“You gotta come in here, you gotta make ‘em excited.” This phrase was uttered by Texas high school student Jeff Bliss as his teacher was sending him out of the room. This viral YouTube video captures the frustration of millions of American students trapped in third-world teaching environments. A student calls out the obvious, and is removed from the classroom.
Closer to home this week, a livid Ron Gidwitz lashed out at conservatives for “destroying” the GOP in pushing out IL GOP Chairman Pat Brady. Looking at the IL GOP Establishment I’m reminded of the socio-political structure that existed over two thousand years ago in Jerusalem. There were the Pharisees with their extreme, strict view of the “law”, and the Sanhedrin acting as the criminal judges to impose judgment when one of their man-made rules was broken. When Jesus dared challenged their power, he was accused of blasphemy. Perhaps the words of Jeff Bliss are applicable to Ron Gidwitz, “You’re just getting mad because I’m pointing out the obvious.”
Anyone who has seen Joe Walsh speak has witnessed how he whips up excitement in his volunteers. With Joe Walsh at the helm of the IL GOP, conservatives who make up the bulk of the grassroots would be invigorated. This enthusiasm would be infectious uniting the party into a force to be reckoned with. Some may object, but in the end everyone wants to be on a winning team. We don’t need any more party leaders that make white toast look exotic.
No more business as usual if Republicans want to reclaim Illinois. We can’t win by just handing out a “frickin’” packet. This is the future of our state.
David Pfeifer is from Waukegan, IL
Who do you think would be the best person to lead the Illinois Republican Party into the 2014 elections? Comment in our comment section or email your op-ed to info@illinoisreview.com.