We want to make a clear statement of purpose about the guiding principles that govern the Republican Party in Kent County, Maryland. We believe in the founding documents of this country including the Constitution with the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers and auxiliary documents like Common Sense by Thomas Payne. The words are not just drivel but have sacred meaning to them.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
We believe in the rule of law not the rule of persons. The purpose of a Constitution is to set up the framework of our commonly agreed upon laws. Violence has no place in our hearts or in our policies.
The gist of these is that we live in a democratically elected Republic of federated states. The reason for keeping the states as governing bodies is the same as the reason to keep the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches free and independent of each other. The purpose of a divided government is to break power down to the smallest possible units that check and balance each other. This means that “power to the people” is not just a slogan but also a statement of purpose. The people is not a group or meant in the plural in any way. Each individual has power.
- That individuals are free and have the power to decide their own future, their own groups of associates, to speak on any topic at any time.
- That individuals have the right to follow their own conscience, attend their own place of worship.
- That individuals have the right to protect their lives, their families and their property.
- That as long as a person does not infringe on the rights of any other, he/she may get the education that best meets their individual needs.
In short, the power for government comes from individuals, not from any other source.
We welcome anyone who holds these truths to be self-evident to join us. Any group that excludes anyone based on race, religion, gender or any other concept, is not welcome to join us. We reject the extremes at both sides of the spectrum. The 5% to 7% of the population that feels the need to express nonsense (ANTIFA, Proud Boys, skinheads or whatever you call yourselves), we don’t want you. Those within the bounds of normal, are generally good, law abiding, persons. We may differ on the exact details, but we agree to come together to figure out our differences and abide by the rules generated by the individuals and their representatives.
Holly Geddes
Kent County Republican Central Committee
Ed. Note. This letter was mistakenly attributed to Tatiana Croissette.
Robert Garland says
Ironic that once again the GOP fails to address the elephant in the room.
Joseph Fick says
BRAVO!!
I’m with you.
Ted Lazo says
Do you support Representative Harris who seems to be the opposite of your expression in his support of Donald Trump.
Holly Geddes says
When Mr Trump was our president, of course Andy Harris supported him. Mr. Trump is no nonger president, or don’t you trust elections?
Charles Lerner says
QUESTION: Does the Republican Club and the Democratic Club every hold joint meetings to discuss common issues? If not why not?
Holly Geddes says
Your question is premature. It would be great to cooperate on at least some issues. The anger has to calm down a bit first.
Gren Whitman says
Is this the same Tatiana Croisette who — in a letter in last week’s Kent County News — claimed (without evidence) that Democrats want to “deprogram” MAGA supporters? That (again with no evidence) the Progressive Left wants to “silence its opposition”? That the Left (again citing zilch) is “align[ed] with the totalitarian ideologies of the 20th Century”?
Clearly, Ms. Croisette is still enthralled with what she refers to as “Trump and the Trump movement.”
As such, and given ex-President Trump’s pivotal role in the sordid and seditious events of January 6, Ms. C. would seem to be in urgent need of de-programming herself.
Instead of empty rants against liberals and progressives, Ms. C. should apologize to her fellow citizens for the deplorable events and policies of the last four years and start trying to make the GOP rational again.
(Pssst, the esteemed author of Common Sense spelled his last name P-a-i-n-e.)
Holly Geddes says
No. Look at the amended attribution. I wrote this. Bu the way, I am dyslexic so I have a problem with spelling. But maybe I can still think clearly and without venom.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Interesting. As a former GOPer who does not recognize the Party, I thank you for this. Policy disagreements are a part of our political dialogue, however, the subservience to a man devoid of an love of country or Constitution is tragic, as we have seen.He does represent all you have disavowed. What happens next for the Party?
