the trumpeter · 2017. 8. 3. · the trumpeter the newsletter of the north pinellas republican club...

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President Donald J. TRiUMPh The Polish Speech That Declared the End of

Old Time Internationalism

The Trumpeter

The Newsletter of the North Pinellas Republican Club —August 2017

Memorial services for our

late friend and colleague

Jackie Brownhill will take

place at noon Tuesday, Au-

gust 15, at the Church of the

Good Samaritan, 2165 NE

Coachman Rd, Clearwater.

3

Get Your Seats Now for this Big Indoor Event!

Pulled Pork, Barbecue Chicken, Live Music, Presidential

Trivia and a Chance to Win Prizes— DON’T MISS IT!

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As you know, the North Pinellas Republican Club has proactively begun working with candidates who are run-

ning in 2018. In June we started out by having candidate petition card events at the Dunedin Library for three

candidates; Gus Bilirakis (U.S. Congress District 12), Ed

Hooper (State Senator District 16), and Denise Grimsley

(State Commissioner of Agriculture). Over a three week

period we had 8 events and collected over 600 signature

cards for the candidates. Additionally our presence at

the library helped us to train some new volunteers, en-

gage with those opposed to our beliefs, educate many

about our candidates and positions, promote our club,

and recruit new members. We even processed a new

voter registration form for a young Republican.

Trying to replicate the successes of the Dunedin Library, Ron Ogden and I have surveyed 13 other locations in

North Pinellas County to see which ones had a lot of foot traffic, had suitable areas to setup, and would allow for

us to be on-site. We identified these 6 locations for our next phase of petition card events.

We have developed a schedule for the month of August based on having 8 events at each site for a total of 48

events. At most we would have 2 events per day each day of the week except for Sunday (no events).

We hope that you will join us as much as possible to volunteer for these events. I don’t have to tell you how im-

portant it is to support our Republican candidates and getting them on the ballot is the first step. Each of the

candidates and their campaign staffs appreciate what we are doing as a club. So please contact either one of

us as soon as possible and we will share the dates with you and get you scheduled for your desired locations.

· Ron Ogden at (727) 754-4334 and [email protected]

· Ellsworth Warmouth at (727) 460-9300 and [email protected]

· John Keller at (727) 470-0024 and [email protected]

—By John Keller

Our Club

NPRC Petition Drives in Progress Up County

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Brotherton, former Dunedin official, says case for “Penny” not yet made

The Revolutionary War was fought over taxes and foreign government control. Taxes today in America

amount to about 33% of GDP and in Europe they amount to about 50%. In Colonial Virginia, most people lived

on farms and were quite independent. Even in those days, the colonists were subject to taxes due to the need

for government services. Such taxes in Virginia included “Tax on Tithables” which was a “Poll Tax” (everyone

paid the same) with income to the English Crown. “Quitrents” was a type of land tax

based on the amount of land owned paid to the Crown. “County Levies” were also a poll

tax for the courthouse, jail, road repairs, etc. “Parish Levy” was a poll tax paid to the lo-

cal Vestry of the Church of England for repair of the church buildings, care for the poor

and orphans, and in some cases, local road maintenance. In colonial Virginia, total tax-

es applied to people were well less than 10% of their annual income and that caused a

war with England. The average life span in those days was also much shorter than it is

today.

As we become more and more urbanized, and our life span increases, the demand for

government services has increased. The demand for high quality drinking water drives up

the fees to provide those services. More traffic requires wider roads. With advances in medicine, people de-

mand these expensive medical services even though they cannot afford the services. Typically, the Federal

Government goes after our income taxes, the States go after our Sales Taxes, and local government agencies

go after our property taxes. In Florida, the standard sales tax rate is 6%. Florida State Law allows counties to

add a 1% (one penny per dollar) to their sales tax in 10-year increments. This seems small but amounts to an

increase of about 15% in this tax. This money cannot be spent on operations or maintenance costs. 30% of

this tax revenue is from visitors to Pinellas County. For the last 29 years, Pinellas County voters have opted for

this tax increase for the purpose of constructing expanded infrastructure for the area growth problems per

requirements of State Law. The first 10-year vote passed by 75%. The second 10-year vote passed by 65%.

