I have to admit, high school felt awkward. Years later, I found out that just about everyone felt awkward, but it would have made things easier knowing that back then. I always found the high school cliques interesting. Probably the best time to see the cliques on display was in the lunch room at different tables. We all know the typical groups. For the most part, I was able to eat lunch with just about all of the groups without feeling rejected, except for those that judged based on the quality of your clothes. That was an insidious type of exclusion; not overt, they just wouldn’t talk to you.

My favorite group to be around was the water polo team. Since I was the goalie I was expected to be different. The joking and camaraderie within the team made it feel like family to me. I loved those guys, but more often than not, our lunch schedules did not coincide so sitting with my teammates was, unfortunately, not a regular occurrence. For me, that sports team connection was a taste of things to come in the various ships and squadrons that I served with in the Navy.

The Vietnamese crowd was always nice to me. In Jr. High, I helped with the English as a Second Language program, helping them learn to read and speak English. I enjoyed their company and ate lunch with them on occasion. We got along, but I wasn’t a part of their group and obviously, I stuck out. Despite differences, I always felt welcome.

I liked eating with the smoking-area crowd and sometimes visited with them in the smoking area too. I never smoked cigarettes because I saw what they were doing to my dad. However, I really liked those guys because I admired their individualism and renegade spirits. As a short-haired, straight-laced kid, I didn’t really fit in with them either, but I always felt welcome. They never offered me cigarettes; somehow they knew that wasn’t my thing. That feeling of acceptance when I was obviously not in the group was something great that I will never forget. If you were one of those smoking area kids, thanks!

There was a group of smart kids that I often sat with as well. They were their own group. I really enjoyed the time together with them too because their conversation was on a level of intelligence that was amazing to me. Most of them went on to do great things. Obviously, I didn’t fit in perfectly with them either.

The point I’m making is that it is possible to interact and communicate with different groups while not really being a part of or joining a group’s activities or beliefs. Looking back, I was really blessed by the insights that I gained from all of these groups despite not fitting neatly into any group. I did not realize the value of being an individual at the time, but I’m glad things worked out the way they did. I always thought that it was too bad that the groups didn’t mingle and enjoy each other more.

Today, I find myself in a similar situation. I enjoy time spent with the various crowds around the district. The 9-12/TEA Party folks are great and the “drinking, smoking Republicans” are fun too. I enjoy debating the issues with the liberals that I bump into…the ones that will talk to me anyhow. I like hearing what the Gay and Lesbian crowd has to say. I have mentioned that they sometimes inspire me. Of all the groups they are one of the most welcoming even though we probably have differences on just about every issue. I like the fishermen, the firemen, the police and all the National Guardsmen that I have met, all holding dangerous jobs that I appreciate. There are lots of groups to associate with; and it’s OK not to fit in. The important thing is to try and understand where each group is coming from and if possible, find common ground. That is, to find a way to work with and understanding each group while not compromising principles.

I believe this attitude of inclusiveness is something we need more of in Congress today. You don’t have to agree with opposing views and you don’t have to compromise the principles for which you were elected. However, Congressional Representatives owe citizens the attitude of servants working together for the common good while upholding the Constitution which they swore to defend. My feeling is that we have too many career politicians now who seem to be more interested in serving themselves or silencing dissent. We can’t afford to elect or perpetuate more of the same.

My question to you is, do we want this to continue? Do we want Congress ramming bills through without debate or even reading them? I don’t, and that’s why I want to replace our Representative. One thing however, I don’t want more of the same from Republicans either. I’m tired of the big-spending, government-expanding Republicans.

I saw a lack of inclusiveness on display last weekend. Much to my surprise, I was told that my campaign did not meet the requirements of the Dorchester Board and that I would not be allowed to participate in their forum which will be attended by the Republican faithful of Oregon. They told me that my presence would not add to the “entertainment or educational” value for the convention delegates. Check out the link to the letter from the board. My first thought after reading it was that this is exactly the behavior that citizens are tired of from politicians. Secondly, I thought how will voters get to compare all candidates if one or two of the choices are excluded from events? Finally, I thought who is responsible for this? I am hopeful that the affiliation of some Dorchester Board members with a competitor’s campaign is not a factor; there is simply no way to know. The candidate in question told us that he does not personally support the board’s decision and we believe him.

My campaign made a call to the board and was told that the board’s decision was final. Then I sent an email to the board, requesting they reconsider and reply to my campaign. The reply confirmed the board’s decision and I respect that decision. I will not be presenting my platform at Dorchester. So, for those I told I would be at the candidate’s forum, please accept my apologies. I was in error. In this case the two candidates who are service veterans are not included in the forum. The good news is that the board is still allowing us to set up the booth that we paid for. Outside of the event, we are also going to have an evening get together at our beach house which I hope folks will attend. My goal is to meet as many people as I can so individuals are able to compare candidates in person.

As for entertainment value, it’s definitely subjective. I do have some great sea stories but I admit I’m not always as funny as I think I am. On education however, is there another candidate who can match mine? I am a graduate of the Naval Academy, have earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree, and graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College. I also have a 20+ year Navy career’s worth of experience in leadership, national defense and the study of foreign policy.

There isn’t much I can do except to be open about what is going on while continuing to campaign more determined than ever. It is disappointing that all the CD1 Candidates will not be represented at this CD1 forum but I will be there to meet everyone anyway. If you would like my answer to any of the forum questions, come outside and ask me. I’ll be holding a cup of coffee.

So, what does a grass roots campaign look like? Well, it doesn’t look anything like your typical political campaign. In comparison, some might say it isn’t “viable”. That’s wrong; it has potential to work in a big way and that may be a reason to block me. It’s about regular people working hard and volunteering to make things better. It’s about a guy like me who is willing to work hard and continue to serve the country.

It’s high quality on a low budget, it’s what you want from government, and it looks a lot like a Tea Party. If you want an alternative to politics as usual, I hope you will look at the pictures of us in St. Helens and compare it to the pictures of the TEA Party in Clatskanie. They look similar don’t they? The signs are a bit different, but the common objective is to send a voice of common sense to DC. I hope Tea Party folks take note: we don’t need more of the same old party politics running the Republican Party; we need some new people with fresh ideas; we need you!

As for Dorchester, I’ll be out in the street during the CD1 Candidate forum with my coffee and my friends. Of course, I like company and I invite anyone to support me while I resist “the same old thing”. I invite the other candidates and news reporters to join me as well.

We can’t allow the establishment to play the politics of exclusion as usual. It wasn’t cool in high school, and it isn’t cool now.

Join the Resistance.