Draylen Mason Studio
Soechting Exactly the Kind of 'Loose Cannon' the Democrats Need
RECEIVED Fri., June 4, 2004
Dear Editor,
I was amused and encouraged by your statement that Charles Soechting has "quickly developed a reputation as a bit of a loose cannon" ["Soechting Rallies the Troops," News, May 28].
I'm not aware of the loose cannon label but I'm very aware of some descriptive titles he's earned in the whirlwind seven months he has been the Texas Democratic state chair.
Charles is intolerant of several things including apathy, inactivity, and not supporting our Democratic Party.
Chairman Soechting is a natural leader that has "made things happen" in the Texas Democratic Party to an extent I haven't witnessed in years. Scores of precinct chair vacancies have been filled, sustaining memberships have skyrocketed, long dormant Democrats have been rejuvenated, and our party exudes a vibrant, enthusiastic attitude that has been missing in many quarters.
Justice Brister better get used to hearing a spade called spade. Soechting, and his staff, have too much to catch up on to waste time sugarcoating problems. I like people that are forthright! My wife and I both like the job Charles Soechting has done since the first week he was selected and both endorse him without reservation.
The DNC has written Texas off as "Bush's state" and a lost cause. That's odd – I live in Texas and I damn sure don't consider it Bush's state. I've found that generally you're not whipped until you tell yourself you're whipped. (Read – when the DNC supports us, we'll support them.)
I take no offense to your article; it's very understandable. Just remember that other cannons have played significant roles in our state's history. Back during our struggle for independence one "loose cannon" got so loose the Texicans captured it from the Mexican troops and wouldn't return it despite the Mexicans' insistence. In fact, that cannon is depicted on the "come and take it" battle flag flown during our war for independence.
So cannons, loose or otherwise aren't necessarily bad. If Charles Soechting is a bit of a loose cannon that's apparently just exactly what our party needed to "blast" us out of our lethargy. Long live cannons! (As long as they're ours.)
I was amused and encouraged by your statement that Charles Soechting has "quickly developed a reputation as a bit of a loose cannon" ["Soechting Rallies the Troops," News, May 28].
I'm not aware of the loose cannon label but I'm very aware of some descriptive titles he's earned in the whirlwind seven months he has been the Texas Democratic state chair.
Charles is intolerant of several things including apathy, inactivity, and not supporting our Democratic Party.
Chairman Soechting is a natural leader that has "made things happen" in the Texas Democratic Party to an extent I haven't witnessed in years. Scores of precinct chair vacancies have been filled, sustaining memberships have skyrocketed, long dormant Democrats have been rejuvenated, and our party exudes a vibrant, enthusiastic attitude that has been missing in many quarters.
Justice Brister better get used to hearing a spade called spade. Soechting, and his staff, have too much to catch up on to waste time sugarcoating problems. I like people that are forthright! My wife and I both like the job Charles Soechting has done since the first week he was selected and both endorse him without reservation.
The DNC has written Texas off as "Bush's state" and a lost cause. That's odd – I live in Texas and I damn sure don't consider it Bush's state. I've found that generally you're not whipped until you tell yourself you're whipped. (Read – when the DNC supports us, we'll support them.)
I take no offense to your article; it's very understandable. Just remember that other cannons have played significant roles in our state's history. Back during our struggle for independence one "loose cannon" got so loose the Texicans captured it from the Mexican troops and wouldn't return it despite the Mexicans' insistence. In fact, that cannon is depicted on the "come and take it" battle flag flown during our war for independence.
So cannons, loose or otherwise aren't necessarily bad. If Charles Soechting is a bit of a loose cannon that's apparently just exactly what our party needed to "blast" us out of our lethargy. Long live cannons! (As long as they're ours.)
Tommy Smelser
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie
