Poster Child

Well there comes a time in one's life when you become a poster child for something. Just this last week, I became a poster child of how impactful politics can be.

It all started in the spring while attending a Sons of The American Legion meeting in Indianapolis. During this meeting our committee interviewed several qualified candidates for office and some not so qualified candidates for office. While the committee agreed on this, a discussion ensued on the implications that the committee could face for not choosing a specific candidate. A candidate who was less qualified than other candidates. However, this candidate apparently had the backing of a senior official in our parent organization The American Legion who, we were told, expressed that if he got his guy, he would leave our committee alone. Those that know me, know that I am not a politician and do not like the political games. They also know that I have a tendency to stand up for what I believe is right (right, wrong or indifferent). Well I did...I immediately said "F**K this guy and anyone else involved!!!" If the less qualified candidate is selected "They Win!!" I, along with a few others, got on our high horse for a little bit, rightfully so.

Well we took a vote and it was in favor of the less qualified candidate. Of course the selected candidate is brought up and congratulated and the ones not in favor of this person (including me) spoke our peace and left the room before he could arrive. Of course this led to another conversation the next day in the lobby of the hotel, a conversation that should have never been initiated by the individual that initiated it. That conversation wasn't pleasant and it was in a hotel lobby for everyone to see and hear.

Which leads me to this past week. During our convention in Minneapolis. I found out that the political machine pretty much rolled over top of me for my comments in the spring committee meeting. As a result, I found out through channels that I was removed from that committee by our parent organization. All because I stood up for what I believed was the right thing to do and because I stood up and spoke my peace in opposition of outside influences into the selections of good qualified candidates to lead our organization. Of course I did use that colorful metaphor that begins with and "F".

All said and done, I believe someone in the meeting went back and reported what had happened which resulted in my removal.

I have no regrets for what has happened and would do it again. Standing up for what is right is a good quality to have and my parents helped to instill that in my DNA. The bright side is that I have one less meeting to attend, but I now get more time to attend and participate in other meetings that will shape our future and look for good candidates that can take our organization to higher levels.