CocoaCat
I received notice yesterday that my lawyer, Fred O'Neal served notice to Lew Oliver that he had five days to recant his libelous statements about me.
CocoaCat Well known Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell has taken an interest in the going's on at OCREC. We are free to add our comments as well. Let's help get the truth out there. Here's the link
| CocoaCat Group Organizer Orlando, FL Announcing a new meeting for The Orlando Ron Paul 2008 Meetup Group! What: The Big Tent Collapseses In On Itself/ June OCREC Meeting Sham! When: Thursday, June 5, 7:00 PM Where: Click the link below to find out! Who should come: Everyone that isn't afraid to take a stand for right vs. wrong! Why: Rare opportunity to see how the Republican Party deals with those that want to offer a differing view. Meeting Description: Okay, folks it's do or die time. Lew Oliver has promised an 'added layer of security' to protect the Orange County Republican Executive Committee from those 'Ron Paul Wacko's'. The first quote is from Lying Lew's latest missive to OCREC members. The second one is from a cool couple I met at the May 1st OCREC. They were cool because they came up to me and said, "You know Lew Oliver recruited us to be here to defend the party from you Ron Paul wacko's. But you know, we read the pamphlet your supporters were handing out, and after talking with you Ron Paul people, we don't think you are wacky at all!" We are going to make a last attempt to talk some sense to Republicans. I'm asking all people who believe that the Party should respect differences of opinion, to make an awesome showing. State GOP Chairman Jim Greer is going to be there. Lew Oliver thinks that Mr. Greer will protect him from those awful Sons of Liberty. Ron Paul supporters are now a byword for anything that Lying Lew thinks might upset his applecart! Hopefully, our traditional values of Limited Government, Lower Taxes, and Personal Liberty, will confound their plans. This will probably be the biggest meeting of the year. Not only is State Chairman Greer going to be there, but he's bringing the whole State of Florida GOP delegation. This promises to be a case of might vs. right. You want to miss it. Media will definitely be there. And since various potentates are coming too, I expect Lew Oliver will not only hire extra Orlando Police (like he did last month), he will probably have the new OPD Armored Personnel Carrier there just in case;-) Tops on the agenda is my expulsion. I'm to be tried for certain activities unbecoming of a good Party-Line robot. Sorry, but I prefer to think for myself. Sure, they'll try and deprogram me and put in the chip labeled 'Do What Ever The Party Tells You To Do.' But unfortunately my eyes are opened and I'm not afraid to stand up and speak the truth. Hope you all will make a spot in your schedule to come. Just walk in like you belong there. Skip signing in. Lew has already put out the word that only Republicans that agree with him are welcome. Dress for success and maybe we'll make a heroic last stand. It is a really sad that the Republican Party has come to this. Bright spot and good news is that MANY 'traditional' Republicans are stunned by Lew Oliver's childish behavior. I talked to them at the last meeting, and let me tell you, they have had enough of Lying Lew. Parting words: I care not what Lew Oliver and his henchmen say or do. I care more about the Party that once stood for PRINCIPLE and one day hope that it will return to supporting CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT. Nick Egoroff Orlando Ron Paul Meetup Organizer OCREC Member Precinct #319 Learn more here: http://ronpaul.meetup... | |
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| CocoaCat Group Organizer Orlando, FL |
I knew OCREC Chairman Lew Oliver was scared of us lowly 30-40 RP supporters, but I had no idea that he feared for his life! That's right folks, a fully armed Orlando Police Department Officer parked his shiny squad car smack dab in front of the door of the Mark Street Senior Center. He had his Glock sidearm locked and loaded. Hand cuffs at the ready; and I'm sure that his Tazar was set to maximum (remember to say, 'Don't Taze Me Bro). Fortunately last nights meeting was another yawner. Any attempt to liven up the joint with ridiculous questions like 'Hey, what's up with trying to expel a fellow Republican?' or ' how's your lawsuits coming along?' were quickly put to sleep by a repeat lecture from our County Property Assessor Bill Donnegan, teaching us the definition of 'millage' and giving us a thorough walk-through of the Property Tax Assessment website. After 45 minutes of this, I was almost ready to volunteer for tarring and