Holly Geddes says
I simply like having lower taxes, the use of inexpensive power that is most ecologically delivered by a pipeline, a well negotiated peace between some Arab states and Israel, a quickly made vaccine and other benefits provided during Mr. Trump’s term. He is no longer the President and so we move on. We are not a party of people who are identified by our social, racial, economic or religious group. We are a party of individual persons who believe in the above mentioned philosophy, our Constitution and founding documents. Ideas not identity.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Well, my GOP was the party that started the EPA, had a robust foreign policy with diplomacy at the center and respected a woman’s reproductive rights. All that went out the window when the Holy Rollers took charge with the newly rich greedy Wall Street types.
Throw in racism and voila.
Gretchen F Stroh says
I too would like to know where Kent Co GOP stands regarding the radical right winger Andy Harris, who seems totally ineffectual and out of tune and contact with his Eastern Shore Constituents.
Ron Jordan says
Tatiana, it took a day or so to for me write this comment to you. As the President of the Republican Central Committee, you and your members have never acknowledged the “elephant” in the room, concerning Andy Harris and his flip flop on terming out. Jay Jacobs and his picture of standing with the Confederate Flag at the Rockhall pier( which was supposed to be on lock down to other citizens of Rockhall and County citizens). It utterly egregious in your complicity in standing down and not standing up for the party of Lincoln. Instead you make a frivolous and empty pledge about all things that don’t affect 1st District voters. Is it a wonder that the Republican Party, locally, on the State and Federal level has not be able to recruit diverse folks of color to your ranks? You and your members here in Kent County and on a national level still believe that “one man” who is now the former President is more important than the ideals and standards of the laws that we all abide by and you can’t or will not condemn this man and others who think they are above the law. Sometimes, Tatiana it is better to be silent but to talk/write about your complicity and stupidity, let’s all know you don’t care but you needed to be on the record for a sound bite to ease your lack of empathy and humanity.
Holly Geddes says
Ron, I believe Mr. Harris addressed this “elephant / donkey” by saying that he came to the conclusion that things were too chaotic to throw a newbie into the House at this time.
I am not aware of the photo so I can not speak to it.
Constitutional decisions very much affect all persons of any district.
All persons of all colors are more than welcome in our party.
Mr Trump did not live up to his stated purpose of safe and lawful assembly on January 6th. It was a despicable show of self aggrandizement and it sickensd me to see people invade Our House. Thankfully, he is no longer in charge and we are attempting to get back on the footing that supports our ideals.
Dorcas Coleman says
“Ron, I believe Mr. Harris addressed this “elephant / donkey” by saying that he came to the conclusion that things were too chaotic to throw a newbie into the House at this time.”
I can’t imagine this was delivered with a straight face.
Ron Jordan says
As I addressed the photo and you as a Republican here in Kent County should be aware of it, check the Kent County News and or the Chestertown Spy. Ignorance of a representative’s stance is no excuse and should be address. As for Representative Harris, it is not for him to decide if a newbie should be thrown into the house, voters decide this and you and your members should decide this. Andy Harris, serves for the pleasure of the voters, not us serving him. Lastly, the reason the Republicans don’t have people of color your party is not because they are not welcome, they aren’t.
The Big Tent left the diverse voters of color at the campground, only to see the only room left is a pup tent. Lastly, as a party centered in Kent County, why hasn’t the Republican Party reached out to the Dems for a joint meeting? Lower taxes for the 1 percent is lower because it came about because the other 99% end up paying for that grand gesture. Lower taxes means everyone, not just the few who can use their accountants and tax attorneys to take advantage of the loop hole. You don’t seem to understand, energy via pipeline( crude oil, refined oil and gas) isn’t cheap nor cost effective. This nation is looking towards a wide future towards a more solar and electric energy future. All you have to do is look what happen to the Texas electricity grid and their lack of renewed investments in their infrastructure.
Marylanders deserve better representation from those who chose to go to Washington to serve, not those who chose to serve their own self interests and a party that is willing to throw out the laws our land. Those that continue to be led by the former President and his policies. Though he has left the building you all have not left him.
