{"id":655,"date":"2020-03-30T17:32:01","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T21:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/?p=655"},"modified":"2020-03-30T17:33:14","modified_gmt":"2020-03-30T21:33:14","slug":"the-rhea-county-republican-april-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/the-rhea-county-republican-april-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rhea County Republican – April 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN<\/span><\/h1>\n

ADVANCING THE CONSERVATIVE CAUSE<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vol. 4 \u2013 No. 2 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 April 2020<\/em><\/p>\n

RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY NEWS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rhea County Republican Party Executive Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bitsy Gryder \u2013 Chairman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gary Drinkard \u2013 Vice Chairman<\/p>\n

Judy Bancroft \u2013 Secretary\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Larry Pendergrass \u2013 Treasurer<\/p>\n

Linda Pendergrass \u2013 Vice Treasurer<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Rhea County Republican Party Monthly Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n

The scheduled meeting of the Rhea County Republican Party to be held on Thursday, 2 April 2020, at 7:00 PM<\/strong>, at the Rhea County Sheriff\u2019s Training Center, 711 Eagle Drive, Evensville, TN, has been cancelled<\/strong>.\u00a0 Please see the May 2020 of The Rhea County Republican<\/em> for additional news.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Annual Reagan Day Dinner scheduled for April 4th <\/sup>has been postponed<\/strong><\/p>\n

The annual Reagan Day Dinner, which was scheduled to be held at the Rhea County High School Auditorium on April 4th<\/sup>, will be rescheduled at a later date and will be held at a different venue.\u00a0 Please see the May 2020 edition of The Rhea County Republican<\/em> for updates.<\/p>\n

Those wishing to receive refunds for tickets purchased please phone Laura Travis, at 423-240-8199.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alexander Coolidge, a feature writer for the Cincinnati Enquirer <\/em>interviewed Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen about the potential for food shortages amid the Wuhan pandemic.\u00a0 Mr. McMullen stated emphatically that there are no shortages of anything commonly found in food stores.<\/p>\n

“We asked President Trump and vice president Pence to let people know there’s plenty of food and plenty of things in the supply chain,” McMullen told The Enquirer. “And as long as customers just buy what they need and don’t [hoard], there will be no problems at all\u00a0\u2013 there’s plenty of food in the supply chain.”<\/p>\n

McMullen urged the public to also remember that the grocery business deals in perishable goods and is set up to constantly ship and refill store shelves. Also, most companies own factories that produce everything from milk and dairy products to maple syrup and canned goods\u00a0\u2013 all of those factories are working overtime and around the clock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Minutes from the Previous Meeting of the Rhea County Republican Party<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chairperson Bitsy Gryder called the meeting to order on March 5th<\/sup>, at 7:00 pm.<\/p>\n

