The American Guesser

From the blog:

Although the Modern Whig movement was initially revived by veterans, this grassroots organization is geared toward all who value rational solutions in a manner that is realistic, non-fringe and avoids partisan bickering and ideology. With a headquarters in Washington, DC and a growing list of state chapters, we invite you to see what we are all about.

You also may register here.

From my inbox:

To the members of the Modern Whig Party,

Although the Modern Whig Party has so far attracted about 27,000 members from all walks of life, we like to use events such as Independence Day to get back to our roots. The historic Whig Party approach of common sense and rational solutions was formed by such important American luminaries as Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln. And as most of you know, the Modern Whig Party was recently revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who equally valued common sense ahead of partisan bickering and ideology. It is not an accident that numerous media outlets throughout the country cite this grassroots movement as “viable” and “the fastest growing mainstream political movement in the nation.” So this weekend, let’s celebrate our freedom while also keeping an eye toward the important tasks that need to get done.

For example, energy independence remains as elusive as ever while gas prices have crept back up to a national average of $2.62 per gallon. Funds for education continue to be cut, with summer school programs in various states being eliminated due to budgetary issues. And tens of thousands of service members are celebrating the July 4th holiday overseas.

Many of you signed onto this movement because you want to be a part of a political organization that truly represents the notions of “country first” and “change.” At the same time, indications point to the fact that our members also want a non-fringe movement that can build a viable foundation for gradual success. In this manner, we have attracted thousands of independents, Republicans and moderate Democrats. The idea is to find the working formula to cater to independent-minded voters who value common sense ahead of ideology.

As a start, as well as a sign of how far the Modern Whig movement has come, our organization currently is actively supporting two candidates running for office on the Whig ticket.

-  Gene Baldassari is beginning to ratchet up his 2009 campaign for the 14th Assembly in New Jersey. Please expect in a few weeks additional information and upgraded Web information about Gene to determine your support for this experienced and viable candidate. Gene is running on the Modern Whig Party banner. http://www.votegene.com
-  Paul McKain is campaigning for Congress in 2010 as a part of the Florida Whig Party. Paul is a child-safety advocate, successful entrepreneur and retired firefighter. http://www.paulmckain.com
-  Members of the Modern Whig movement also have expressed their support for Adam Kokesh of Santa Fe, NM who will be making an important announcement on July 4th in regard to his potential run for Congress in 2010. An Iraq veteran with the Marine Corps, Adam is an independent thinker who exemplifies the notion of independent mindedness ahead of ideology. http://www.kokeshforcongress.com

In addition to our candidates, there are a number of projects and endeavors underway as we continue to build this movement. In the coming weeks, we will inform you of ways you can help big and small. Until then, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend.

Best regards,

Executive Committee
The Modern Whig Party

http://www.modernwhig.org/

From Skeptical Eye:

I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of these guys.

I am usually aware of trends in politics and interesting developments, but the modern Whig party apparently slipped right under my radar. I actually was looking for information on the English Whig party when a series of links led me to an article about them. I see a lot to like in what I have read so far. They are no Libertarians, but they seem to be fellow travelers.

And thisa is what I have been saying: If you want a country that operates more like the way libertarians would like it to be, don’t vote for Libertarians. But then, don’t for Dems of GOPers, either.

From my inbox:

To the members of the Modern Whig Party,

We have received countless messages from people across the nation saying that they have heard the Modern Whig Party name bantered around in bars, restaurants, stores, newspapers, radio shows,blogs , forums, in the workplace and virtually everywhere else. In addition, many of these word-of-mouth comments were positive after some of the more reluctant or skeptical people took a closer look at what this movement is all about.

Our first phase in development has always been to develop a brand that is mainstream, rational, pragmatic and full of common sense solutions. So far, we remain on track and moving. In fact, we have transitioned from being a “mom & pop” organization to a fully recognized political organization that continues to be viewed as the “fastest growing mainstream political movement in the nation.” And based on the meetings taking place throughout the country, we now cannot be considered a solely online phenomenon either.

