Analysis: Part revival and rebellion, the February 2021 Tulsa County Republican Convention was a proud gathering of patriots. The crowd was greater than expected with officials claiming 500 in attendance. I filed for the office of Chairman of the Tulsa County Party to speak to the group on the need for Republicans to communicate better regularly on issues of both policy and party. The greatest blessing gathered was the opportunity to talk with people I did not previously know as well as lifelong friends.

A young couple attending their first convention listened politely as we began to chat, but quickly locked eyes to ask, “All we want to know is how do you view the last presidential election?” No political correctness allowed.

“Fraud” was my one-word answer. This of course flies in the face of the current national and local media narrative or even accepted conversation in general business or polite society.

“I am waiting to accept Joe Biden as President until some court in the land has the courage to reasonably consider the facts of the election, sworn affidavits of observed improprieties and felonies, machines used in key states and processes facially unconstitutional,” I added.

“That’s all we needed to know,” the wife declared in agreement.

This analysis is written only for members of TulsaToday.com and we will be posting more exclusively for members “only” as time goes on. That is hard as a publisher. Typically, I want to find out what no one knows then tell everyone. My own ego, while considerable, is also not the point or the domain name would be “ArnettViews.com” or some such. If you disagree with any part of this analysis, feel free to post a comment to this story (only visible to members) or email direct to editor@tulsatoday.com. Contrary to most media, we answer the phone and return calls every day. That is what real publishers do – accept responsibility and answer.

In advance of the convention, we posted a public piece from a survey of precinct chairs and vice chairs you can read here (click for more), summarized as, “All respondents supported the policies of former-President Donald J. Trump. Generally, these are considered the America First or a National Populism agenda of lower taxes, less regulation and support for faith based over popular culture perspectives.” At Convention many said this was the first time that anyone had asked for their opinions – party officials usually just ask for votes and money.

The survey perspective was also unanimously confirmed by convention attendees, but of course there was disagreement at the convention. Rebellion was evident by the reception of the surrogate speaking for U.S. Senator James Lankford as jeers and loud groans overcame his talk. Other speakers were cheered, but one can always wonder if what is presented to the “home folk” is truly the same perspectives they operate on while serving in any office. A proper party role – trust but verify.

In organization, this was the worst Republican Convention in my lifetime. Organizers did not well anticipate attendance, abruptly ended advance registration early and only announced that end on their Facebook page after several called to complain. Of course problems were blamed on Covid-19.

The Credentials Committee took two or three hours more than seemed reasonable and outgoing State Republican Party Chairman David McLain filled an hour in large part with glittering generalities of self-praise for Party Officials at all levels.

The featured luncheon speaker, Historian David Barton, was outstanding and, alone, worth the price of admission. Lunch was delicious if you love BBQ as Oklahoma Joe’s did a fabulous job. However, with very few tables, most balanced plates of food on their laps in theater seating.

The election of officers was rushed, beginning speeches with the least significant leadership posts. The chair candidates were only allowed three minutes with no time for questions or nomination speeches by supporters. Tradition holds candidates draw for the order of presentation, but this year the order was commanded by organizers.

I have served on and off the Republican Party of Tulsa County Executive Committee for decades, but my last term of service ended two years ago. In advance of the 2018 Tulsa State Fair, I proposed we raise funds for the party with a wall display where people could buy a brick for the wall. Yes, of course the Democrats, media and especially Hispanic Media went crazy on that First Amendment usage and, as Communications Chairman at the time, I handled the daily broadcast interviews during the ten-day event. Ronda Vuilemont-Smith and her husband built the display and many others contributed as the group met to edit a print handout and other details.

The election of Chairman at the County level is critical to the operation of the local party. Some Chairmen are better than others as we all have strengths and weaknesses. The strongest Party Chairmen have regular meetings of the Executive Committee and welcome diverse opinions. Others believe, once elected, they rule as God and everyone else is inconsequential.

In 2021 the party faces questions of tactics and strategies. Again, from the precinct survey, “Asked if the party should focus on activism, protest, rallies or growing membership and participation; sixty percent answered growing membership, thirty percent said both and only ten percent wanted the local party to focus on protests and public rallies.”

Judged by the candidate’s respective histories, the local Party path forward will be more activist than focused on growth at the precinct level.

I sincerely believe the Republican Party of Tulsa County is in good hands, but my path is best charted independently of leadership. As a writer and publisher, I’m more comfortable outside establishments and requirements of approval by others. As a candidate for Chairman, my speaking time focused primarily on communications.

Those elected, are obligated to speak for the Party as the Party approves – specifically as the Party Platform may specify on issues. It is increasingly risky to use both reason and free speech. The tyranny of political correctness powerfully attacks the outspoken contrarian locally as well as nationally.

A flyer circulated at the Convention attacking Tulsa’s only daily newspaper calling Republicans to action. “Do Not Allow the TW [Tulsa World] to Smear Us” as the flyer detailed how to get content for free “if wanted” by using a Tulsa County Library card number on the Library portal America’s Newspapers. The flyer also encouraged letters to the editor, provided style tips, suggested advertiser protests and contact information to reach Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa the current owners.

If you have any doubt the Tulsa World is Leftist, listen to the reporter try to trap Gen. Flynn to paint him with the broad brush of conspiracy at this link. Flynn’s years of service at the highest levels of America’s defense and intelligence networks or his years of unjust persecution were of no apparent interest to the reporter.

There was limited time at the end of a too long day for debate on a disjointed Republican Platform. The platform is drafted by a subset of a self-selecting subset and typically torn between a simple statement of principles and a platform of expansive dispute on particularly troubling issues. Disagreement within all Counties and the State Republican Party rages every two years with advocates on both sides at every Convention. If Party Officials really cared about the platform, they would meet regularly during the two year time frame to have it ready for the next convention – maybe even multiple platforms for a convention to consider.

For humor, consider that Platform Committee is where every zealot brings their most sacred cow to elevate to the highest pedestal that no one ever sees. Most Republicans never read the platform. Most Republican Party Chairman and Republican Elected Officials do not feel restricted by it and most have never met a Republican that agreed with every plank of any approved platform.

All that aside, Republicans hold justification to feel proud of their Convention. Good people met with good hearts to do the right thing and fellowship together. We were shoulder to shoulder with no sign of “Pandemic Paranoia” and no reports of illness following.

Tulsa County Republicans are strong, outspoken patriots faithful in freedom. It warms my heart to be a part of such a group – even as a minority in the City. They participate despite growing Leftist attacks (some now by City Councilors) and it takes deliberate effort to make a difference. The City of Tulsa, local courts, and most local media are Leftist and there is no broad public place for public debate – except here. On Tulsa Today you are welcome to engage wheneveryou may like. With your support we look forward to working with you.

Your comments are welcome below.