The third 10-year vote passed by 55%. The vote coming this November is the 4 th vote. This revenue amounts

to more than 1.5 Billion Dollars over 10 years for Pinellas County and its cities.

“Houston – we have a problem!” First, given the current rate of decline of popularity of this tax, the tax will

not be approved this November. Second, the Counties and cities have not been subject to an audit to insure

that the collected tax has been expended per State Law. While resurfacing streets and adding to baseball stadi-

ums is a “Capital Expenditure”, it does not meet the intent of State Law. The economic recession of 2008, with

resulting reduction in ad-valorem tax revenues, has caused a blind eye to proper budgeting. Pinellas County

has added “Economic Development” and “Low Cost Housing” as a goal to their use of Penny Funds, over the

next 10 years, without specific projects being identified.

In the face of declining popularity of this Penny tax, our government agencies have not well-supervised the

proper use of current tax funds and have not made a strong case for continuing this tax. Failure to approve this

tax will result in either reduced expansion of infrastructure or increases in property taxes to replace the lost rev-

enue. One thing is for sure and that is that people will continue to flock to this part of Florida from other States

and continue to impact our existing infrastructure. New taxes from new people do not appear to offset their im-

pacts.

—By Bob Brotherton, NPRC and PCREC member and owner of Brotherton Engineering. He served in senior administra-

tive capacities with the City of Dunedin for nearly 20 years.

Brotherton

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Our Club

“Just One Thing” to Help Our Club

- One suggestion to improve GOP Club participation.

During a recent meeting of our local Republican Club, the president of our group made

another plea for people to become more active in the club's activities. I have heard simi-

lar pleas in other clubs, but it occurred to me there is a simple solution for this.

In Billy Crystal's movie, "City Slickers," Curley (Jack Palance) tells Billy's character the

meaning of life involves "Just One Thing" which we must all figure out for ourselves. In

terms of local Republican clubs, I think I have figured it out. Let me explain.

The real problem in these clubs is not declining membership. This just a symptom. Apathy is the true prob-

lem. As many of you know, I participate in several political Discussion Groups on the Internet, and I have been

reading about diminishing attendance at different club events, such as meetings and socials. The authors of

these notices have been expressing great frustration over this.

If all Republicans did "Just One Thing" for their club, it would be a better place. I am not suggesting we do any-

thing extremely labor intensive; perhaps it is something as simple as being a greeter at the door, preparing name

tags, attending a meeting or social function, helping with a sign waving event, walking a neighborhood, or just

helping out in some simple way. If we all did "Just One Thing," the club, our party and the country overall would

be a better place.

Where is it written the club Officers must do all of the work? Sure, they have many responsibilities, but it is the

job of the officers to formulate objectives and set the membership to work towards some political goals. I am

amazed by those members who come to the club and are not happy with this or that. For example, how often

have you seen a member criticize the club, yet make no attempt to lift a finger to help out? We have developed

into a generation of "takers" as opposed to "givers." Before you criticize next time, figure out how YOU are going

to help solve the problem. Do not be part of the problem, be part of the solution. I guess the following quote

sums it up:

"People can be divided into three groups: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and

those who wonder what happened." - John W. Newbern

It is up to us as Republicans to each share in the responsibility of making our clubs and the party successful. If

we all did "JUST ONE THING," be it large or small, think how far ahead we will be.

—By Tim Bryce, NPRC Webmaster

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Will the West Have the Will to Survive? Trump Asks

The Polish people, thousands of them,

went wild. Gathered in front of the presi-

dent whom they have heard vilified by the

petulant and effete minority throughout

the West, they stood and cheered his

ringing defense of Western civilization.

Donald Trump, scorned by the American

liberal establishment at every turn, had

firmly declared that the very culture that

assails him was the culture that must be

defended. It was a moment of high cour-

age, and we reproduce the speech here in

its entirety, beginning with the First La-

dy’s introductory remarks.

MRS. TRUMP: Hello, Poland! Thank

you very much. My husband and I

have enjoyed visiting your beautiful

country. I want to thank President

and Mrs. Duda for the warm welcome

and their generous hospitality. I had

the opportunity to visit the Copernicus

Science Centre today, and found it

not only informative but thoughtful, its

mission, which is to inspire people to

observe, experiment, ask questions,

and seek answers.