Marvin Keener offered prayer and Joe Gryder led the Pledge of Allegiance.<\/p>\n

Bitsy thanked Mable Varner for bringing refreshments.<\/p>\n

Bitsy then welcomed candidates for the U. S. Senate and House and their representatives and invited them to speak:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Josh Gapp, <\/strong>candidate for Senate, stated that he is a pathologist from Knoxville and also has experience in entrepreneurship and creating jobs. Dr. Gapp listed highlights of a plan which could replace Obamacare.\u00a0 His bottom line is less government, not more, and stopping the oppression of Marxism.\u00a0 To learn more, visit his website at www.joshgapp.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  2. Manny Sethi, <\/strong>candidate for Senate, was represented by Harris King. Dr. Sethi, a Harvard-educated trauma surgeon, was born and raised in east Tennessee.\u00a0 He created a non-profit organization called \u201cHealthy Tennessee,\u201d which promotes health education in all Tennessee counties.\u00a0 Ending the opioid epidemic by empowering local government and communities is one of his goals.\u00a0 To learn more, visit his website at www.drmannyforsenate.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  3. Doug Meyer,<\/strong> candidate for House of Representatives (TN-4th<\/sup> District), shared that he is a veteran living in Winchester, with family roots in Appalachia. He has a Master\u2019s degree.\u00a0 His career was in law enforcement and he retired as a Chief of Police.\u00a0 Mr. Meyer spoke of some differences in views with the current Representative, Scott DeJarlais.\u00a0 He is a strong supporter of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.\u00a0 Questions may be asked of him at his website www.dougmeyer2020.com<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  4. Randy Sharp, <\/strong>candidate for House of Representatives (TN-4th<\/sup> District), stated that he is originally from Rhea County. He has been a businessman, realtor, builder and landlord.\u00a0 He plans to speak more in the future regarding his policies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The February Minutes were read by Judy Bancroft.\u00a0 A correction was noted that the Williamson County Reagan Day Dinner will be March 3rd<\/sup>, not April 3rd<\/sup>.\u00a0 A second correction changed the Treasurer\u2019s \u201cminutes\u201d to Treasurer\u2019s \u201creport\u201d in regards to the motion to accept it.\u00a0 Motion made by Joe Gryder, second by Sheila Larson, to accept the minutes as corrected.\u00a0 Motion carried.<\/p>\n

    The Executive Committee Minutes for February 29 were read by Judy Bancroft.\u00a0 Motion by Marvin Keener, second by Joe Gryder, to accept the minutes as read.\u00a0 Motion carried.<\/p>\n

    A motion was made by Joe Gryder, second by Kris Bancroft, to pay for a quarter-page ad in the Rhea Herald News to promote bidding for the Tennessee Smokies game-day party donated by Randy and Jenny Boyd.\u00a0 Motion carried.<\/p>\n

    The Treasurer\u2019s Report was given by Larry Pendergrass, a copy of which is attached.\u00a0 \u00a0Motion by Sheila Larson, second by Bob Larson, to accept the report as read.\u00a0 Motion carried.<\/p>\n

    The PAC Report was given by Jim Murphy.<\/p>\n

    Bitsy Gryder reported that Debbie Byrd and Glen Varner won their primary contests.\u00a0 Larry Pendergrass noted that there was a large Republican turn-out at the primary, and he expressed appreciation for everyone who volunteered to work at the election.<\/p>\n

    The Legislative Report was given by Kris Bancroft. He also congratulated Debbie Byrd on being chosen as Property Assessor of the Year for the State of Tennessee.\u00a0 Kris thanked everyone for their support of the Rhea County Republican newsletter for the past four years, helping it to reach a readership of over 400–from many locations.\u00a0 He encouraged subscribers to send comments and to consider the newsletter as a reader\u2019s forum.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    OLD BUSINESS:<\/p>\n

    Joe Gryder reported on the Reagan Day Dinner and said that plans are progressing well.\u00a0 The game-day party donated by Randy Boyd will be advertised in the Rhea Herald News for bidding.\u00a0 This notice will also be placed on our website, Facebook page and will be distributed by the Chamber of Commerce to its members.\u00a0\u00a0 A notice for the Reagan Day Dinner will be requested for the front page of the newspaper.<\/p>\n

    Laura Travis reported that 198 tickets have been sold.<\/p>\n

    Marvin Keener reported that donations for the auctions are looking good.\u00a0 If anyone is associated with a business, please talk with him or with Ted Doss about possible auction donations.\u00a0 Bitsy Gryder stated that items under $600 will be placed in the silent auction to keep live-auction items at a minimum, to allow time for the speakers.<\/p>\n

    Marvin Keener plans to send out an e-mail to remind people to bring desserts.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    NEW BUSINESS:<\/p>\n

    Bitsy stated that discussion of placing an ad in the Rhea County Fair catalog will be tabled until the next meeting.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:<\/p>\n

    Bitsy announced a dinner\/dancing\/auction event to be held on April 3rd<\/sup> in Williamson County.\u00a0 Go to www.williamsongop.org<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n