Notes of interest:

* Bylaws/Charter: A national committee has been established to develop the official rules of this organization. The vision of this movement includes complete transparency and open participation of those members wishing to be active. Once this process is complete, all members will have an opportunity to weigh in and ultimately vote on the future course of this movement’s leadership, process and policy. To assist in this process, please feel free to contact the committee chair at info@texaswhig.org.

* Fundraising: We deliberately refrained from soliciting donations until we had established a viable base of membership and infrastructure. We are about there. However, when ourfundraising activities begin, rest assured that we will be taking a different tact. This means we will never be in your face about it and will never hound or guilt our members into contributing. We understand the economic realities and the fact that many of our members are continuing to hold a wait-and-see attitude toward this movement. In addition, a Web site will be established to list all incoming and outgoing expenditures. From this easy-to-read site, anyone will be able to match this transparent aspect with the corresponding federal filings. There will be more information on thefundraising aspect coming soon.

* Lecture: The current chairman of the Modern Whig Party is giving a lecture on March 27, 2009 at Yale University entitled “Military Expression in the Modern Armed Forces.”

* Modern Whig NYC Happy Hour?: In addition to the lecture, we are considering an informal meeting in New York City on either the 27th or 28th of March. There already has been some interest in such an event. If we can get enough RSVPs together (newyork@modernwhig.org), we will put this together.

* Letter writing campaign: Our Missouri Chapter has been very successful in organizing a letter-to-the-editor campaign. Because of their efforts, our membership and name recognition in that state has grown dramatically. This is because these letters have attracted reporters which in turn has attracted numerous instances of mainstream media coverage. We will be working with our list of active volunteers and state leaders to incorporate this campaign elsewhere. To participate, please contact our national public relations director at elaine@modernwhig.org.

* Membership spike: The recent controversy between GOP social conservatives and GOP moderates contributed to a one-week membership spike of about 800 members. This was the largest short-term increase in membership since the party was prominently featured in the Military Times newspapers last fall. It seems more and more people are choosing to avoid strict socially conservative ideology in order to seek a pragmatic, common-sense alternative that is both realistic and viable. Welcome to all our new members.

We expect to announce many more items of note in the coming months. Thanks to all who have expressed an interest in this movement.

Best regards,

Executive Committee
The Modern Whig Party

To the members of the Modern Whig Party,

Leadership from both the Modern Whig Party Executive Committee and the 26 state chapters conducted the first national/state meeting last week. This online event attracted numerous members of the public as each chapter provided status updates and coordinated plans.

Among the many updates:

• The North Carolina Chapter is now registered with the State Board of Elections. The chapter also is working with other organizations to improve ballot access in the state.
• MWP Media, the online radio show of the Modern Whig Party, is expected to be launched in the next two weeks.
• The Oklahoma Chapter has a preliminary PAC membership of 1,900.
• A quarterly magazine for the Texas Chapter is expected to be launched in the summer.
• Hundreds of “House Parties” are being planned in homes and college campuses throughout the country to assist in petition signature gathering, party awareness and fundraising.
• Various chapters are considering potential candidates for 2009 and 2010 races.
• A national Public Relations Director will begin coordinating the party’s message this week.

In-person meetings: In addition, in-person meetings are currently being scheduled by various state chapters. We expect to release a more complete calendar of events shortly. But for now, if interested in connecting with other Modern Whig Party members within your state, please visit www.modernwhig.org/states.html and email your state chair.

State/National meetings: These online public meetings will continue to occur on the second Wednesday of every month. The meetings are run by the National Chairman, with participation from an Executive Committee representative, all state chairs or their designees, and special chapters to include Future Voters. Members of the public are afforded time to ask questions. More information to come.

Media coverage: Thanks to all who participated in our recent media campaign. Our movement was named in numerous mainstream print and broadcast media outlets throughout the country. One news editorial even reiterated the fact that “the Modern Whig Party is already recognized as the fastest-growing mainstream political movement in the country.” This success also included various NPR affiliates. Even if your media contacts did not achieve an article, please rest assured that you did succeed in informing a reporter or editor about our movement.

