Saturday, January 24

Ed Gillespie Wants My Money

I received this letter today from the RNC. I haven't a clue as to why I did, but here it is - presented in its original form so you can see the their latest effort. You can make your own comments at the end - I've already made the first one to get the ball rolling. The bold, underscored and italic portions are exactly as they appear in the original.

Dear Friend and Fellow American,

I must alert you to an important matter - At this very moment, a fierce battle is being waged for America's heart and soul.

And - the decision you make in the next few moments could determine the outcome.

But let me explain:

Since taking office on January 20, 2001, President Bush has transformed our party, our country, and our world.

He has passed two of the LARGEST TAX CUTS in history, igniting the fastest rate of ECONOMIC GROWTH since 1984 - and creation of new jobs is on the increase.

And, on November 25, 2003, President Bush and our Republican Congress passed a historic Medicare prescription drug bill, which allows for the first modernization of this senior health care program in nearly 40 years.

In addition, Mr. Bush has signed into law the most important education reform in a generation, transformed the federal government to protect our homeland, AND led our Nation courageously in the War on Terrorism.

But - despite these tremendous accomplishments - the fight for America's future is far from over.

In fact, the real battle is just beginning...

You see, the liberals are retrenching! And now, they're hungrier than ever to undermine President Bush, and his agenda for a better, more prosperous America. Just consider this quote from a prominent liberal activist:

"Now the President is out of control and threatens American democracy and the peace of the world...Bush must be beaten in 2004. Not only the nation, but the world, depends on it." *

That's why I'm asking you to STAND UP for America's future by becoming a sustaining member of the Republican National Committee (RNC) today. Your pledge of support, along with a membership contribution of $25, $35, $50, $100 or more, will help President Bush enact his agenda for a stronger, safer and better America.

As a sustaining member, you'll be entitled to a number of benefits which I'll describe for you in a moment.

But more important - you'll feel a strong sense of personal pride knowing that you're part of the team fighting for a better future for all Americans.

While President Bush has already passed two of the largest tax cuts in history...sparked the fastest pace of economic growth in nearly 20 years...passed a historic Medicare prescription drug bill...AND led our country courageously in the War on Terrorism...

...we must ALL continue to FIGHT for America's future!

And - as a sustaining member of the RNC, you'll be doing your part to help President Bush further his agenda to strengthen the Economy, secure our Homeland, safeguard Social Security, and win the War on Terrorism.

We've done so much in the past year!

I know you're as proud about what we've accomplished as I am. But now is not the time to rest. It's the time to build, and the decision you must make is simply this:

Will you stand up NOW and FIGHT for the future of America?

I hope that your answer is YES - and that you'll join the RNC as a sustaining member today.

Your show of support, and a generous membership donation of $25, $35, $50, $100 or more will be a strong statement of personal support, and a pledge of commitment to the future of our country.

By standing up and joining the RNC today, you'll be doing your part to fight for opportunity: Opportunity for yourself, and opportunity for every American.

You see, President Bush has a bright, bold vision - one of unity, and common purpose which draws strength from the timeless American principles of empowerment, independence, individual liberty and free enterprise.

He wants you to be able to chart your own course in life, empowered to take your own risks and succeed, rather than be caught in a web of government dependence.

He wants every child - regardless of the color of their skin, regardless of their house of worship, regardless of whether they live on a small farm or in a big city - to have the opportunity to succeed.

But the LIBERALS don't agree with President Bush. They want BIGGER GOVERNMENT, HIGHER TAXES, and LESS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!

And now, they're more determined than ever to take TOTAL CONTROL of the federal government in 2004!

Make no mistake: The liberals will stop at nothing to undermine President Bush and his agenda for a better America.

That is why I must have your support today!

[more solicitations for $25, $35, etc. and list of benefits including a newsletter, phone access, membership card, lapel pin and access to RNC events]

The greatest benefit of membership, however, is the knowledge that you've taken a stand - that you're part of the team fighting for a better future for all Americans.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND: There is a fierce battle being waged at this very moment for the heart and soul of America. Your involvement is VITAL to the future of our country, and we need you on the Republican team today!

The decision you make right now to become a Sustaining Member of the RNC could alter the shape of America for years to come.

I hope you'll follow your heart. I hope you'll join us now!

Sincerely,

Ed Gillespie
Chairman
* Hoffmania note: From "Ralph, Don't Run" written by Ronnie Dugger in The Nation 11/14/02