Speakers address local citizens' coalition
by Lois Krafsky-Perry
Citizen Review Online
Posted 2/28/2010
Sequim, WA - Concerned Citizens of Clallam County (FourC) facilitator, Pat Tenhulzen, welcomed approximately 100 attendees, February 22, at the Boys and Girls Club. She shared an overview about the life of our first President, George Washington. While honoring Presidents' Day, she encouraged people to become more involved in their communities.
FourC is a non-partisan group of citizens who stress the importance of the United States (US) Constitution.
A number from the organization have also joined rallies with several groups for local, state, and national Tea Parties.
4C hosted three speakers for their monthly meeting.
“It is our duty to defend and support our Republic,” affirmed retired Rear Admiral Robert (Bob) McClinton, as he delivered the keynote speech.
The speaker was introduced by Jack Tenhulzen. McClinton desires to see our Republic remain, “a Republic for the future.” He joined the US Navy in 1943 and was commander of three ships. One was the Cruiser Destroyer --- USS Turner Joy. He retired in 1982.
McClinton praised former Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan. “The nearest thing we will ever see to eternal life,” said the Admiral, is government programs like theirs. He said this nation still rises up the same ilk [citizenry], as they did in government, as he referred to these former presidents.
“God bless the Marines,” said McClinton while reflecting on Iwo Jima, February 19, 1945.
McClinton spoke about the importance of elections and recommended voting for conservative Republicans. He later announced, “the two Tuesdays” will be very important dates: election days for November 2, 2010 and November 6, 2012.
The speaker closed his presentation by presenting a bouquet of flowers to Teri Toepfer with words of encouragement to her, as her husband, 1st Lt. Allen D Toepfer, is again being deployed overseas.
The Rear Admiral then introduced Toepfer, who is leaving in March, with the US Army, for Afghanistan.
Toepfer complimented the group for their love of America. “I can stand in the gap for you, militarily speaking,” announced the returning soldier from Clallam County. He said a battle plan is knowing the enemy. He stressed the importance of having a strong, well-funded military. He praised the US for having a strong military presence in the world. Toepfer is a specialist speaker who conducts classes to educate people about the US Constitution.
Ryan Kent Smith, a management speaker and consultant, was introduced by Clallam County Port Commissioner Jim McEntire. Smith hails from Sequim and was home from abroad, visiting family and friends. He spoke about economics, the US Federal budget deficit, and the national debt. Smith has lived and worked in China for seven years.
He shared his love for the American and Chinese people and culture.
Rather than depending on our respective federal governments’ diplomacy efforts, he urged the attendees to consider personal diplomacy, as they reach out to others, internationally. “Be diplomats of change, persuasion, and education” recommended Smith. "Americans like you are a much better example of ordinary America, compared with diplomats of the federal government. When you share your charm, your sincerity, your kindness and goodness -- that is a message from real Americans. You are America. Our excessive government spending is not a good message to send."
Smith recommended the attendees look at two websites, www.usdebtsclock.org andwww.ourtaxmoney.org.