PACHYDERMS: Here's what we represent

The Panhandle Pachyderm Club Board believes the editorial of Feb. 24, in which we were described as “narrow minded extremists” and an organization which is “.. .serving up candidates reflecting their particular platforms” reflects a misunderstanding of what the Pachyderm Clubs are all about.

What then are we? The Vision Statement of the National Federation of the Grand Order of Pachyderms (NFGOP) says it best: “It is our belief that most of the corrupting influences in American politics could be erased and government generally made more responsive by one basic improvement. That is, simply for more good citizens to participate in politics. ‘We get the government we deserve, not the one we wish for,’ remains a guide-star for a free people. We offer a meaningful movement of political clubs as the most practical means by which a broad citizen participation in politics may be achieved.” Nothing “fracturing” or “serving up candidates” in that vision.

And our purpose is, “To provide a practical means for broad citizen participation in politics.  To promote practical political education and the dissemination of information on our political system.  To promote the development of potential political leaders. To assist in carrying out the purposes of the Republican Party, whose purpose we believe includes: To provide leadership in government; To protect individual rights and freedom;  To promote clean government with local emphasis;  To keep the public informed on the status of their government.”

Our club is one of three clubs in Idaho and there are more than 60 clubs across the Nation affiliated with the NFGOP, an organization sanctioned by the Republican National Committee and one which has been in existence since 1967. In the recent past the Panhandle Pachyderm Club has included such speakers as Democrat Congressman Walt Minnick and County Clerk Dan English, as well as Republican  Congressional candidates Vaughn Ward and State Representative Raul Labrador.  On March 5, 2010 Tony Berns and Kathy Sims will be discussing the pros and cons of the LCDC (Urban Renewal). We encourage everyone to attend to see for themselves what the Pachyderm Club is really all about.

In America We the People decide who will represent us. We cherish the right of public debate and free speech in our Representative Republic. This is the essence of Americanism and Republicanism.

REGGIE CORRELL

President, Panhandle Pachyderm Club