feathering just to relieve the boredom! The really sad part? Lew Oliver is single handedly strangling the Party's life. Anyone that goes back to these exercises in boredom is either 1) a masochist or 2) desperate to try and save what remains of OCREC. Want some good news? I was approached by many longterm OCREC members that were appalled at Chairman Oliver using our Republican Party to settle a personal vendetta. As one old timer put it, 'If Lew's got a problem with you, you guys should take it outside.' Now that's what I would call a common sense attitude! Too bad Lew is more interested in throwing his weight around by hiring cops to intimidate people. Final closing note. What is up with Lew's choice of hats? I'm referring to the silly camouflage style baseball cap he wore throughout the meeting. Lew must think we're in basic training and he's our drill Sargent. And did you hear how he was barking orders to Jonathan Swift (executive director) and to others? Memo to Lew: ratchet down the dictatorial style and give us time to deal with matters of substance. Example: Well over $25,000 was spent by the Board without so much as a moment's debate. Everything is rush, rush with Lew Oliver. No time to debate the issues, but plenty of time to hear REPEAT lectures on arcane property tax business. Our struggle continues to revitalize the Orange County Republican Executive Committee. Nick Egoroff Orlando Ron Paul Meetup Organizer |
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| CocoaCat Group Organizer Orlando, FL |
Lots of great quotes like "If smaller government and lower taxes are revolutionary for the Republican Party, then we'll call it revolutionary." Check out the link below, but WDBO is playing multiple quotes by me throughout the day that aren't on the podcast. Lew Oliver refused to go on and answer my charges, which shows he's running scared. Tune in now and throughout the day! Then see you tonight at 7:00 pm Mark Street Center. See our calendar. Nick Egoroff Orlando Ron Paul Meetup Organizer http://580wdbo.com/in... |
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| CocoaCat Group Organizer Orlando, FL |
Last night I received a personal phone call from Vice Chairman of OCREC Gary Phister. He told me that the OCREC Board had decided to temporarily postpone the motion for my removal from OCREC. The vote for my removal was to take place this Thursday at the May 1st OCREC meeting. It has now been moved to the June 5th meeting. I tried to get Vice Chairman Phister to explain why this happened. He mentioned that State Chairman Jim Greer would be coming to that meeting. I then repeated my 5 earlier requests for written information on the procedure for my removal. And yet again he said he didn't know, other than a vote would be taken of the OCREC membership. Geez, Gary, do you think you could at least give me the rules before you find me guilty of violating them?? I also requested that I be given access to the OCREC email list so that I could answer Chairman Oliver's complaints against me. I also told Phister that I have information that paid OCREC personnel were doing the chairman's bidding trying to arm-twist members to supporting his position. Phister's response? "No Comment!" So we are left to stew about what all this means. Has Chairman Oliver realized he doesn't have the support to throw me out? Maybe our phone calls and emails to OCREC have given him some pause. If you would like to contact Chairman Oliver please email him at lew1805@aol.com Remember to keep it civil and stick to the issues of your support for differing opinions within the OCREC. Perhaps State Chairman Greer wants to come see for himself what all the bother is about. He was scheduled to come anyway, so maybe he just wants to kill two birds with one stone. Umm, I don't think I like the sounds of that one;-) I've also been invited back to the Doug Guetzloe Report today at 11am on 1190 AM radio. Tune in if you can. Nick Egoroff Orlando Ron Paul Meetup Organizer |
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| CocoaCat Group Organizer Orlando, FL |
