Every once in a while, I think it is important for all of us involved in various aspects of promoting and enunciating the Southern point of view to make a close evaluation of what we and others are doing, what we are doing well and not so well.

We should look at the overall objective without crowing too loud about our own accomplishments or condemning the efforts of others who are genuinely in their own manner trying to do the best they can.

Admittedly, my bias favors the work of the Georgia Heritage Coalition and the broad base of ten important issues we have adopted for both short and long range objectives. This does not mean we should pronounce any reasonable programs by others as less important, or not important at all. To the contrary, our posture has been to aid and assist all who sincerely are dedicated to improving our Southern public stature, our governmental involvement and our mutual coordination toward common goals.

The patriotic Southern viewpoint is exemplified by some highly talented people. Many of these folks have their own niches they handle very well. I never cease to be amazed at the wide array of talent that appears in Chuck Demastus' Southern Heritage News and Views.

It is a perfect example of how many people with a mutual goal, travel many different highways to get there. Yes, they occasionally fuss at each other but their dedication to our mutual goals are seldom in question. Chuck is a professional at highways and alternate means of arriving at a destination. If you don't benefit from his newsletters, here's how to get them at no cost: send an email to SouthernHeritage-subscribe@topica.com.

Some have single issues that are important to them. This has always been so in the body politic. Some differ in the methods to accomplish objectives, and this too, has been noticeably prevalent since the beginning of time.

Without compromising principle it is important we sometimes subdue our passions and find the areas where we can work together and present a solid front. Fragmentation and difference of modus operandi have been the undoing of much of the good that can be accomplished by unity and mutual dedication to purpose.

Our philosophy is to try to work with respect for all others who show a mutual desire to work together toward those things we can and should accomplish together. We are not into individual criticism because that divides and defeats the efforts of cohesiveness. When we're criticized, and we are, we try to find the constructive good in what our critics are saying and doing, without responding with personal criticism ourselves.

Our mission, not just in Georgia, but throughout the Southland, is tremendous. We Southerners were asleep too long while a well-orchestrated campaign has staggered us. We are just beginning to get our second wind and taking the offensive. While we continue to see agonizing events we, together, are seeing some victories. The wheel is beginning to turn.

We all need to look at ourselves and take some time to evaluate what we're doing right, and where we can improve our programs. Working together, where we can, is an important ingredient. When we can't, we must develop a public position that does not fragment the overall objective or amplify divisiveness within our ranks. Our enemies have been trying to do this for years. We don't need to help them. They watch and note every item we give them to distort our real intent. Believe me, they are monitoring this very message.

Our introspection tells us we are on the right track in many ways. In honesty, some of our programs which could be beneficial have not blossomed as well as we had hoped. This is where our self-examination is most important. We need to broaden our power through such programs as the statewide database giving us ever growing influence with candidates and elected officials at the grassroots level. Volunteer memberships have been gratifying and numerous. Now, we need a much more organized and local driven campaign. Ultimately, this program will include thousands representing every one of the 159 counties in Georgia.

We are making a remarkable turnaround with a reasonable and acceptable program. Affinity groups are seeing the merits and joining in efforts to help. Our website membership continues to grow. Political consulting firms are communicating. Conservative Foundations have recognized the continuity of our programs. Political leaders of the two major parties are talking with us. The media has slowly gained some confidence in working with us. Much more needs to be done.

Sharing the intospection with members and leaders of all heritage organizations willing to work together has been an important element. Our decisions are made by this outstanding group of individuals who recognize the power of cooperation and coordination while maintaining their own autonomy. We have learned it is possible to disagree on certain items without being disagreeable. Unity on the overall objective accommodates many individual initiatives that can fit into our mutual strategic plan.

So you see, it's not just GHC, it's all of us who are truly dedicated to progress in the acceptance of our patriotic belief in the restoration of our Constitutional Republic. We're happy to share every step we gain with all individuals and organizations who in their own way are willing to join with us for the common good we can accomplish together.

If you are so moved, here's how you can give all the coalition folks in Georgia a vote of confidence. While Georgians are important to our membership data base, we welcome the support of our brethren wherever they might be. We're all in this together.