I can think of no better purpose for

such a wonderful science cen-

ter. Thank you to all who were in-

volved in giving us the tour, especially

the children who made it such a won-

derful experience.

As many of you know, a main focus of

my husband's presidency is safety

and security of the American peo-

ple. I think all of us can agree people

should be able to live their lives with-

out fear, no matter what country they

live in. That is my wish for all of us

around the world. (Applause.)

Thank you again for this wonderful

welcome to your very special coun-

try. Your kindness and gracious hos-

pitality will not be forgot-

ten. (Applause.)

And now it is my honor to introduce to

you my husband, the President of the

United States, Donald J.

Trump. (Applause.)

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you

very much. That's so nice. The Unit-

ed States has many great diplomats,

but there is truly no better ambassa-

dor for our country than our beautiful

First Lady, Melania. Thank you,

Melania. That was very nice.

(Applause.)

We've come to your nation to deliver

a very important message: America

loves Poland, and America loves the

Polish people. (Applause.) Thank

you.

The Poles have not only greatly en-

riched this region, but Polish-

Americans have also greatly enriched

the United States, and I was truly

proud to have their support in the

2016 election. (Applause.)

It is a profound honor to stand in this

city, by this monument to the Warsaw

Uprising, and to address the Polish

nation that so many generations have

dreamed of: a Poland that is safe,

strong, and free. (Applause.)

President Duda and your wonderful

First Lady, Agata, have welcomed us

with the tremendous warmth and

kindness for which Poland is known

around the world. Thank

you. (Applause.) My sincere -- and I

mean sincerely thank both of

them. And to Prime Minister Syzdlo,

a very special thanks al-

so. (Applause.)

We are also pleased that former Pres-

ident Lech Walesa, so famous for

leading the Solidarity Movement, has

joined us today, al-

so. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank

you. Thank you.

(Continued on page 12)

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Our Club

The Beauties of Budapest: NPRC member

Elizabeth Posner Tours Eastern Europe

When Elizabeth Posner emailed us from Budapest about how Republicans need to support

President Trump, we asked her to send photos of her trip. That is her one the right with a Hun-

garian friend inside the café near the opera house. The bottom photo is the old Parliament build-

ing. More next month!

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Our Party

The Trumpeter is published each month by the North Pinellas Republican Club as a service to its mem-

bers. Articles published herein should not be considered endorsements of any candidate, issue or po-

sition. Advertisements for campaign events are published solely as a courtesy to announced Republi-

can candidates, and the content of those advertisements is solely the responsibility of the candidates.

The Trumpeter invites submissions of photographs, articles, announcements and campaign-related

information but will publish them at its discretion. Contact [email protected]

“It was my honor to be elected to the Florida Legislature from 1998 to 2006. Currently, I serve proudly as the

mayor of the city of Seminole.

“The 2017 Florida Legislature blatantly conducted a ‘war on cities.’ The home rule

provision in the Florida Constitution was ignored, stomped-on, mocked, and decimat-

ed. It was shocking and egregious!

“Home rule is the right of local self-government, including the powers to regulate for

the protection of the public health, safety and welfare; to license; and to tax.

“Who wants Main Street to turn into regulation and ordinance free-zones, or have

right-of-ways cluttered with private company priorities without city oversight?

“Who better to provide signage and building code guidelines on city streets and ave-

nues? Who better to work with the shop owners along the boulevards? Cites or state

government? Of course, local governments know best, we are ‘closest to the people.’

Not state legislators.

“My friend Speaker Richard Corcoran [R-Land O’ Lakes] views this assault as

‘Constitutional Hierarchy.’

“How about ‘Constitutional Home Rule?’

“For over 13 years, I have worked as an international consultant throughout the world, including former USSR

Communist regimes. Countries such as Mongolia, Moldova, Georgia, etc., where, with time, the Soviet form of

‘Central Government’ collapsed, and for decades have been evolving into strong democracies. These new de-

mocracies are intentionally distancing themselves from ‘institutional hierarchy’ or ‘central government.’

