Give me more food
Borrowing a term coined in 1831 by Alexis de Tocqueville, David Barton, of WallBuilders gave a history lesson on “American Exceptionalism” to the brave exceptional souls who ventured out in the winter weather to attend last night’s Helen Cole Awards Banquet. The gathering of Cleveland County Republicans at the JD McCarty Center were treated to a 45 minute long presentation by Mr. Barton about America’s godly heritage and how it is responsible for our government’s stability. Citing numerous founding fathers and Biblical passages, Barton showed the clear link between our Constitution and Bill of Rights and the Bible. Barton, who drove up from his home in Aledo, Texas, is the founder and President of WallBuilders, which takes its name from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, where the nation of Israel rallied together to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and thus restore stability, safety, and a promising future to that city. The non-profit organization seeks to energize the grassroots around the country to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation.
Republican of the Year Award
Walden, Ward and Gardenhire
Former State Representative and the event’s emcee, Doug Miller started the evening by saying, “welcome to the only meeting that has not been cancelled in the state!” The banquet was a sold out for the sixth straight year, although there were a few empty seats, including three individuals who were to be recognized as “Republicans of the Year”. Long time Oklahoma City radio personality Mark Shannon, winner of the Media award, and George and Jane Cox, winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award were among those deterred by the icy road conditions. However, among the nearly 100 in attendance was the winner of the Outstanding Service Award, Robert Creson, of Norman. Mr. Creson was recognized by the Cleveland County Republicans for his years of service including one term on the Norman City Council from 1986-1987, his efforts on State Question 640, his role in organizing Oklahomans for Integrity in Government a grassroots group that fought against HB 1017, and his work on numerous Republican campaigns for the State Legislature, Governor, members of Congress, and local government offices here in Cleveland County. Mr. Creson and his wife Carol were on hand to receive the award and afterwards, Mr. Creson shared with the audience a few of his experiences in working on the State Question 640 initiative. He also thanked Cleveland County Sheriff Joe Lester, and one of his neighbors, who tricked him into coming; “we weren’t going to drive on those icy roads tonight, but Sheriff Lester insisted he give Carol and I a ride in his brand new 4 wheeled drive.”
James Dunn, the Oklahoma Republican Party’s National Committeeman, attended the banquet – his final event before departing for Washington DC the next morning to participate in the Republican National Committee’s Meeting and election for Chairman. In an effort to educate the Republicans in attendance at the banquet about the RNC Chairman’s race, Mr. Barton reviewed most of the candidates and gave his recommendation for Ken Blackwell. “Ken has proven he can organize the grassroots, and increase voter turnout as he did when he was Secretary of State in Ohio, and Ken is a solid pro-family conservative, “ Barton told the Cleveland County Republicans.
Bobby
Rod & Christine Cleveland, John Ireland and Becky Gist
The Lashers