Ed Minch says
This is different. Why are you no longer aligned with the basic Republican Party. Why did you decide to form your own “Central Committee”?
Steve Payne says
This is interesting. Central Committee is a common term used by communist governments. Sigh…..
Pam White says
Just to be clear: there are Democratic and Republican Central Committees in every county or jurisdiction in the US. They are the formal, locally elected representatives of the state parties and work to advance their party principles and candidates at the local level. Kent County has both D and R Central Committees. The people who are on these committees are Kent County residents. We all elect them in the primary every four years.
Holly Geddes says
Thank you for clarifying this.
Brandt Troup says
Pam, Why let facts get in the way of a good story? Actually, this may be solid evidence that we don’t pay enough attention to down ballot contests. Some of those affect as much as the big leaguers.
Virginia Davis says
For the umpteenth time: ANTIFAH as a group does not even exist! You people need to do your homework. Shame on all republicans until they clean up their act.
Steve Payne says
It exists on Fox news and OANN
Holly Geddes says
ANTIFAH is as real as QANON. Neither has a central organizing body. I never heard of QANON until i saw it in the liberal press. It is a ridiculous proposition.
ANTIFAH has recognizable costumes and a flag. They were supposed to be the ones who brought baseball bats to peaceful demonstrations. At least that was who CBS (I think it was CBS) attributed the guys in black to be.
K. Bermont says
I am heartened to read the declarations of the Kent County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC), but am not, however, a total believer in its message. While Rep. Harris, and others like him, who are self-proclaimed supporters of Trump’s hateful, violent and ignorant ideologies and actions, remain in office, I cannot do more than hope that the declaration of the KCRCC is more than just empty rhetoric. Harris, and others who “express nonsense” and display base ignorance of right and wrong, have not the backbone, nor the intellectual capacity, to do and say what is right and safe for Maryland and its residents in the first, or other, district. There are many of us in Maryland who vote for the best person for the job no matter the party. I, and all of the voters who voted for Governor Hogan, should have made it plain to all Parties that behavior, words and character, more than allegiance to a party, are the important points when choosing our representatives. The Republican Party needs to totally disavow all hateful behaviors and ideologies at every level which are an affront to all thinking, well-meaning people. Voting along party lines will not cut it, and their votes should back that up and also show that they have at least some shred of character to preserve.
Holly Geddes says
Thanks, I agree that we should vote for the best person not our favorite party. As I said in the piece at top, most folks are normal not just as a character trait but as a statistical reality. Keep voting for the best person.
Michael Johnson says
Is the Kent County Republican Committee renouncing it’s affiliates in Wy, La, Ne and NC that are putting their loyalty to a corrupt, attempted dictator above their oath to the Constitution ? Are you condeming D J Trump for inciting an attack, by terrorist organizations on our Capitol and our legislators ? Please clarify. I’ll be looking for your statement but I won’t be holding my breath.
Holly Geddes says
We can not speak for other organizations only for ourselves. The question in my mind is not whether Mr. Trump incited the riot but what he did as soon as he saw what was happening. Rather, it was what he chose not to do. That was what was awful and ugly in my mind. To watch thugs enter Our House and do nothing…. Horrendous!!!
Dorcas Coleman says
Take a look at the Kent County Republican Central Committee’s Facebook page and you tell me if they believe in “the rule of law not the rule of persons” (see posts of 1/26, 1/23 and 1/5 for starters).
Holly Geddes says
What about the post on 1/7 that officially denounces the thugs entering the Capital? For starters.
Chuck Engstrom says
I’m willing to bet a nice warm pair of hand-knit fuzzy mittens that Vermont’s Senator Bernie Sanders would agree with all of Ms Geddes’ opening text, though he might be puzzled, as I am, about the suggested conflict between of one person’s education and the self-evident rights of another.
I’ll send it over to his office for review and let you know what he says. I do agree that “central committee” has a blush of pink — many Republican state committees are now sort of “re-educating” their elected representatives about whether they were voted into office to “do the right thing.”