House parties: A coordinated state and national effort is being planned to help raise party awareness, fundraising, petition signature drives and party unity. The idea of the political “House Party” was perfected by the Obama campaign. On a designated date, everyone interested in this project will host a party. They can invite their friends, family, colleagues, etc. They of course also may invite other members. The idea is to not force our movement on people, but to use this as an excuse to have a party. For some, the Modern Whig Party will be the theme. Others will provide information on the movement to their guests. Our radio show will be broadcasting live as well.

If interested in hosting a party, please contact us at: houseparty@modernwhig.org

Thanks again to the thousands of members of the Modern Whig Party. We continue to gain traction and grow based on our common-sense, mainstream values and commitment to taking a non-antagonistic, non-fringe attitude toward the two major parties that many of us have bee apart of for much of our lives.

Best regards,

Executive Committee
The Modern Whig Party

http://www.modernwhig.org

Via Whig Blog:

Here’s a good rule of thumb: When someone mentions in a post on a blog or forum that they are “not normally a believer in conspiracies, but … ” you can rest assured that the poster is a wackadoodle and is going to spew forth a particularly idiotic conspiracy theory. No fact or argument presented to refute said theory will dissuade the original poster that his little theory is wrong. And soon, 90 percent of the replies will be from the original poster.

And that’s what happened on this thread on a Modern Whig Party forum. Basically, it’s a regurgitation of the Obama-isn’t-a-Citizen complaint that’s making the rounds. It’s all factually disproven bullshit, of course. Not that it matters, because no matter what argument is made against this theory, the response is that, well, it’s a conspiracy and if you look deeper, you will find the truth.

Hey, Whigs: You have GOT to keep this conspiracy crap off your forums and blogs. These people do not give a FIG about building your party or its platform. They see the MWP as a forum to spread their fantasies. The more this stuff appears on YOUR forums, the more the public assumes that is what the MWP is all about.

My advice: Delete these posts and comments as soon as your see them. Be merciless. If the Constitution Party and Libertarian Party want these idiots, let them have ‘em.

It’s just a promotional video, but it will open some eyes, I think.

The Big Two are competing against each other, and not really concerned abut the nation as much as promoting their brand.

The other “third” parties are more concerned about narrow points of ideology.

I think the Modern Whigs have a shot, it they stay strong and avoid being used by crackpots.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA-UW12gGAU[/youtube]

From the Wilson Quarterly:

Muscular moderation from our leaders, and a renewed faith among citizens, requires a new American nationalism, with national identity trumping party loyalty. The public’s frustrated yearning for a patriotic and civic revival fueled both Ronald Reagan’s success and Barack Obama’s meteoric rise. Both men captured Americans’ desire for greater faith in their leaders, their country, their system, themselves. The excitement about John McCain’s compelling life story likewise reflects a yearning for simpler, more patriotic times, rooted in self-sacrifice rather than self-indulgence.

We will start reducing the tension and reviving some faith in politics when we have leaders who understand that they must lead from the center, uniting Americans around core values and ensuring that politics are once again about being rooted in community and solving problems, not just rooting for one set of culture warriors over another.

This reminded me of why I’m a small-L libertarian, disenchanted with the Libertarian Party — not to mention others that claim to support a return to Constitutional liberties. The LP and the others attract single issue zealots and crackpots who are perfectly willing to fight and argue ad infinitum over tiny little scraps of philosophy. To do anything else isn’t “principled.”

That’s why I like the idea of a party that borrows the best ideas of both the Democrats and the Republicans.

Hat tip, The Whig.

The Modern Whig Party continues it’s rise.

In Texas, via The Whig:

The Modern Whig Party of Texas is deepening its grass roots by naming the first six county chairmen. These individuals are taking the lead in their communities in organizing the Modern Whigs.

The counties of Bell, Denton, El Paso, Fort Bend, Houston and Walker counties now have their own county Modern Whig parties.

Whigs nationwide have attracted leaders from a wide range of backgrounds, and the same is true in Texas.

The Modern Whig Party was inundated with new members — both military and civilian — after the election. As we near our next goal of 20,000 members, this grassroots movement continues to be widely recognized as the fastest-growing mainstream political organization in the country.

And the blog We Are the Neowhigs makes note of doings in Virginia.