My appearance on The Guetzloe Report ( 11-12pm 1190 AM Radio) went very well. Lots of callers voicing support for my fight to keep my membership in OCREC. An MP3/Podcast should be available shortly for those that could not hear the show live. Unfortunately Chairman Oliver continues to pull stuff out of his campaign of dirty tricks bag. Not content with printing out and out lies saying that I wrote things WHICH I DID NOT WRITE, he has decided that no one should be able to see the expulsion proceedings. Never mind that NOTHING of any strategical significance will be discussed, he wants to hush-up the whole sordid affair against me. I was tipped today by a news reporter that Chairman Oliver will close the May 1st OCREC meeting to the public. While every meeting up to this point has been open and 'in the sunshine', Oliver knows that what he is about to do is going to stink to high heaven! And he sure doesn't want any inquiring eyes to see it. So what do we do? I ask that all Republicans that want to hear how Boss Oliver controls these meetings show up and ask, "Lew Oliver, What Are You Afraid Of?" Demand your right as a registered Republican to see the inner workings of your party. I know that Lew is working overtime to spread lies about me to OCREC members. He uses the emails, phone calls, and personal contacts,-even getting the paid staff to do his bidding- all in an attempt to overwhelm my defense. Also realize I have no access to any of the lists he uses so there is no way form me to respond to OCREC members. Talk about a unfair fight, Lew has my hands tied and continues to pummel me. That's all right Lew, I can take a hit. But if you are so big and powerful (and we know you read every letter and have infiltrated our group). Why don't you let me have HALF the resources you have at your disposal. You are a disgrace for these continued underhanded tactics. Lew Oliver I'm calling you out! Come out and face me one on one in a fair fight. I have FIVE email requests to you to give me a set of the rules that you are using to expel me. You've responded to NONE OF THEM! Again where is the fairness. Since Lew has continued to flaunt his unreasonable behavior, I have been forced to hire Fred O'Neal, attorney at law, and am drawing up papers for libel. I will also file a grievance with the Florida Bar Association for unprofessional and unethical behavior against Chairman Oliver. We'll see if that causes him any pause on these attacks on me and my reputation. I ask all who support decency and fair play to vote with their feet at the May 1st OCREC meeting, May 1st at 7pm. Show them that it is your party too! The media has promised that they will cover the proceedings. RSVP Here: http://ronpaul.meetup... Nick Egoroff Orlando Ron Paul Meetup Organizer Republican Precinct Committeeman #319 |
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| CocoaCat Group Organizer Orlando, FL |
Most of us are aware of the tactics that Orange County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Lew Oliver has used against the Ron Paul supporters here in Orlando, Fl. It started when he circulated a secret memo smearing 8 Ron Paul supporters seeking membership into the OCREC, the local governing body of the Republican Party. The memo contained derogatory statements about these individuals calling them 'extremists' 'disloyal' and 'attacking the Party.' None of which were true, neither had they had a chance to defend themselves before the vote. Once the memo was discovered by alert RP supporters and brought to my attention, I contacted Chairman Oliver the next day. The ensuing 90 minute conversation is outlined in an earlier email posted to the group. The upshot of which was 1) No apology will be forthcoming for the blackballing of the 8 RP supporters 2) there will be no more Ron Paul supporters admitted into OCREC. 3) He (Lew Oliver) would smear me too, if I brought this foul play to the media. After seeing his new Katie-Bar-The-Door attitude against Ron Paul supporters, I met with several active Ron Paul supporters to discuss how we should handle this new problem. Previously we had received fair treatment at the hands of Chairman Oliver. Now we were seeing the beginning of a new strategy on his part. I explained to the group that I had pleaded with him to return to his previous record of fair play. He insisted in no uncertain terms that we would never take OCREC away from him. I tried to calm him by reminding him that we don't have the numbers to stage a 'takeover'. He was unrelenting in his vehement attitude and then launched into a tirade telling me three different times that he'd smear me too if I went public with the facts. The group decided that I could go forward with contacting the media as I saw fit. Shortly thereafter the Orlando Sentinel article appeared and the debate with Chairman Oliver occurred on WFLA radio. What is interesting at this point is that Chairman Oliver suddenly changed his story several times. First he is quoted as saying that there would be a stop to admitting Ron Paul Republicans and that I was not a target as I was already a member of OCREC. A few days after that his story changed again saying that 'some' Ron Paul supporters would be admitted if they identified their political leanings and submitted to an 'interview' process. Then that story changed again with