“City government structure, city elections, city priorities, city ordinances, city reserves, city charters, city build-

ing codes, city budgeting, city regulations are governed by elected local officials.

“The citizens of my city expect nothing less!”

—by Hon. Leslie Waters (previously published elsewhere

Waters Takes Issue with “Home Rule” Actions

Leslie Waters is Mayor of

Seminole , a political

consultant and an inter-

national democracy activ-

ist.

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Our Home Towns Clearwater, Dunedin, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs

The City of Oldsmar was awarded the City Spirit Award from the Florida League of Cities (FLC) during the or-

ganization’s ninth annual Florida Municipal Achievement Awards last week. Oldsmar was chosen from 400+ mu-

nicipalities in the state for the City Spirit Award, which recognizes a single, specific citywide effort to successful-

ly address a local need. This year the FLC chose the 2016 Oldsmar’s Peoples Centennial, which was chaired

by Vice-Mayor Dan Saracki, the city’s representative for the FLC.

“This is quite an honor and an amazing achievement. For Oldsmar to be recognized on a state level for the City

Spirit Award, this shows how committed our community is to bringing people together. I always knew our City had

spirit, and the entire state of Florida will know, too.”

Saracki, who formed the People’s Centennial Task Force committee two years prior to the start of a yearlong cel-

ebration, said they would never have won without the help of the many volunteers that made it happen.

“The volunteers of the People’s Centennial Task force should be very proud of their leadership and accomplish-

ments that made this award possible. Their hard work and dedication is something I have never witnessed be-

fore. “The volunteers of the People’s Centennial Task force should be very proud of their leadership and accom-

plishments that made this award possible. Their hard work and dedication is something I have never witnessed

before. The schedule of events kicked off in January 2016 featuring Fifth Fridays chaired by Darlene Lazier, Ed

Derkevics, Vickie Mills, Ginger Tatarzewski and Quyen Trujillo, and concluded with a legends of rock concert on

October 1 chaired by Becky Afonso. Countless hours were also volunteered by Jeri Antozzi, Gator Black, Gina

Rogers-Price, and many others. The support we received from City staff, Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Com-

merce, Oldsmar Historical Society, and the Olds Club of Florida was incredible. I would also like to extend a spe-

cial thank you to the local businesses who sponsored the Centennial very generously, and to the Great-Grandson

of RE Olds, Thomas Roe, who never missed a meeting."

Here’s what the FLC said in a press release about Oldsmar winning the award: “the City of Oldsmar’s winning

entry, Oldsmar’s People Centennial, showcased how the city and its citizens worked together last year to cele-

brate the 100-year anniversary of the founding of Oldsmar by Ransom Eli Olds—the inventor of the Oldsmobile

and REO automobiles. Scores of citizens, businesses, and civic organizations, partnered with the city to organize

numerous events tailored toward its diverse community. The collaboration culminated in an event for citizens of

all ages that displayed Oldsmar’s true City Spirit.”

Since its inception, Oldsmar is one of the few Florida cities to ever receive this coveted award. “For nearly a dec-

ade, the Florida Municipal Achievement Awards have been recognizing excellence and innovation in local gov-

ernment programs. Florida’s municipalities are known for utilizing creative solutions and new ideas to better

serve the citizens of our cities and these awards honor the best of the best,” said Susan Haynie,

president of the Florida League of Cities and mayor of the City of Boca Raton.

The City Spirit Award will be presented to City Officials during the League’s annual conference

in August. Further details on this achievement can be found at FloridaLeagueofCities.com.

—Dan Saracki, Vice Mayor of Oldsmar, is a member of NPRC

Oldsmar Gets “City Spirit Award” from League

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Our Home Towns Clearwater, Dunedin, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs

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On behalf of all Americans, let me also

thank the entire Polish people for the

generosity you have shown in welcom-

ing our soldiers to your coun-

try. These soldiers are not only brave

defenders of freedom, but also sym-

bols of America’s commitment to your

security and your place in a strong and

democratic Europe.

We are proudly joined on stage by

American, Polish, British, and Romani-

an soldiers. Thank

you. (Applause.) Thank you. Great

job.