    The committee to plan the Chamber of Commerce luncheon will meet in May.<\/p>\n

    A group photo of the Executive Officers for our website will be taken after the meeting tonight.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    OPEN DISCUSSION \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>A drawing was held for a Rhea County Republican Party mug, donated by Ted Doss.\u00a0 Josh Gapp was the winner.<\/p>\n

    Glen Varner provided the Joke of the Month.<\/p>\n

    The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Executive Committee \u2013 29 February 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Chairperson Bitsy Gryder opened the meeting at 12:42 pm and offered prayer.<\/p>\n

    In regards to the upcoming Reagan Day Dinner auction, Joe Gryder announced that Randy Boyd, owner of the Tennessee Smokies minor league baseball team, has donated a game-day \u201cparty\u201d for up to twenty people in the stadium owner\u2019s suite.\u00a0 The value of this donation is $900.\u00a0\u00a0 A certificate was presented.<\/p>\n

    During discussion, it was noted that advertising this offer could also promote the Reagan Day Dinner, as well as raise money for the RCRP.\u00a0 The ads could include a list of the speakers for the Dinner.<\/p>\n

    A motion was made by Linda Pendergrass to run a \u00bc page ad in the Rhea Herald News, costing $175, for the week-end of March 7th<\/sup>.\u00a0 Motion carried.\u00a0 Laura Travis read the aforementioned certificate and, after editing it slightly, will provide it to the newspaper for the ad.\u00a0 Laura will also provide the certificate for other advertising as described below.<\/p>\n

    Laura will contact our webmaster, Jennifer McKinney, to run the ad on our Facebook page.\u00a0 It will also be run on their own individual Facebook pages by Laura Travis, Larry Pendergrass and Kris Bancroft.<\/p>\n

    Kris Bancroft will contact the Dayton Chamber of Commerce to request that our ad be distributed by e-mail to their list of businesses.<\/p>\n

    Larry Pendergrass will promote the offer to the Rhea County High School booster clubs.<\/p>\n

    When interested parties respond to the ad, a bidding form will be e-mailed to them.\u00a0 They are to mail the completed forms to RCRP, P. O. Box 171, Evensville, TN 37332 by March 31st<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

    A motion was made by Gary Drinkard that the opening bid be $700.\u00a0 Motion carried.<\/p>\n

    Bids will be sealed.\u00a0 During the live auction at the Dinner, opportunity will be given to outbid the top sealed bid, starting at $100 higher than the top bid and continuing at $100 increments.\u00a0 If there are no bids for the $700 minimum, bids for lesser amounts will be accepted.<\/p>\n

    Joe reported that he has asked Marvin Keener to collect the other donated items and Ted Doss will be working with Marvin.<\/p>\n

    The meeting adjourned at 1:39 pm.<\/p>\n

    Judy Bancroft<\/p>\n

    Secretary<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    RANDOM THOUGHTS \u2013 Echoes from 1933<\/strong><\/p>\n

    New York City Mayor Warren Wilhelm (who sometimes goes by the moniker Bill de Blasio) argues the best way to tackle the Wuhan virus pandemic is for the Federal government to take over \u201ccritical\u201d private companies, and keep them running 24 hours a day.\u00a0 Appearing on CNN, Mr. de Blasio said:\u00a0 \u201cThe Federal government needs to take over the supply chain right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Clearly, Mr. de Blasio is a man with a vision but I\u2019m not too sure his vision is what\u2019s needed in America.\u00a0 https:\/\/www.history.com\/topics\/world-war-ii\/nazi-party<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    EDITORIAL<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Globalists \u2013 those desirous of a one-world government \u2013 have shamed those who take pride in their country and especially those who are proud of their country\u2019s ability to be self-sufficient.\u00a0 The Globalist remind us that to insist on being self-sufficient is PROTECTIONISM, and those who practice protectionism are backwards-thinking Neanderthals \u2013 uncouth and unenlightened paranoiacs, with a yen for walling ourselves off in some sort of hermit kingdom.<\/p>\n