Chairman Oliver demanding my removal from OCREC listing a long series of purported misdeeds by me. First he says that the media that the blocking of RP supporters was 'Not about Nick, he's a member' then he moves for my dismissal. With his demands for my ouster things took a decidedly nasty turn. While I have publicly written many things about Chairman Oliver, lampooning his style of leadership, I have not defamed him. Here it is useful to insert the definition of 'defamation' from Wikipedia "In law, defamation (also called vilification, slander, and libel) is the communication of a statement that makes a false claim, expressively stated or implied to be factual, that may harm the reputation of an individual, business, product, group, government or nation." Lew Oliver crossed that line in his latest email sent to the entire list of OCREC members (reprinted below). In it his attributes to me many emails with inflammatory statements which I did not write. It is because of this that I have now retained the services of well known local attorney Fred O'Neal. I have paid a retainer fee and have instructed him to serve Mr. Oliver with a cease and desist demand, which will be followed by Oliver receiving certified papers that I am suing him in court for defamation of character. Since Chairman Oliver is also an attorney, I will be filing a grievance with the Florida Bar Association outlining conduct unbecoming of one of their members. My attorney thinks we have a good case in both venues. I realize that Lew Oliver has powerful interests behind him and a personal fortune that dwarfs anything that I could hope to muster for such a fight. However, if he thinks that he can publish outright lies about me in order to throw me out of OCREC, hurt my future hopes of running for elected office, and in general forever ruin my good name, he is mistaken. I, together with the Orlando Ron Paul Meetup Group have a long and successful history of backing down such high and mighty bullies. July 4, 2007 we backed down Orlando City Mayor Dyer when he told us we couldn't leaflet on the Fourth of July celebration downtown. We backed down the Orange County Code Enforcement when they threatened me (as organizer) with a $1000 dollar a day/per sign fine for Ron Paul For President signs. And we will back down the Republican Party and it's Chairman for their outrageous form of conduct. I humbly ask for all Ron Paul supporters everywhere to support me in words, actions, and prayers as I take on the fight of my life. The stakes were never higher--but the friends and support never stronger--than they are here today. I will soon be setting up a legal defense fund which I hope you will consider supporting. I also ask that all RP supporters contact me immediately if they are approached by any of Lew Oliver's agents. I suspect that what he has said and done so far is only a pretext for what will happen now. If I am to defeat him (and with God's help I am certain I will), I will need everyones help. My personal email address is nicholasegoroff@hotmail.com. Many of you have my cell phone number. You are welcome to contact me and pass it along to other important party's. Below my signature is the reprint of the latest scandal sheet Chairman Oliver sent to the OCREC group. With the above mentioned action, I hope to serve notice to Republican Executive Committees everywhere that you can disagree with us on issues, but you cannot print lies about us and get away with it. Chairman Oliver you have tried to disgrace me in front of my many Republican friends. I hope to clear my name someday, but you sir, have shamefully disgraced the office you hold and the Party you represent. SEE YOU IN COURT! P.S. I'm told that lawyers will often use the tactic of misspelling and mispronouncing a defendant's name so as to distract and anger them. This subterfuge is obviously one that you enjoy as you do it constantly every chance you get. I have a message for you: You'll learn to spell it correctly E G O R O F F when you write me the settlement check. You'll learn to pronounce it correctly when you take the court stand to defend your atrocious behavior. No one likes a bully, and I don't like you. But you will learn respect and I will be your teacher. Take your seat and behave yourself Lew. Here is a copy of the email he sent yesterday (April 25). Other media and email coverage is on our message board at http://ronpaul.meetup... Begin Message Motion to Remove Nick Egerhoff from OCREC From: jonathan.swift@gmail.com on behalf of Orange GOP (orangegop@gmail.com) Medium riskYou may not know this sender.Mark as safe|Mark as unsafe Sent: Fri 4/25/08 2:45 PM To: Jonathan Swift (orangegop@gmail.com) Dear OCREC Member: As most of