National Chairman's Letter

By Political Means

January 2003

Dear Members and Friends of the Independent American Party,

Our IAP National Mission states our objectives, then concludes with three ways of achieving them, of which one is "by political ... means." Such means rightfully includes campaigning for and electing candidates to public office, lobbying executives and legislatures, speaking out at public meetings, phoning and writing office holders, and using all righteous influence that we can gather for the common good.

Our national, state and local governments have been directly influenced by political parties and politics for over two centuries, for some good and for much bad. And, in the larger sense, it seems to make little difference which major political party is in power. Politicians from those parties have shredded our Constitution, corrupted our government, bankrupted our nation, yielded our sovereignty, and forsaken our liberty.

And much of the blame lies within the people themselves. We have traded liberty for security and adopted the centralized government our forefathers warned of. Many voters are apathetic because of disillusionment, being turned off by politics, a feeling of helplessness to do anything about, and indifference or ignorance. We have embraced a culture of rebellion against God, self-discipline, responsibility and morality.

George Washington said, "Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."

Thomas Jefferson: "Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms [of government] those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny."

Frederick Douglas: "The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."

Edmund Burke: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

In Proverbs 29:2, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

On political parties, Alexis De Tocqueville said: "There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle." And George Washington, in his Farewell Address, warned against the spirit of political parties.

But today America has a party of principle with an inspired Mission, Principles and Platform; that shuns the spirit of party by its unorthodox cooperation with other like-minded political entities. It is the Independent American Party!

Our IAP Constitution (Article II - Object) states that we shall "... support candidates for President and Vice President of the United States, who are wise, moral and honest, and who will uphold and defend the Constitution for the United States ... [who shall] adhere to the Mission, Principles and Platform of the IAP." And we "... may assist candidates for federal, state and local office, who meet the same standards of character and principles expected of IAP presidential candidates.

In 2000 the IAP invited the presidential nominees of both the Constitution and Prohibition Parties to participate in our one presidential primary, then nominated the Constitution Party candidate as our presidential nominee. In 2001 the IAP National Committee voted to formally associate with the Independent National Committee (INC), an umbrella organization for like-minded third parties. In 2002 the IAP adopted over 50 candidates from other parties.

There are other political parties with views similar to ours. But they seem plagued by splintering in their ranks, failure to catch the popular imagination, and the loss of momentum. It appears logical that our several parties should merge into one. I believe that when one of these several parties emerges on the horizon as a truly viable principled party, that the other parties will readily merge into it and join its ranks. I envision that the IAP will be that emerging party, and that our time is very near.

I believe that the Independent American Party is the only political institution that embraces all of the principles necessary for the restoration of our traditional way of life. We not only want to effect legislation, but to elect good moral candidates to office who will be righteous role models for America. And we want to be ready as a potential instrument in the Lord’s hands. The IAP is not an end, but a means to help save and preserve America!

Thomas Paine wrote: "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."

Everett Hale: "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I should do and, with the help of God, I will do!"

So what can we do? We have a civic duty to vote conscientiously, attend public meetings, and to get involved in good causes. We have a Constitutional duty to learn the principles of the Constitution, have faith in its divine purpose, and support and defend it. We have a Christian duty to be righteous and moral, strengthen our families, and to fast and pray for them and for our country.

And we have a patriotic duty to fight in the political front lines of this great battle between good and evil, for freedom or tyranny. Even though our Constitution, our liberty, and our sovereignty are hanging by a thread -- with God’s help, America can and will prevail!

Yours for Freedom!

Bruce Bangerter
IAP National Chairman