President Duda and I have just come

from an incredibly successful meeting

with the leaders participating in the

Three Seas Initiative. To the citizens

of this great region, America is eager

to expand our partnership with

you. We welcome stronger ties of

trade and commerce as you grow your

economies. And we are committed to

securing your access to alternate

sources of energy, so Poland and its

neighbors are never again held hos-

tage to a single supplier of ener-

gy. (Applause.)

Mr. President, I congratulate you,

along with the President of Croatia, on

your leadership of this historic Three

Seas Initiative. Thank

you. (Applause.)

This is my first visit to Central Europe

as President, and I am thrilled that it

could be right here at this magnificent,

beautiful piece of land. It is beauti-

ful. (Applause.) Poland is the geo-

graphic heart of Europe, but more im-

portantly, in the Polish people, we see

the soul of Europe. Your nation is

great because your spirit is great and

your spirit is strong. (Applause.)

For two centuries, Poland suffered

constant and brutal attacks. But while

Poland could be invaded and occu-

pied, and its borders even erased from

the map, it could never be erased from

history or from your hearts. In those

dark days, you have lost your land but

you never lost your pride. (Applause.)

So it is with true admiration that I can

say today, that from the farms and vil-

lages of your countryside to the cathe-

drals and squares of your great cities,

Poland lives, Poland prospers, and

Poland prevails. (Applause.)

Despite every effort to transform you,

oppress you, or destroy you, you en-

dured and overcame. You are the

proud nation of Copernicus -- think of

that -- (applause) -- Chopin, Saint

John Paul II. Poland is a land of great

heroes. (Applause.) And you are a

people who know the true value of

what you defend.

The triumph of the Polish spirit over

centuries of hardship gives us all hope

for a future in which good conquers

evil, and peace achieves victory over

war.

For Americans, Poland has been a

symbol of hope since the beginning of

our nation. Polish heroes and Ameri-

can patriots fought side by side in our

War of Independence and in many

wars that followed. Our soldiers still

serve together today in Afghanistan

and Iraq, combatting the enemies of

all civilization.

For America’s part, we have never giv-

en up on freedom and independence

as the right and destiny of the Polish

people, and we never, ever

will. (Applause.)

Our two countries share a special

bond forged by unique histories and

national characters. It’s a fellowship

that exists only among people who

have fought and bled and died for

freedom. (Applause.)

The signs of this friendship stand in

our nation’s capital. Just steps from

the White House, we’ve raised statues

of men with names like Pu³aski and

Koœciuszko. (Applause.) The same

is true in Warsaw, where street signs

carry the name of George Washing-

ton, and a monument stands to one of

the world’s greatest heroes, Ronald

Reagan. (Applause.)

And so I am here today not just to visit

an old ally, but to hold it up as an ex-

ample for others who seek freedom

and who wish to summon the courage

and the will to defend our civiliza-

tion. (Applause.) The story of Poland

is the story of a people who have nev-

er lost hope, who have never been

broken, and who have never, ever for-

gotten who they are. (Applause)

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald

Trump! Donald Trump!

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank

you. Thank you so much. Thank

you. Thank you so much. Such a

great honor. This is a nation more

than one thousand years old. Your

borders were erased for more than a

century and only restored just one

century ago.

In 1920, in the Miracle of Vistula, Po-

land stopped the Soviet army bent on

European con-

quest. (Applause.) Then, 19 years

later in 1939, you were invaded yet

again, this time by Nazi Germany from

the west and the Soviet Union from

the east. That’s trouble. That’s

tough.

Under a double occupation the Polish

people endured evils beyond descrip-

tion: the Katyn forest massacre, the

(Continued from page 7)


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occupations, the Holocaust, the Warsaw

Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Upris-

ing, the destruction of this beautiful capi-

tal city, and the deaths of nearly one in

five Polish people. A vibrant Jewish

population -- the largest in Europe --

was reduced to almost nothing after the

Nazis systematically murdered millions

of Poland’s Jewish citizens, along with

countless others, during that brutal oc-

cupation.

In the summer of 1944, the Nazi and

Soviet armies were preparing for a terri-

ble and bloody battle right here in War-

saw. Amid that hell on earth, the citizens

of Poland rose up to defend their home-

land. I am deeply honored to be joined

on stage today by veterans and heroes

of the Warsaw Uprising. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: (Chanting.)