you have noticed or heard by now, I have, with very great regret and some sadness, presented a motion for the removal of Nick Egerhoff from OCREC membership, which motion will be considered and determined at our May 1 meeting. Those of you who know me well, or who have participated in this discussion, will know how much this action pains me. I am not fond of conflict and I do not enjoy confrontation. This is not "fun". I much prefer to work together even with people with whom I have serious disagreements. I believe that we as a team go to great lengths to tolerate and encourage input, criticism, etc., even sometimes to the point when it is annoying or tiresome to our membership. This is one reason why our organization has such respect by our elected officials and our peers, and why we have been so successful in our republican agenda in a county where Republicans are only a little more than 1/3 of registered voters. However, I have reached the conclusion, with the unanimous consent and approval of our executive board, that Mr. Egerhoff's continued membership and presence in OCREC will significantly undermine the critical mission we have in 2008 and that is why I have called for his removal and am asking for your support in so doing. I am not engaging in hyperbole when I say that this may be the most "dangerous" election this nation has faced in more than a generation in terms of potential seismic shift toward a Democrat lock on power in America. The democrats will clearly dominate congress (perhaps they will do so utterly with 60 Senators), the economy is shaky, the war weighs on minds, Republican identity among voters is at historic lows, and so on. There is a real danger, not only of being beaten, but of being SWAMPED. EVERY POSSIBLE RESOURCE must be brought into play. Every possible member of the team must work WITH us, not against us. There is absolutely no room for members whose mission is different than, and indeed in conflict with, our mission. We CANNOT AFFORD people working against us from the inside. Unfortunately I believe sincerely that Mr. Egerhoff joined OCREC originally to pursue, and now intends to continue to pursue, an agenda that is not only not consistent with the constitutional mission of OCREC, but is in fact deliberately intended to undermine that mission. The simplest way to make this point is with Mr. Egerhoff's own words. The following are a small sample of exceprts from e-mails sent by Mr. Egerhoff to others fairly recently. These e-mails were provided to me and others by Ron Paul supporters who do not share Mr. Egerhoff's goals and who are ready to assist the Republican team in the 2008 election. I urge you to please read all of these: - "We're gonna take over the Orange County GOP" - "The Revolution is Permanent!" - "Long live the Glorious Ron Paul Revolution!" - "It makes no sense for us to build a new party structure when the GOP House is so weakly defended" - "Attention all HIPPIES, PEACENIKS, peaceniks, and all who find the USA Patriot Act to be an ABOMINATION: It's time to register Republican!" - "The party is ripe for a HOSTILE TAKEOVER." - "We have the power to GET THE US OUT OF IRAQ, END THE WAR ON DRUGS, end corporate welfare, and restore civil liberties" - "Make the case for a HIPPIE CONSERVATIVE ALLIANCE" - "I love opportunities where the party is weak and divided. Easier to TAKE IT OVER if you ask me." - "This is the best time for Ron Paul to strike and STRIKE HARD. I'll be introducing a petition to start some "re-education forums" on what small government republican is all about." - "Or I'll introduce a resolution NOT TO SUPPORT JOHN McCAIN as our party's nominee. Depends on how bold I feel that night." - "Going 3rd party is not a viable solution. At least not in the next few years." - "We are succeeding in our plans to have a "QUIET COUP"" - "It's very easy for us to TAKE OVER THE PARTY" - "WHEN YOU GO TO YOUR NEXT REPUBLICAN MEETING, BE PREPARED TO ACT. WHEN NEW BUSINESS COMES UP, STAND UP AND INTRODUCE A RESOLUTION SAYING WE WILL NOT SUPPORT MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT. DO NOT CONNECT THIS WITH RON PAUL!!! THIS IS SIMPLY AN ATTEMPT TO FAN THE FLAMES OF DISUNITY." - "There are OTHER PLACES to say what WE REALLY THINK, such as RLC meetings (Republican Liberty Council)" Not at REC meetings. - "The number 1 priority must be to INFILTRATE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. Then we can run for office with an R next to our names. It's the only hope for GAINING POWER." There is a great deal more than just this. This is just a few of the e-mails. And this is nothing compared to the websites associated with some of this. And all of this is confirmed by a significant