Federal Reserve should be ended, and I am friends with people who believe that is folly. All of these people fall under the umbrella of the Republican Party. All of them work toward a singular goal. I am proud to call all of them my friends, and I work with all of them to bring about the changes needed in the Republican Party.

Think about your circle of friends, or the people you meet at each rally you attend, every meeting you're a part of. We work with so many people who have different viewpoints from us. Why? Because working with them we can be stronger. We can work toward a common goal. Are we compromising our values or principles? No! We are simply admiring a picture more defined by its shades of grey. But when we decline some of those shades, we still lose focus on the bigger picture.

We need to work within the system, and I believe we are making progress in bringing the system to us. We can fight these people tooth and nail, deny them at every turn. But what are we then? They will work against us, fight us in return, and they have the power right now. So if there is a chance to work with them, to show them that our goals are goals they should also have, why then should we decline the opportunity? We make powerful allies, and by working closer with them, we have an even better chance of making them see things from our point of view.

Such actions also help us in the greater public image. Many "Ron Paul Republicans" have been ridiculed and seen as outcasts by the people. What if we work with the "establishment" and get it to come to our side of things, even if it takes just a bit more time? We gain credibility by doing so. We gain respect. Credibility and respect earn us new political capital, new members of our movement. What do we earn by fighting those within our own groups who would seek to make peace and bring the "establishment" over to our side? We look even more extreme not only to the people we need within the party, but to others outside of the party. If we are so quick to turn upon one another, what would we do to those who aren't within our "circle?"

My friends, I would ask you to step back and take a better look at the picture. See those shades of grey, *all* of them. Mr. Cross is not the first to step aside from a fight to seek a position of working with the establishment rather than against it. Others have done it throughout the state. In many cases it has strengthened our position, not weaken it. They did not compromise their values. Rather, they saw the best road to allow their values to spread to others, and in taking it, in showing that we are smart, we care about the people, and we can also play this game, they gave us more credibility and respect, not just from within our own party, but from all who are observing.

We don't know yet the extent of what may happen as a result of Mr. Cross's actions, but I believe it will help us greatly in the long run. And for that, I am thankful to him. I am also thankful to Mr. Miller as well, for standing up and providing an alternative. I am proud of both of them, and many within this movement. We all play our own roles, each and every one of us.

Thank you, Gentlemen. Thank you both for your service to us. And may we look forward to the promise of a more peaceful relationship, locally and statewide. Together we can make this a success. Fighting against each other, we will only doom ourselves to failure.

I hope I have lost none of the respect of my peers, and I will not lower my respect of any of my peers for their words or actions in the past few days.

Thank you for your time.

Erik Setzer