PRESIDENT TRUMP: What great spir-

it. We salute your noble sacrifice and

we pledge to always remember your

fight for Poland and for freedom. Thank

you. Thank you. (Applause.)

This monument reminds us that more

than 150,000 Poles died during that

desperate struggle to overthrow oppres-

sion.

From the other side of the river, the So-

viet armed forces stopped and wait-

ed. They watched as the Nazis ruth-

lessly destroyed the city, viciously mur-

dering men, women, and children. They

tried to destroy this nation forever by

shattering its will to survive.

But there is a courage and a strength

deep in the Polish character that no one

could destroy. The Polish martyr, Bish-

op Michael Kozal, said it well: “More

horrifying than a defeat of arms is a col-

lapse of the human spirit.”

Through four decades of communist

rule, Poland and the other captive na-

tions of Europe endured a brutal cam-

paign to demolish freedom, your faith,

your laws, your history, your identity --

indeed the very essence of your culture

and your humanity. Yet, through it all,

you never lost that spir-

it. (Applause.) Your oppressors tried to

break you, but Poland could not be bro-

ken. (Applause.)

And when the day came on June 2nd,

1979, and one million Poles gathered

around Victory Square for their very first

mass with their Polish Pope, that day,

every communist in Warsaw must have

known that their oppressive system

would soon come crashing

down. (Applause.) They must have

known it at the exact moment during

Pope John Paul II’s sermon when a mil-

lion Polish men, women, and children

suddenly raised their voices in a single

prayer. A million Polish people did not

ask for wealth. They did not ask for

privilege. Instead, one million Poles

sang three simple words: “We Want

God.” (Applause.)

In those words, the Polish people re-

called the promise of a better fu-

ture. They found new courage to face

down their oppressors, and they found

the words to declare that Poland would

be Poland once again.

As I stand here today before this incredi-

ble crowd, this faithful nation, we can

still hear those voices that echo through

history. Their message is as true today

as ever. The people of Poland, the peo-

ple of America, and the people of Eu-

rope still cry out “We want

God.” (Applause.)

Together, with Pope John Paul II, the

Poles reasserted their identity as a na-

tion devoted to God. And with that pow-

erful declaration of who you are, you

came to understand what to do and how

to live. You stood in solidarity against

oppression, against a lawless secret

police, against a cruel and wicked sys-

tem that impoverished your cities and

your souls. And you won. Poland pre-

vailed. Poland will always pre-

vail. (Applause.)



PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you. You

were supported in that victory over com-

munism by a strong alliance of free na-

tions in the West that defied tyran-

ny. Now, among the most committed

members of the NATO Alliance, Poland

has resumed its place as a leading na-

tion of a Europe that is strong, whole,

and free.

A strong Poland is a blessing to the na-

tions of Europe, and they know that. A

strong Europe is a blessing to the West

and to the world. (Applause.) One hun-

dred years after the entry of American

forces into World War I, the transatlantic

bond between the United States and

Europe is as strong as ever and maybe,

in many ways, even stronger.

This continent no longer confronts the

specter of communism. But today we’re

in the West, and we have to say there

are dire threats to our security and to

our way of life. You see what’s happen-

ing out there. They are threats. We will

confront them. We will win. But they

are threats. (Applause.)



PRESIDENT TRUMP: We are confront-

ed by another oppressive ideology --

one that seeks to export terrorism and

extremism all around the

globe. America and Europe have suf-

fered one terror attack after anoth-

er. We’re going to get it to

stop. (Applause.)



14

During a historic gathering in Saudi

Arabia, I called on the leaders of

more than 50 Muslim nations to join

together to drive out this menace

which threatens all of humanity. We

must stand united against these

shared enemies to strip them of their

territory and their funding, and their

networks, and any form of ideologi-

cal support that they may

have. While we will always welcome

new citizens who share our values

and love our people, our borders will

always be closed to terrorism and

extremism of any kind. (Applause.)



PRESIDENT TRUMP: We are

fighting hard against radical Islamic

terrorism, and we will prevail. We

cannot accept those who reject our

values and who use hatred to justify

violence against the innocent.