number of Ron Paul people who are deeply disenchanted by Mr. Egerhoff and his actions. I believe that the net meaning behind all of this is: (1) the stated, admitted, expressed aim of Mr. Egerhoff is to take over our party in a silent coup. (2) the purpose of the coup is to discuss issues and change policy, platform and direction of the party toward the platform of Ron Paul. Our party is just a convenient tool. (3) There is no discussion in any e-mail about supporting any republican candidate in 2008 on any level for any purpose other than Ron Paul. (4) There is no assertion or claim that the present committee or its leadership has in any way failed, at the local level or anywhere elese, to do its mission of turning out vote, raising money, recruiting candidates, planning for elections, etc. The purpose of the takeover is not to do our constitutional mission BETTER, it is to CHANGE the our constitutional mission altogether to something else (which we at the local level have no power even to do). It is also ironic that someone who spends so much time talking about constitutionality has no regard at all for the constitution of the organization he freely joined. (5) Mr. Egerhoff is not honest about this intent. He claims at OCREC meetings with written motions that he wants to "discuss and educate" our membership "about our platform", while he simultaneously tells people in e-mails that the real purpose is to begin introducing a discussion of various Ron Paul ideals which are, in many cases, directly contradictory, on many very important matters, to our platform and to the positions of virtually all our candidates a every level. (Furthermore, of course, it's simply not what we do.) He even says that the INTENT is to "Fan the flames of disunity"!!! (6) Mr Egerohoff has set himself as a spokesman for the Ron Paul campaign and its supporters without ever having been designated in that role. (7) He has taken his conflict to the media in an effort to support his case, rather than deal with this in-house, notwithstanding the impact on the party or its mission (the net result of which has been zero - no reader of the Sentinel or WDBO listener has called or written me. NONE. ZERO.) (8) Mr. Egerhoff has personally questioned my motivations and intent on live radio more than once, and in e-mails and in communications and posting seen all over the nation, and he has invited people NOT EVEN FROM ORANGE COUNTY, let alone OCREC, to call me to complain (to date, 4 of them, including a vulgar e-mail). (8) A large % of the Ron Paul people are disgusted and offended by his actions. They are not going to say so publicly for fear of being smeared publicly and all over the internet the way I have. However, they look forward to the secret ballot for removal. (9) He muses about introducing resolutions to condemn our candidates (you should see the resolution he circulated) as if this were some kind of entertianment. Such things are an ANATHEMA to our organization. (10) In an effort to achieve a quick high profile for himself, at one of his earliest meetings, Mr. Egerhoff moved to essentially empty our entire treasury ($40,000) for the purpose of making a campaign contribution to a single, non-partisan candidate in what was always a very long shot election (despite the best efforts of a hard-working and honorable candidate). Mr. Egerhoff had done nothing to raise the money he so cavalierly wished to throw away and in my opinion made the motion to make a name for himself. The motion was irrational and irresponsible and is indicative of the lengths to which he was prepared to go to make a quick and spectacular name for himself. In my opinion, and in the unanimous opinion of our executive board, these actions and these words are prima facie evidence (x 10) of the intent to undermine OCREC and its mission in this critical election year. I will also add that a number of Ron Paul supporters on OCREC agree fundamentally with most or all of this assessment. Most of them would rather not say so in public (lest Mr. Egherhoff smears them to the internet world or the Sentinel or WDBO, etc.), but I urge you to talk to those you know for confirmation. Let me add that this is EMPHATICALLY NOT about Ron Paul. Those who are willing to do our important work in the fall are welcome. Most will I think be helpful. I do not care who they supported in the primary this year. I do not care who they will support next time. I do not care what their views on the war or drugs or the patriot act or abortion or anything else might be. I do not care if they try to persuade you or me of their point of view ON OUR OWN TIME. I ask only that they work for OUR ENTIRE TICKET THIS YEAR and NOT BE DISRUPTIVE, period. Anyone, whether