    Where the United States is concerned, nothing has been further from the truth!<\/p>\n

    Had it not been for our forebear\u2019s desire for self-sufficiency, the innovations that were born in the United States would never have existed.\u00a0 Our country could never have endured \u2013 and won \u2013 two world wars.\u00a0 The stellar advances in science, engineering, medicine, the arts and business that were the product of independent minds could never have existed in our time had it not been for a unified goal of independence that dwelt in the souls of those who came before us.<\/p>\n

    From the time the United States of America came into existence, our ancestors knew that having the ability to be fully self-sufficient is an essential component of freedom; no one can be fully free if they are dependent on others for any necessity of life.<\/p>\n

    Whether we are talking about a human or a country, one will ultimately find they are, at best, some sort of indentured servant unless they can subsist by virtue of their abilities.\u00a0 I think those who signed a certain letter to King George III, way back on the 4th<\/sup> of July, 1776 understood the necessity of self-sufficiency.<\/p>\n

    Sadly though, through the years, the United States of America has lost its ability to be self-sufficient.<\/p>\n

    There are many reasons why we are losing our self-sufficiency.<\/p>\n

    Some would say our newfound dependence came about through the desire of some individuals to enter into trade arrangements that deport those jobs that could \u2013 and should \u2013 be done by the American worker.\u00a0 Some would say deporting jobs was the fault of organized labor\u2019s threatening strikes and demanding wages that priced themselves out of the market and, in many ways, threatened or caused direct harm to the American people.\u00a0 (Such was the case when John L. Lewis and 500,000 UMWA coal miners went on strike in 1943. https:\/\/prologue.blogs.archives.gov\/2018\/07\/11\/you-cant-dig-coal-with-bayonets\/<\/a>).\u00a0 Others would blame our acquired dependence was caused by governmental bodies at all levels who taxed manufacturing to the point where corporations could no longer earn a profit unless they took their enterprise off shore.<\/p>\n

    There is plenty of blame to be shared, but it all boils down to this inescapable fact:\u00a0 The failure to protect and secure our ability to produce those components that are necessities of our independence will eventually cause us great harm.<\/p>\n

    The Wuhan virus is the diabolus ex machina<\/em> that illustrates this point!<\/p>\n

    When the Wuhan virus found its way to our shores, the lack of our ability to produce crucial drugs to treat its symptoms was again, and more fully, revealed to the American public.\u00a0 We were reminded that China is the major supplier for all manner of drugs. \u00a0https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2019\/12\/20\/policymakers-worry-china-drug-exports-088126<\/a><\/p>\n

    Eighty percent of America\u2019s \u201cactive pharmaceutical ingredients\u201d are not made in the United States \u2013 they are mostly made in China.\u00a0 This includes 45% of the penicillin we use and nearly 100% of the ibuprofen in our medicine cabinets.<\/p>\n

    Our elected representatives were fully aware of this before the fact. \u00a0In July 2019, Rosemary Gibson, author of \u201cChina Rx\u201d testified before Congress and informed them that millions of Americans would die if our drug supply chain was interrupted.<\/p>\n

    There are many ways our supply chain might be \u201cinterrupted\u201d and, most recently, China has hinted about doing just that!<\/p>\n

    But our dependence on China to provide the drugs necessary to treat the Wuhan virus \u2013 and almost every other health condition \u2013 is not the only major concern.\u00a0 Back in 2016, it was again brought to our attention that the United States is almost fully dependent on other countries \u2013 and especially China \u2013 to produce the electronics on which our military is totally dependent and, without which our daily lives would be severely impacted.\u00a0 These articles provide insight:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-usa-military-china\/u-s-military-comes-to-grips-with-over-reliance-on-chinese-imports-idUSKCN1MC275<\/a> and\u00a0 https:\/\/nationalinterest.org\/blog\/the-buzz\/the-us-militarys-greatest-weakness-china-builds-huge-chunk-25966<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Matters have only gotten worse since these articles were written:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2019\/12\/20\/policymakers-worry-china-drug-exports-088126<\/a> and https:\/\/www.realclearpolitics.com\/articles\/2020\/03\/18\/beijing_fears_covid-19_is_turning_point_for_china_globalization__142686.html?fbclid=IwAR3Vk4MD9wHyPQfzEtZONC3QgGt5ldojcN5PByM7gVAwI3lYXRAYNLDt_Sg<\/a><\/p>\n