Today, the West is also confronted

by the powers that seek to test our

will, undermine our confidence, and

challenge our interests. To meet

new forms of aggression, including

propaganda, financial crimes, and

cyberwarfare, we must adapt our alli-

ance to compete effectively in new

ways and on all new battlefields.

We urge Russia to cease its destabi-

lizing activities in Ukraine and else-

where, and its support for hostile re-

gimes -- including Syria and Iran --

and to instead join the community of

responsible nations in our fight

against common enemies and in de-

fense of civilization it-

self. (Applause.)

Finally, on both sides of the Atlantic,

our citizens are confronted by yet

another danger -- one firmly within

our control. This danger is invisible

to some but familiar to the

Poles: the steady creep of govern-

ment bureaucracy that drains the

vitality and wealth of the peo-

ple. The West became great not be-

cause of paperwork and regulations

but because people were allowed to

chase their dreams and pursue their

destinies.

Americans, Poles, and the nations of

Europe value individual freedom and

sovereignty. We must work together

to confront forces, whether they

come from inside or out, from the

South or the East, that threaten over

time to undermine these values and

to erase the bonds of culture, faith

and tradition that make us who we

are. (Applause.) If left unchecked,

these forces will undermine our cour-

age, sap our spirit, and weaken our

will to defend ourselves and our soci-

eties.

But just as our adversaries and ene-

mies of the past learned here in Po-

land, we know that these forces, too,

are doomed to fail if we want them to

fail. And we do, indeed, want them

to fail. (Applause.) They are

doomed not only because our alli-

ance is strong, our countries are re-

silient, and our power is un-

matched. Through all of that, you

have to say everything is true. Our

adversaries, however, are doomed

because we will never forget who we

are. And if we don’t forget who are,

we just can't be beaten. Americans

will never forget. The nations of Eu-

rope will never forget. We are the

fastest and the greatest communi-

ty. There is nothing like our commu-

nity of nations. The world has never

known anything like our community

of nations.

We write symphonies. We pursue

innovation. We celebrate our an-

cient heroes, embrace our timeless

traditions and customs, and always

seek to explore and discover brand-

new frontiers.

We reward brilliance. We strive for

excellence, and cherish inspiring

works of art that honor God. We

treasure the rule of law and protect

the right to free speech and free ex-

pression. (Applause.)

We empower women as pillars of our

society and of our success. We put

faith and family, not government and

bureaucracy, at the center of our

lives. And we debate every-

thing. We challenge everything. We

seek to know everything so that we

can better know our-

selves. (Applause.)

And above all, we value the dignity

of every human life, protect the rights

of every person, and share the hope

of every soul to live in freedom. That

is who we are. Those are the price-

less ties that bind us together as na-

tions, as allies, and as a civilization.

What we have, what we inherited

from our -- and you know this better

than anybody, and you see it today

with this incredible group of people --

what we've inherited from our ances-

tors has never existed to this extent

before. And if we fail to preserve it, it

will never, ever exist again. So we

cannot fail.

This great community of nations has

something else in common: In every

one of them, it is the people, not the



15

powerful, who have always formed the foundation of freedom and the cornerstone of our defense. The peo-

ple have been that foundation here in Poland -- as they were right here in Warsaw -- and they were the

foundation from the very, very beginning in America.

Our citizens did not win freedom together, did not survive horrors together, did not face down evil together,

only to lose our freedom to a lack of pride and confidence in our values. We did not and we will not. We will

never back down. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!

PRESIDENT TRUMP: As long as we know our history, we will know how to build our future. Americans

know that a strong alliance of free, sovereign and independent nations is the best defense for our freedoms

and for our interests. That is why my administration has demanded that all members of NATO finally meet

their full and fair financial obligation.

As a result of this insistence, billions of dollars more have begun to pour into NATO. In fact, people are

shocked. But billions and billions of dollars more are coming in from countries that, in my opinion, would not

have been paying so quickly.

To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated

not merely with words but with its actions that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commit-

ment. (Applause.)

Words are easy, but actions are what matters. And for its own protection -- and you know this, everybody

knows this, everybody has to know this -- Europe must do more. Europe must demonstrate that it believes

in its future by investing its money to secure that future.