with Ron Paul or otherwise, who does not want to help us win in 2008 is simply in the wrong place anyway. No one should do anything in this arena that they are not comfortable with. This is a volunteer army and WILLING volunteers are the only kind that do our party any good. This action is as narrowly directed as it can be. We have not asked for anyone else's removal, and there are no plans to do so. We believe that Mr. Egerhoff's intentions and actions are qualitatively and quantitatively different enough from the other Ron Paul people to be deserving of unique treatment and sanction. In addition, while we will interview new members more closely in the future to confirm their willingness to help the Republican cause, we wil not ask the membership to reject out of hand any new member simply because they have been a Ron Paul supporter. In fact, we are trying to contact the Ron Paul people who were not elected the last time to interview them separately for new consideration. We have already done so with 2 of them and will be recommending their election at the next meeting. Furthermore, we will be recommending one of the early Ron Paul organizers, Jessica Deihl, for election to our board as Secretary. I can imagine no other actions that more emphatically underscore the point that this is not about Ron Paul. The subject is one very disruptive person who has been deceptive about his intent and his methods. In my opinion, Mr. Egerhoff's real mission is disruption and publicity and personal self-aggrandizement. The Republican Party means nothing to him. We are but a convenient tool. Finally, i need to say a few words on behalf of OCREC. Of course I am biased as its chairman, but I am personally offended by the condescending and insulting tone Mr. Egerhoff takes to OCREC in his correspondence to others. He has said the party is weak and ineffective and losing its grip and so forth. First, it is insulting to me that someone who has been around all of 6 months thinks he knows enough about our work to offer that opinion, but more importantly it is FLAT FALSE. OCREC has done exceptionally well here in Orange County. Though we have literally been swamped by a massive demographic shift in population that has drastically changed voter registration numbers in the County, and though we only have 34.4% of the registered voters compared to the Democrat's 40.2%, Republicans nonetheless dominate elected office here and we have done a SUPERB job of pitching the party and its principles to a huge new wave of Hispanic and other voters. We have NOTHING to be ashamed of or to apologize for. We own virtually every office in the County that we have even a fair chance of winning based on registration. Our treasury and membership are both much larger than the democrats. Virtually all of our elected officials attend our meetings from time to time and MANY have joined OCREC though they do not have to (Democrat elected officials often ignore and avoid the DEC). Mr. Eherhoff has contributed NOTHING to ANY of these achievement and yet has the affrontery to accuse ALL OF US of being weak and ineffective. Thank you all for taking the time to read this and I apologize for the necessity of bringing this matter before you. We all have more productive things to do. Warmest Regards, Lew My final note: SOME of what Oliver says I said is true. Much of it is not. Hence the libel case to try and clear my name. |
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| CocoaCat Group Organizer Orlando, FL |
This has been a very tumultuous period of time. First eight RP supporters were blackballed from membership from the Orange County Republican Executive Committee. I went public to the media explaining the abrupt change of attitude at OCREC. That precipitated Chairman Lew announcing that I would be expelled for 'disrupting the mission of OCREC.' Wow, never knew we had such power! Some might take the attitude that 'if we're not wanted, then why bother.' I can understand your reaction. But realize this, if we walk away from the Republican Party, we throw away our chance to influence the party from the ground up. And unfortunately that is what the powers that be really want. They would prefer that all this talk about re-energizing the party by bringing back core principles of limited government, lower taxes, and personal responsibility come to a halt. 