“The Mantle of Leadership”
| “The Mantle of Leadership” |
| Good Monday morning, I pray that everyone enjoyed a Blessed Passover and Resurrection weekend. I learned in my years of service that the mantle of leadership is challenging but rewarding. The Army taught me that there are Five Cs to leadership — courage, competence, commitment, conviction, and character. I was first cast into a leadership position as a high school sophomore in JROTC at Grady HS in Atlanta. It was not typical for a new cadet to start off in an officer position, but the instructors bestowed that honor to me. And, as a junior, I was selected to be the JROTC Cadet Battalion Commander, bypassing the senior cadet class. I immediately learned that leadership is not about being popular, nor liked. But rather making the decisions that was good for the unit, or organization. That was a guiding principle for me throughout 22 years of active duty service which included combat operations. We were trained as leaders when planning operations to always consider the enemy’s most dangerous course of action, not their most likely. And also, that no plan survives first contact. The victor on the battlefield was the commander who could be flexible, adapt, decisive, and deny the opposition gaps and never be placed in an untenable situation. I am well aware that there is an opposition to my decision as the Chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party to sign an amendment to the 2026 primary election contract to not conduct precinct based voting on runoff election day. I made that decision fully aware of the consequences and ramifications, just like the decision I made to protect my Soldiers in combat in Iraq. The DCRP is in a county with no elected Republicans in elected positions. As well, we do not have a strong ally in our very own Texas Secretary of State office. We were successful in navigating much opposition during the March 3d primary. And it can never be said that, as Chairman, I did not support the efforts of those who decided to pursue this endeavor. There were countless media interviews that I participated in explaining the DCRP position. However, I firmly recognize that continuing down the path of precinct based voting on runoff election day will expose the DCRP to a most dangerous course of action. That could be being faced with a lawsuit alleging willful and intentional voter disenfranchisement, and yes, the political opposition is just that devious. One only need look at Tina Peters in Colorado being resentenced, even after a presidential pardon. The left is always looking out to make an example of those who would challenge them. The decision that I made was one rooted in years of understanding leadership and its responsibilities, namely, protecting your Troops. If there are those who do not see this as noble and honorable, that is fine with me. I have stated my position and under my watch as Chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party will not expose this organization to potential damaging legal efforts. Therefore, at the next DCRP executive committee meeting, third Monday of April, the first order of business after declaring a quorum, will be a motion to vacate. That means the CEC can vote for my removal as Chairman. If the CEC votes for my removal, it will be immediate and I will turn over the gavel to the Vice Chair, Tami Brown-Rodriguez. My removal will not be due to any nefarious, corrupt, or scandalous actions on my part. It will be because a group of individuals wishes to have their way, and expose the organization to potential harm. I will not be a signatory to such, as it would violate every leadership principle that I know. In closing, all that one has in life to protect is their honor, integrity, and character. I will depart with mine still intact. Steadfast and Loyal. |