That is why we applaud Poland for its decision to move forward this week on acquiring from the United

States the battle-tested Patriot air and missile defense system -- the best anywhere in the

world. (Applause.) That is also why we salute the Polish people for being one of the NATO countries that

has actually achieved the benchmark for investment in our common defense. Thank you. Thank you, Po-

land. I must tell you, the example you set is truly magnificent, and we applaud Poland. Thank

you. (Applause.)

We have to remember that our defense is not just a commitment of money, it is a commitment of

will. Because as the Polish experience reminds us, the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on

means but also on the will of its people to prevail and be successful and get what you have to have. The

fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive. Do we have the confidence in

our values to defend them at any cost? Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our bor-

ders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would

subvert and destroy it? (Applause.)

We can have the largest economies and the most lethal weapons anywhere on Earth, but if we do not have

strong families and strong values, then we will be weak and we will not survive. (Applause.) If anyone for-

gets the critical importance of these things, let them come to one country that never has. Let them come to

Poland. (Applause.) And let them come here, to Warsaw, and learn the story of the Warsaw Uprising.

When they do, they should learn about Jerusalem Avenue. In August of 1944, Jerusalem Avenue was one

of the main roads running east and west through this city, just as it is today.



16

Control of that road was crucially important to both sides in the battle for Warsaw. The German military want-

ed it as their most direct route to move troops and to form a very strong front. And for the Polish Home Army,

the ability to pass north and south across that street was critical to keep the center of the city, and the Uprising

itself, from being split apart and destroyed.

Every night, the Poles put up sandbags amid machine gun fire -- and it was horrendous fire -- to protect a nar-

row passage across Jerusalem Avenue. Every day, the enemy forces knocked them down again and again

and again. Then the Poles dug a trench. Finally, they built a barricade. And the brave Polish fighters began

to flow across Jerusalem Avenue. That narrow passageway, just a few feet wide, was the fragile link that kept

the Uprising alive.

Between its walls, a constant stream of citizens and freedom fighters made their perilous, just perilous,

sprints. They ran across that street, they ran through that street, they ran under that street -- all to defend this

city. “The far side was several yards away,” recalled one young Polish woman named Greta. That mortality

and that life was so important to her. In fact, she said, “The mortally dangerous sector of the street was

soaked in the blood. It was the blood of messengers, liaison girls, and couriers.”

Nazi snipers shot at anybody who crossed. Anybody who crossed, they were being shot at. Their soldiers

burned every building on the street, and they used the Poles as human shields for their tanks in their effort to

capture Jerusalem Avenue. The enemy never ceased its relentless assault on that small outpost of civiliza-

tion. And the Poles never ceased its defense.

The Jerusalem Avenue passage required constant protection, repair, and reinforcement, but the will of its de-

fenders did not waver, even in the face of death. And to the last days of the Uprising, the fragile crossing nev-

er, ever failed. It was never, ever forgotten. It was kept open by the Polish people.

The memories of those who perished in the Warsaw Uprising cry out across the decades, and few are clearer

than the memories of those who died to build and defend the Jerusalem Avenue crossing. Those heroes re-

mind us that the West was saved with the blood of patriots; that each generation must rise up and play their

part in its defense -- (applause) -- and that every foot of ground, and every last inch of civilization, is worth de-

fending with your life.

Our own fight for the West does not begin on the battlefield -- it begins with our minds, our wills, and our

souls. Today, the ties that unite our civilization are no less vital, and demand no less defense, than that bare

shred of land on which the hope of Poland once totally rested. Our freedom, our civilization, and our survival

depend on these bonds of history, culture, and memory.

And today as ever, Poland is in our heart, and its people are in that fight. (Applause.) Just as Poland could

not be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken. Our values will

prevail. Our people will thrive. And our civilization will triumph. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you. So, together, let us all fight like the Poles -- for family, for freedom, for

country, and for God.

Thank you. God Bless You. God bless the Polish people. God bless our allies. And God bless the United

States of America.

Thank you. God bless you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)


the trumpeter · 2017. 8. 3. · the trumpeter the newsletter of the north pinellas republican club...

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