'We don't have time for that now!' is what they say. I say, it's my party too! And you have no right to stifle, block, and expel Republicans just because they don't agree with you. I say, we have done nothing wrong. We demand an explanation for this kind of conduct! I'm asking every Ron Paul supporter to stand firmly and squarely with every other Ron Paul supporter. Don't fall for the trickery that Lew Oliver hopes to ensnare us with. He hopes to divide and conquer us. He hopes to play one of us off against the other. This is one of the oldest political moves out there. Dangle some tempting short term victory in the hopes that people cave. We often allude to the examples of Colonial America. And never was such an analogy more apt. No doubt King George and his British agents sent offers to the patriots: "Just get rid of that George Washington, Samuel Adams, and that Patrick Henry. They're the trouble-makers. Then we can sit down and work out a solution." No one knuckled under, no one betrayed their fellow patriot. How could they? They knew that solidarity was the key to survival. Lew Oliver now says 'All is forgiven'. All you Ron Paul people come on back, give me your names addresses and I'll see that you get in (never mind that he said on the infamous green smear sheet that Ron Paul supporters were attacking the party; that they were disloyal extremists. First he says that I am not a target of this purge, then he says that 'Nick Egoroff has always been a disruptive element.' And just to make sure the hook is properly baited, he throws in a tempting bone, 'We might even be willing to put one of your members on the board.' Come on Lew, do you think we don't see exactly what you are doing? A lot of us are new to this game you play so well, but we are not children! I hope everyone clears their calendar for this meeting. I will be given a chance to plead my case and I could use all the support I can get. I don't even care if you are not yet a member and therefore won't be able to vote. You vote with your presence. You show them that you will not be bullied, you will not be smeared, you will not be lied to. YOU WILL BE HEARD! Media will be in attendance!! Join the 17 other patriots and lets have a huge showing RSVP HERE: http://ronpaul.meetup... Nick Egoroff Orlando Ron Paul Meetup Organizer OCREC Precinct Committeeman #319 http://ronpaul.meetup... |
CocoaCat One thing that you can say about Lew Oliver--when he makes a threat he intends to carry it out. On the Friday following the the April 3rd Monthly OCREC meeting, I had a long discussion with Chairman Oliver about the smear job he did on the RP supporters. Secretly circulating a 'green sheet' memo branding THEM as 'Disloyal', 'Extremists', and 'Attacking The Republican Party,' was not only underhanded, but it wasn't even true. I told him that if he had a beef with me, than talk to me, don't blackball people just because they knew me. Ask THEM what THEIR political beliefs were, before blocking their membership.
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| CocoaCat Group Organizer Orlando, FL |
I had a talk with one of our younger members last night and it got me to thinking. The conversation started out with the obligatory, 'Man, it sure sucks that Ron Paul is not going to be president.' After reveling in our past accomplishments supporting the rEVOLution, I was tempted to agree that we could all just get back to life as usual before Dr. Paul cured our apathy. The more I thought about it, the more wrong I realized we were. True, the coronation of John McCain as the Republican presidential nominee is a foregone conclusion. But if you think that current events are going to just amble along with no surprises, forget about it. In case you haven't been watching the news, the war in Iraq is far from being won. The Sadir army is breaking it's ceasefire. Watch for the civil war to again be on the front page of news outlets. And by all means keep an eye on the US dollar. What used to be the world's 'reserve' currency is crashing and burning. Dr. Paul was the only candidate that understood and talked about the ramifications of this looming catastrophe. While the rest of the media obsesses about the Obama vs. McCain puppet show, we want to 'have our powder dry.' What I mean is that this is not the time to slumber and say 'the hell with it.' We must absolutely be ready to proclaim that the US Constitution and Founding Fathers foretold all of these problems. A mind your own business, non-interventionist foreign policy, coupled with an honest monetary system (read dollars backed by gold and silver) is the only safeguard against an oppressive and bankrupt government. Today's following 'the rule of men' vs. 'the rule of law' is destined to lead us to ruin. So I say be ready to act. We will soon have our day in the sun. And to quote one other hero of the rEVOLution, Barry Goldwater, "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. ... Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." Nick Egoroff Orlando Ron Paul Meetup Organizer |