    I submit that Protectionism is not only a very good thing, but an essential thing; not only would it produce millions of high-paying jobs, boost the overall economy, and secure our safety, it will help keep our country independent of foreign influences . . . and threats!<\/p>\n

    The United States must continue \u2013 and hasten \u2013 the repatriation of crucial industries back to our country.\u00a0 If we fail to do so, we may not survive the next cataclysmic event that comes our way.\u00a0 I urge you to make this matter the subject of the next letter you send to your elected representatives.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

    To understand a person\u2019s motives, it is necessary to examine their passions.\u00a0 People are driven by their passions.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    QUESTION OF THE MONTH <\/strong><\/p>\n

    Amid the enormous challenge presented by the Wuhan virus pandemic, President Trump has shown the world what a true Manager looks like.\u00a0 He has assembled an extraordinary team \u2013 mostly comprised of his appointees, which further proves his skills as a manager \u2013 with an incredible number of working parts that are minimizing the effects of the Wuhan virus.<\/p>\n

    But, predictably, the Democrats have fallen back on their tactics of never letting a crisis go to waste.\u00a0 In doing so, the Democrats have held Americans hostage, with the lives of many thousands hanging in the balance, by insisting on adding earmarks to the CARES Act.\u00a0 To be perfectly fair, the Republicans have, from time to time, also resorted to such tactics, which brings us to the question of the month:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Should Congress pass a \u201cClean Bill Act\u201d that would require all bills to contain only language, provisions, and funding that is specific to the purpose of the bill, eliminating what are known as \u201cearmarks,\u201d as a means of preventing what is generally known as \u201cpork barrel spending\u201d?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Before you send me your answer, kindly take into consideration non-relevant items that were added into the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), S 3548 and HR 748, and the cost to the American taxpayer that is listed below.<\/p>\n

    As Demetri Antonis, a reader from Newport, KY observed, \u201cthe government is going to increase the national debt by $6000 per person and give every working person $1200 and almost no one bats an eye.\u201d\u00a0 It is amazing that the ire of so many citizens \u2013 liberal and conservative alike \u2013 can be quelled for such a paltry sum.<\/p>\n

    Elaine Thomson, a reader from Durant, OK did the research on identifying the earmarks originally included in HR 748.\u00a0 As Elaine posted:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m just curious is, everyone OK with the FAKE relief bill? \u00a0It\u2019s OUR MONEY!\u00a0 This bill was to give relief to American citizens . . . they give us pennies $1200.\u00a0 They are passing out money to illegal invaders to the tune of $300 million dollars. \u00a0The Federal Reserve is reported to get 4 TRILLION of OUR MONEY. \u00a0Other countries are getting OUR MONEY while they give us pennies – $25 MILLION for cleaning supplies (money laundering?)\u00a0 $435 Million for mental health, $10 MILLION for migrant farm workers.\u00a0 Do we need to continue to pay their wages, too?
    \n\u201cA relief Bill? \u00a0It\u2019s BS!<\/p>\n

    \u201cHere are a FEW of Nancy demands and many went into the final bill. \u00a0I\u2019m telling you all now we have been played by both parties. \u00a0NO ONE Republican [in the House of Representatives] refused to sign this Bill, they said they AGREED to a bill and they all signed it. \u00a0Nancy\u2019s stunt was a set up so it would look like Republicans had no choice but to sign. \u00a0THEY HAD A CHOICE they give us enough money to SURVIVE one month! \u00a0They are ALL crooks both sides of the aisle:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n