Representatives use the words “law and order” and “nation of laws,” yet they use their elected positions, the influence of being in those seats for decades, and family names to flout the very law and order they profess to uphold.
In the case of Hillsdales representatives, they’ve used their positions to manipulate elections, influence judges, and even go so far as to have the prosecutor and sheriff charge and arrest individuals exercising their First Amendment rights to speak out. All this, only to have a county commissioner drop the case after cleverly seeking out a subpoena—one that, had it been ignored by any average person, would have landed them in jail.
Two years ago, these representatives were removed from the Republican Party for their actions, deemed no longer Republicans after their behavior became known, thanks to the tireless efforts of delegates from their county. Unfortunately, due to the influence and connections built over decades of leadership within their political party, the resolution to remove them, passed almost unanimously, was not just ignored but actively fought against by the parties administration—an administration filled with the same familiar faces who’ve held power for years.
Authority is a tricky thing. When wielded, those in power often believe they have the full weight of law and order on their side—particularly when their interpretation of the law is convenient for them. This interpretation is then used like a club to silence anyone speaking out against their actions. These representatives, elected by their peers to be the arbiters of the very laws they claim to uphold, have instead turned the law into a weapon for self-preservation. After all, it is the order of things, isn’t it?
When those we elect to represent us use their positions to serve themselves rather than the people, it is the delegates’ responsibility to hold them accountable. When the delegates’ voices are ignored or fought against, their duty is even clearer—to keep holding those in power accountable, no matter the opposition.
Last week, at the District Caucus and State Convention, the time came for delegates to choose their representatives and, traditionally, have their voices heard. Every county in the state sends its delegates. District 5, made up of ten counties, faced a serious issue. Their resolution, passed two years ago, had been ignored, and party administration threatened to remove their entire delegation from the State Convention the next day if they followed through with removing those named in the resolution. In the face of these threats, and with the goal of staying at the convention, District 5 chose to reaffirm the resolution and appeal to the new State Committee for accountability—a request that the previous administration had not only ignored but actively fought against.
After two hours of passionate debate on the floor—during which the accused, their cohorts, elected government representatives, several county chairs, and many, many delegates had their say—the vote to reaffirm the resolution passed again. Almost unanimously. The only ones voting against it were the accused and their loyal followers.
Despite this reaffirmation, the administration once again allowed those named into the State Convention.
Despite the threats, the manipulations, and the decades-long power holds, the delegates stood firm. The system might bend, but it hasn’t broken, and they’ve made sure their voices were heard. In a room full of those who’ve mastered the art of influence, it’s refreshing to see that the power of the people—the ones who still remember what ‘law and order’ means—hasn’t been completely silenced. They’ve been given the chance to reaffirm their commitment to accountability, and they’ve done just that.
Though the battle is far from over, the delegates’ resolve is undeniable. The truth is, power may be held by the few for now, but as long as the delegates stand strong, the voice of the people will never be drowned out by the silence of convenience. The law and order they seek to uphold isn’t just a slogan—it’s a duty that will continue to echo in every resolution, every vote, and every challenge they face.
The delegates have spoken. Now, it’s time to make sure those who claim to uphold the law start listening.
In Liberty,
V-Chair: Lance Lashaway
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